New year resolutions often concern the self. People promise to be more health conscious, quit or cut down on certain vices, or work harder to become more stable when it comes to finances. For 2021, we could do more for  our environment and realize that even small, yet consistent gestures can help with the ongoing climate crisis. When individuals make a collective effort, you’d be surprised how effective we can be in curbing our carbon footprint and lessening the burden we put on the environment. If you’re still thinking about what resolutions to keep for 2021, here are a few that can make a difference.

Say goodbye to plastic water bottles

Purchase a sturdy, insulated water bottle that can carry enough water for your hourly needs. Doing so will make you think twice about buying bottled water ever again. If your insulated water bottle can replace five 500-ml bottled water every week, you would effectively be preventing 260 empty plastic bottles from ending up polluting the environment at the end of the year. And keep that precious Php 6,000 in your pocket. 

Always carry an eco-bag

A medium-sized eco-bag, when folded, can be as compact as a coin pouch. Get one that’s tough and washable and you can then say no to any purchase that includes a plastic bag. Keep one in your bag, in your glove compartment. Using an eco-bag is likewise a lot more convenient than carrying items in a paper bag. And, if you have a spare eco-bag, why not give it to a friend who is a single-plastic user or is at least willing to try it out?

Plastic-Free Shopping Practices in Mangwon Market, Seoul. © Jung Park / Greenpeace
A shopper in Seoul, South Korea carries all her purchases with eco-bags while shopping at the Mangwon Market. This particular market runs a campaign called ‘Almaeng’, which means packaging-free, and encourages customers to shop without using single-use plastic bags. The market even gives out eco-bags for free and even provides discount coupons to those who bring their own containers. © Jung Park / Greenpeace

Lead a low-carbon lifestyle

Eating less meat is about rediscovering the possibilities of food, and it has a lot of health benefits for you and your family. © Mitja Kobal / Greenpeace
  • Eat less meat: To eat less meat doesn’t mean sacrificing your taste buds to save the planet. It’s about rediscovering the possibilities of food, and a new perspective on eating well, living well!
  • Use green transport: Cycling has proven to be a reliable form of transport during the pandemic and beyond, and can also promote protected bike lanes and more livable cities!
  • Save energy: There are so many practical and easy ways you can save energy in your home, like switch to energy-efficient LED light bulbs, hanging your clothes to dry, and turning off your wifi router and devices when you’re not using them. You can also install solar panels and save money in the long run!

Support local green businesses

Some big businesses have green initiatives that are starting to trickle down to the public. For example, certain shampoo brands now offer refilling stations in certain stores. Still, there are better ways to reduce our carbon footprint. For daily products like soap, shampoo, cosmetics, and similar products, try to find local businesses that produce quality products but offer less environmental impact. There are dozens of online boutique shops that sell shampoo bars that do away with plastic bottles or sachets, or cosmetic products that use 100% organic ingredients.

Some businesses offer refilling stations to do away with single-use product packaging. © Isabel Rose Povey / Greenpeace

Support a cause that makes a difference

Many still believe that the action of one cannot stop the machinery that pushes the world into a greater climate emergency. While one person may not have the tools, knowledge, or political backing to make a difference, collective action and our willingness to support worthy causes can lead to breakthroughs and solutions. Support Greenpeace by joining the cause, donating any amount, and being part of discussions, petitions, and community activities that help make a greener difference.

Krishna Ariola, lead convenor of Youth 4 Climate Hope in the Philippines, held a lone protest against fossil fuel industry and called for climate justice. © Geric Cruz / Greenpeace

This article was originally published by Greenpeace Philippines.