New Year's Resolutions 2025
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my front porch rocking chair is a favorite spot to take a time out. (charlotte ekker wiggins photo)
New Year’s Resolutions 2025
Let’s talk new year’s resolutions. Did you make some? I did and I’ve discovered getting started with little ones tend to stick better. What can we all do this new year’s to reduce our footprint and contribute to a healthier life and world - phew, that sounds like an overwhelming proposition. Here are 10 ways we can make a difference in little ways:
1. Carry a water bottle or reusable mug
What we’re trying to do is reduce the use of single-use plastic. I know plastics can be convenient but they are not biodegradable. I keep a water bottle in my car and used to have ceramic coffee mugs with my name on them at my office. At my home office, I now keep a water bottle to keep feline co-workers from knocking my mugs off the table. Took me a week to get into a routine of carrying the water bottle downstairs to the kitchen so I could have it ready to take back to my office.
2. Make your own broth
If you’re a regular reader of this newsletter, you know I’m a big advocate of composting. There’s another way to use up those kitchen scraps. Broth is not only delicious but uses up all those delicious kitchen scraps that get generated through time. I now have a container in my freezer to add carrot tops, onion ends, carrot and squash peels. I made my first batch of broth a couple of weeks ago for homemade chicken soup and it was delicious. To make, boil slowly with water for several hours. I added chicken bones as well. tried making my own broth earlier this fall for chicken soup. So good.
3. Compost
Honestly, did you think I was going to pass on the opportunity to remind you to compost? We toss out on the average 40% of our food, why not make that work for our gardens by turning it into compost. Compost feeds soil microbes and other soil residents which then feeds plants. Start by tossing kitchen leftovers in a bag in your freezer. Then take the full bag out into your garden, dig a hole and dump the scraps in. Place a rock over the hole to keep wildlife from helping themselves. Keep the best bits for your homemade broth.
4. Meatless Mondays
There are many benefits to going without meat once a week. When I did this several years ago, I discovered how much I prefer vegetarian thin pizzas, homemade chili and vegetable soups. It’s a good way to reduce the traditional protein sources and discover other options. I have a butternut squash to try for my next culinary adventure.
5. Keeping cool
I used to work in a corner office that was freezing in winter and hot in the summer because the air circulation system didn’t work properly. Even in those spaces where it does, it’s easy to get in the habit of keeping homes too cold and too warm. Did you know residential energy use accounts for around 20% of greenhouse gas emissions in the US and appliances that handle heating and cooling account for 43% of that footprint. Ok that doesn’t do much for you but how about saving on your yearly heating and cooling bill. US Department of Energy suggests scooting the thermostat back 7-10 degrees from our normal settings. What is the recommended temperature? How about 65F for winter, adding insulated window shades and wearing a sweater. My tropical plants are quite happy inside at this temperature.
6. Air-dry laundry
I love bed sheets dried in the sun. I drape them over my deck railings and keep an eye that they don’t fly off the deck. Air drying also slows down textiles breaking down. The dryer accounts for about 4.3% of a home’s electricity consumption.
7. Skip driving one day a week
I’ve been too successful with this idea, to the point where I’ve been advised if I’m going to stay home for several days I need to drive my car around the neighborhood to keep the battery charged. I keep a list of needed chores and group them into one day. I get so much more done around the house without interrupting myself with making chore trips. And I’m saving on gas and wear and tear on my car.
8. Thrifting
This is another one of those habit changes that has paid off for me at several levels. Years ago, I challenged myself to thrift first for things I needed. It worked so well I’m happy to recommend local thrift stores for sources of everything for kitchen items to clothing. It may take a little treasure hunting to get some items but it’s a wonderful way to repurpose as well as save.
Winter is an excellent time to plan a container garden. Think about the items in your compost and broth containers, how many of those are herbs? Common herbs are easy to grow in containers and an excellent reason to get a container garden started.
10. Take a break
Call it mediation, doing nothing, wanting to be alone. Taking a break is healthy for our mental and physical well-being. I keep a rocking chair on my front deck with a blanket where I can plop down and sit quietly while I take in the nearby garden. When I find myself in stressful situations, I imagine myself sitting on that chair. Giving a pet attention, enjoying a cup of tea with all electronics turned off, doing gentle stretches. We all could use healthier ways to be in the moment and not allow stress to impact our health. How can you easily take a break?
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