2021 – a new year has begun. When a new year begins, we look back on the past year and reflect on what went well and what didn’t go so well. Resolutely, we define new resolutions for the new year, when everything should be better. Traditionally, we decide to do more sports, eat more balanced meals, and save more money. But as is often the case, we find ourselves at the same point every year. We usually look back in frustration at the past with all its unfulfilled resolutions. Rightly, we can then ask ourselves: what good are all these good resolutions if they are always just forgotten? Who is to blame? Is it one’s inner pig that puts a spoke in one’s wheel, or is it the external influences that prevent one from implementing the resolutions? Whatever the reason, it’s not too late to put your resolutions into action. So why wait until another year has passed instead of working on them directly? If you have now got a taste for new motivation, here is a list of sustainable resolutions that you can fulfill every day.

1) Switch to renewable electricity or green gas

We all use electricity, but have you ever thought about where it comes from? If not, you should definitely do so. Because not all electricity is the same. There is, for example, a green alternative from renewable energy sources. Always look for certified products so that you can be sure that your electricity is green. Together with TÜV Rheinland, we at WE LOVE ENERGY ensure that your energy truly comes from renewable sources. We consider this the only way to expand environmentally friendly energy sources such as wind power, hydropower, and solar energy.

2) Buy regionally

For the sake of the environment, it’s a good start to make sure you shop locally as often as possible. Regional shopping is possible at the weekly market, for example, where you can not only do something good for the environment but also support the farmers from your area. If you even have the opportunity to buy directly from the farmer, that’s even better! A bonus is to make sure you buy seasonally as much as you can. Supermarkets sell apples and pears all year round, but it’s just that they don’t grow in Germany or don’t grow in Germany anymore at the time. Often your fruits and vegetables are stored in cold storage for weeks after harvest. If you buy seasonally, you can avoid this, and your fruits and vegetables will be fresh with a low Carbon footprint.

3) Second hand

It does not always have to be new. Especially after the festive season, we have replenished our stocks of consumer goods in abundance. There is another way. Before we buy something new, it would be wise to ask around first in the circle of relatives and friends whether the desired article is already available. An example would be all the baby items we buy and only need for a short period. If this is not the case, there is always the possibility of shopping on numerous websites for used items or in the second-hand store around the corner.

4) Fly less

We should all already know the fact that flying harms the environment. Nevertheless, we often perceive it as challenging to find alternatives to flying to a distant country.  According to the CO2 calculator of the German Federal Environment Agency, for example, a round-trip flight from Hamburg to Valencia causes 860 kilograms of CO2. For an intercontinental flight from Berlin to the USA, the figure is even more: 3.8 tons. Shouldn’t these figures be motivation enough? And if you do have the urge to travel to another country, extended train connections offer you the opportunity to reach your destination in a much more sustainable way.