If you’d like to make this year the one where you go greener, here are some ideas you can incorporate into your New Year’s Resolutions. Not only will they help the planet, but many of them will also reduce your household’s outgoings, resulting in more money in your pocket. How about picking out a few that you are most likely to turn into a regular habit?

Home energy reduction
• Commit to unplugging or switching off appliances when not in use – this includes devices like your TV (don’t leave on standby), phone charger or coffee maker.
• Turn down your thermostat or hot water temperature – a reduction of even one degree will reduce heating bills and emissions.
• Turn off your lights – if you’re not in a room, you don’t need the lights on. Switch any conventional or halogen bulbs to energy-efficient LEDs.
• Reduce your laundry – wait until you have a full load before washing. Reduce the temperature if possible and/or use the eco-cycle. Spin at the highest suitable speed to reduce drying times and clean your filter regularly.

Reduce food waste
• Plan meals in advance – buy only what you need to reduce food waste.
• Swap to reusable food wrapping – cut down your reliance on foil and cling film by using lidded glass containers or beeswax wraps.
• Carry reusable containers – take a reusable water bottle or coffee cup when you go out.
• Choose minimal packaging – try to buy loose items instead of pre-packaged where possible.

Save water
• Take shorter showers – set a timer for 3 to 5 minutes, which is the optimal time.
• Swap to a low-flow showerhead – these aim to cut usage by up to 50%.
• Don’t flush items unnecessarily – don’t put wipes, tissues or sanitary products down the loo.
• Install a water butt – water your garden or wash your car with collected rainwater.
•Dishwashing – only use the dishwasher when full and select an eco-cycle.

Eco-friendly shopping
• Buy less – make thoughtful purchases, which prioritise quality over quantity.
• Refill – choose brands that offer refillable options.
• Repair – rather than immediately throwing things away, take them to a local repair café if you can’t repair them yourself.
• Buy secondhand – look in charity shops or use websites like Olio or Vinted. People often get rid of new stuff, especially after Christmas!
• Borrow – for items you hardly use, like tools, gadgets and partyware, try to borrow or rent rather than buy.

As we begin a new year, every small, intentional change can make a meaningful impact. The key is not to become overwhelmed by doing too much at once and then giving up. Consider making one positive change each month, so by the end of the year you’ll have 12 new sustainable habits, which you can continue to add to in the future.

Building a few achievable green resolutions into your daily routine will help reduce your outgoings and support a healthier planet for the future.