New Year, New Self?

Starting a new year is always a weird feeling. There is the need, the pull to start something fresh. Get those new year resolutions in order. But I believe change can happen at any time, not just January 1st. Instead, I try and make small changes whenever possible that turn into healthy habits that are not just a 3 weeks of the year fad but a lifestyle change for good.

Being conscious of the waste you produce, the foods you're eating and the objects you put into your home are all great examples of little ways to start healthier habits today.

I want to touch base on a few ways I have implemented these and other small things to make my life more green, clean and animal friendly.

1. My biggest change I've implemented was into my diet. I am now eating plant based and it has been the greatest change I've made so far. I have chosen to eat vegan for ethical reasons tied with my overwhelming love for animals. It's even simple steps that you can take to change your diet to be more plant based, even if you're not interested in fully committing. There are several great brands of substitutes such as vegan butter and nut mylks to sub into everyday recipes.

2. Reducing the amount of waste we produce is something I'm still working on and a never ending process in my opinion. We have switched to using reusable grocery and product bags when shopping, use Tupperware instead of plastic bags for lunches & leftovers. I think the biggest hurdle for producing less waste is in the purchasing of food. Buying fresh, local foods that do not come in plastic containers is a step I am working towards.

3. One of the biggest contributors of waste comes from clothing. The clothing industry is HUGE and with ever changing trends and the need to be current in the latest style, people buy cheap, disposable items that last a season then go in the trash.

According to the Recycling Council of Ontario, North American send 9.5 MILLION! yes million tonnes of textiles to the landfill every year. I have committed myself to buying less, and purchasing higher quality, sustainable items when needed that I know will last me a lifetime. The simple question of "do i really need this?" can save the landfills from frivolous purchasing and your wallet from buying things that don't add value to your life.

Every little step counts. Just do your best.