EASY ECO-FRIENDLY NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS

2024 is here and it's time to make a fresh start! If you're the type to set resolutions in the new year, why not add some eco-friendly ones to the list and help save the planet? We’ve put together some resolutions that anyone can do.

1. Save threatened wildlife

Did you know that 1,800 of Australia's animals and plants are at risk of extinction? Many of our iconic animals including the east coast koala, northern quoll and Carnaby's black cockatoo are at risk of disappearing forever. To help bring them back from the brink of extinction, we need to ensure our national environmental laws are strong in order to protect them and the places they call home. This year, be a voice for our wildlife and nature by signing the petition to save our threatened wildlife.

2. Kick the cup not the coffee!

It's estimated that Australians use 1 billion disposable coffee cups each year, which is a lot! If you’re a coffee (or matcha latte) addict using a Keep Cup will save hundreds of non-recyclable, non-biodegradable coffee cups from ending up in landfill every year. While in 2020-21 cafes haven't been able to accept Keep Cups, we are hoping 2022 lets us bring them back! Also, got a holiday road trip planned? Pack a thermos of your favourite hot beverage and pour for keeps.

3. Don't shop it, swap it

Instead of dropping coin on new things, ask yourself, 'Can I trade something?' Swap meets have been going on for centuries and continue to thrive online. Nothing to trade? How about buying something second hand? There are many dedicated online marketplaces for this and also a number of social media platforms that offer niche, peer-to-peer selling or swapping, which is affordable and revolves around beloved items going to a great new home. 

4. It’s in the bag

With the big supermarkets’ plastic bag ban, reusable shopping bags are all the rage. You can even take it a step further by taking reusable produce bags along with you to really minimise your plastic bag use.

5. Break it down

An easy, eco-friendly way to dispose of your food waste is to compost it! Even apartment dwellers can now get on board, smell free and mess free with a number of local governments rolling out food scraps recycling programs!

Each year every Australian household throws away $1,036 worth of food that ends up in landfill. When disposed of this way, the scraps break down and release methane. By composting your scraps instead of throwing them you’ll be helping to lower greenhouse gas emissions.

6. Look for labels

This year, commit to buying certified sustainable products like MSC and ASC seafood, FSC paper products and RSPO sustainable palm oil products. Australian households spend an average of $130 a week on groceries, so when you add it up, each consumer has a lot of spending power behind them. Your shopping choices can make a huge impact on the environment this year.

7. Help Australia's iconic animals by adopting an animal

This year, why not adopt a native species and help the flora and fauna that make Australia so special? You can choose to adopt animals including the koala, platypus, green turtle and more. Your symbolic adoption will help support critical conservation work to ensure these spectacular species remain part of our environment forever.