2020 is here. Let’s take a moment to let that sink in. What used to be a too-far-away-to-really-think-about-it expiration date on my credit card and passport, is here. And no matter how much denial is felt, it’s time to accept that it’s not just the start of a new year, but also a brand new decade.
Now that we’re done with post-New-Year-Eve hangovers and the grogginess of coming back to real life after the holidays, let’s take a long view at the year ahead. Think over how we can maintain the momentum created by Greta Thunberg and other climate warriors around the world, and help preserve the planet? If you’re looking to put to bed all the ups and downs of 2019 and start afresh with some new resolutions, why not make them count?
2020 is going to be a significant year for our planet. It has been predicted that this year 21 cities in India would run out of groundwater. The Chennai water crisis last year was just the start. In 2019, the air quality in Delhi was so bad that it was equal to smoking 30+ cigarettes in a single day. If this still doesn’t convince you about the severity of the climate crisis, take a look at these photos that show what we’ve done to planet Earth.
Look, we understand that we need strong government action against climate change. And composting your food or adopting a zero-waste lifestyle can only have so much transformative change. Solving the global climate crisis ain’t going to be easy, it’s challenging, it’s uncomfortable and makes you feel guilty. But hey, if we can’t make some changes at the start of a new year, when can we? So, to that end, we’ve put together some resolutions that are easy to follow by anyone and would definitely save the planet.
So, are you ready to take these baby steps? Read on to know more!
1. Ditch single-use plastic products
The plastic straw that we use for 5 to 10 minutes, can take up to 200 years to decompose. A plastic bag has a lifespan of 500 – 1000 years in the landfill. Swapping single-use plastic products in our daily life for their eco-friendly options is very easy. Refuse plastic straws and carry a steel or bamboo one instead. Avoid buying plastic bottles of water and carry your own bottle of water which you can refill. Stick a reusable bag in your bag. It’s that simple!
2. Mend Or Make Do
Now, more than ever before, it seems more convenient to give in to fast fashion and simply buy something new. But why not do it differently this year? Mend what you can and avoid buying what you don’t need. Take your shoes to the cobbler if you find them needing repair. See if your local tailor or dry-cleaner would fix your slightly worn, torn or damaged clothes.
3. Go Plant-Based
If you want to up the ante on reducing your carbon footprint, going vegan is the most powerful thing you can do. Animal agriculture has a huge impact on the climate as it contributes to greenhouse gases. Just start with one meal, if going the whole way seems too challenging. Ditch dairy and meat and switch to their plant-based versions if you must.
What is your New Year’s resolution for the planet? Please share it with us in the comments below!
We often have such conversations on Malini’s Girl Tribe. To be a part of them, join the Tribe here.