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It seems to happen every year. People make New Year’s conservation goals that may or may not stick, but these resolutions tend to have one thing in common: they’re all inwardly focused. Some examples: losing weight, getting more exercise, quitting smoking — all of these take an inwardly focused approach to self-improvement.
And sure, this makes sense, given that many of us aim to improve ourselves by changing a personal aspect of our appearance or character that we feel has a negative impact on us as individuals. It’s just human nature. The last few years have been especially challenging on our personal and mental health, as well.
However, with 2022 on the horizon, things feel different. The last years taught us to make do with what we already had, an important lesson that has to be learned the hard way with each passing generation. While there’s nothing wrong with improving ourselves through introspection, outwardly-focused resolutions encourage us to look at how we treat our environment and those around us.
Here are some of our favorite outward-focused conservation goals for the next year:
1) Be more kind to others
Studies show you can actually rewire your brain to be more kind to others. This can have a two-way effect. Others will feel happier and feel better around you and you’ll feel better about yourself. Being kind to others doesn’t have to mean a grandiose display. Instead, try small acts of kindness each week. Tell your friends or family how much they mean to you. Give someone at work a compliment. Take a few moments when you feel aggravated or stressed. You might be surprised how natural being kind will become.
2) Recycle more
Another great resolution idea is to recycle more. Recycling more may seem like a no-brainer– just throw more things in the recycling bin, right? Well, there are a few more things you can do to help cut down on waste. Try skipping plastic produce bags at the store.
Or try bringing reusable bags. You could also try the credit card rule: don’t use any plastic smaller than a credit card since this can’t be recycled. This means cutting out things like straws, coffee pods, and plastic cutlery. This is an easy way to accomplish your conservation goals.
Lastly, try washing and drying materials before you recycle. Food waste makes recycling difficult for companies. Often, you can’t recycle containers that are covered in food- like old pizza boxes or take-out containers. So, if you can, try cleaning recycling first.
3) Use less water in your conservation goals
We could all use less water and there are numerous tricks to do so. The simplest and most obvious are taking shorter showers and turning the faucet off when you’re soaping your hands or brushing your teeth. You can also try a few more advanced options, too. Look for any small leaks or drips in piping. Only do laundry or run the dishwasher when you have a full load.
Or try installing a dual flush toilet system. You can also add a water bottle or a few larger rocks to the back of your existing tank to keep it from filling completely. This will save nearly 10 gallons of water a day! Getting you closer to accomplishing your conservation goals. Here's more ways that you can save water.
This New Year’s holiday as you jot down your conservation goals for 2022, consider making a personal change that betters your world. When you strive to care for your environment and those who live within it, you don’t only change yourself for the better, but everything and everyone you interact with too. After all, it’s when we help others that we’re truly helping ourselves. What are your new and improved resolutions for 2022?
If your conservation goals have to do with being kinder to the Earth, consider a SmartRain smart irrigation system for your residential and commercial lawn needs.
Let us know if we can help you live greener in 2022. Contact us today.
