In a time where our concerns for the environment are becoming a matter of increasing importance, it is easy to feel helpless and frustrated. So, here are 5 simple sustainability goals for 2020 as we enter the new decade…

Although the global climate has ebbed and flowed over many thousands of years, it is entirely down to our own human activity that it is now accelerating to an uncontrollable and unprecedented degree – a little worrying, to say the least. More than 11,000 scientists have come together to warn and spread awareness for the consequences that lie ahead. As well as the huge publicity and awareness the teenage Swedish activist Greta Thumborg has raised, many well-known figures and celebs have been speaking out about their concerns, such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Emma Thompson and Vivienne Westwood! Facing these facts can seem a little daunting, to say the least. It is easy to feel helpless and without the time or energy to do anything about our worries. As the New Year approaches, you are sure to start hearing the time old declarations ‘new year, new me,’ resolutions that are so repetitive, even the best new bingo sites have created a bingo game to help you tick them off. There is no better time to make some little tweaks to our way of living, not only to benefit our planet, but ourselves as well. Here are 5 simple sustainability goals for 2020 that can make a big difference…

 Choose local and seasonal ingredients

First in our list of 5 simple sustainability goals for 2020 involved your food. Just taking a minute to think about how it is possible to eat strawberries and mango in the darkest depths of Winter, really does make you think – what is this crazy world we are living in?! Yes, it is exciting to be able to cook the latest Yotam Ottolenghi dish with all of it’s 25 ingredients, but considering that these have practically travelled across the seven seas to get here can leave a slightly bitter after taste.

It is much simpler than you think to choose seasonal fruit and veg, and you will often find that as well as costing a bob or two less, that they are actually much tastier! Not only this, but seasonal foods grown locally are more likely to retain more nutrients than ones which have travelled halfway around the world, so will be beneficial to your health as well. And if that doesn’t convince you, you will be supporting your community by boosting the local economy!

Reduce Single-use Plastic 

Once you are made aware of single-use plastic, you will find yourself noticing it around you more than ever. From take-away food boxes, to straws, to plastic cups and cutlery, we are simply surrounded. What was previously seen as a handy way of avoiding the washing up, or risking broken plates at parties, has now become a well-known killer of finding nemos, and destroyer of oceans. This goal isn’t too hard to carry out, with metal straws now widely available to buy, as well as reusable sandwich wraps and funky patterned metal water bottles.

Leg Power!

Attention City Dwellers! To achieve our 5 simple sustainability goals for 2020, you’ll need to ditch the car! Pop on those trainers! And get those glutes pumpin! Opting to walk or cycle instead of taking the car that 15 minute journey will not only reduce your personal carbon emissions, but will also double up as a great way to get more active this new year. And where the journey is slightly longer than your legs can handle, use helpful apps like CityMapper and TFL to plan journeys by public transport – it’s not as bad as you think! Instead of seeing the journey length as a huge effort, view it as an opportunity to read your book, listen to a podcast, or just get some headspace for your own thoughts.

Eat less meat… or no meat

 Did you know that if we didn’t eat meat or dairy, global farmland use could be reduced by more than 75%?! Now, if you’re a life-long lover of meat, we’re not suggesting that you go completely cold turkey. But, by reducing your intake of meat as much as you can, you will not only find that there are huge health benefits, but you will also be a partaker in the effort to look after our planet. And if you’re feeling super confident, why not join Autumnwatch’s presenter Christ Packham in the Vegetarian Society’s #EatToBeatClimateChange campaign!

Hit up the Charity Shops!

 Fast fashion is a less well-known contributor towards the climate crisis. The mass production of clothing which is churned out by factories to be sold inexpensively has a huge impact on our environment. In just the US an astonishing 11 million tons of clothes are dumped into landfills each year.

So why not try the following to help achieve our 5 simple sustainability goals for 2020:

• Being clever about your wardrobe by reinventing those items of clothing collecting dust at the back, and exploring a variety of combinations to create unrecognisable outfits.
• Loving the clothes you wear and cherishing them over time. Don’t worry, outfit repeating is OK!
• Going to charity shops – this will not only clear your guilty conscious for your appetite for clothes, but it will also prove very satisfactory when you find that special jazzy gem that no one else has.
• Shopping on Ebay – this way you don’t even have to leave your house and you get the extra added thrill of beating other bidders (but make sure you don’t get too carried away – this place is for bargains only remember)

So, why not try these 5 simple sustainability goals for 2020, and do your bit to help save our wonderful world.