New year, new you - how you can make more sustainable decisions in 2024
By Lauren Geddes
2023 was a lot. For individuals, for the climate and for our earth. As we enter 2024, climate change is on everyone’s mind with reports newly in of 2023 being the hottest year ever on record.
If you’re looking to make more eco-friendly decisions going into 2024, we’ve got you covered. This list of 5 simple New Year’s Resolutions includes actions that we can all make in our daily lives to move towards a more sustainable lifestyle.
- Ditch fast fashion
Big chains with cheap clothes seem too good to be true, and that’s because they are. Fast fashion is one of the leading contributors to pollution and waste, where roughly 87% of fibres and materials used to make clothing will end up in landfills and incinerators.
Curated Loop helps shoppers to engage in circular fashion by encouraging more than one life per item of clothing. Rather than buying something on impulse that goes straight towards the back of your wardrobe, why not rent quality clothing from independent designers that share a common value, sustainability. You can try more bold and timeless pieces without contributing to the climate crisis by renting instead. Not only this, but we have also partnered with Quiver for Emission-free delivery, so you can consume consciously.
- Buy local and independent
Whether this be food or clothes, buying from local and independent sellers means that you know where your purchases are coming from. Shop at your local farmers market, local vendor fairs, renting from independent designers, you are reducing your carbon footprint, but also you are helping to support local communities, creatives and entrepreneurs.
- Reusable shopping bags
Not only is this a fantastic way to reduce your plastic consumption, but there are plenty of fashionable options out there to complete your shopping-run-look. Some stores even offer discounts when you bring your own bags.
- Swap the drive for a walk
Hot girl walks are having their moment, and research suggests that swapping the car for walking or cycling even once a week makes a significant impact on personal carbon emissions. The transport sector is responsible for over 26% of emissions, so putting on a podcast and walking makes a huge difference to the climate but also to your mood and saves you money. Even a short burst of 10 minutes walking increases mental alertness, mood, and energy levels.
- Click and collect
Shipping accounts for 3-4% of carbon emissions, and the European parliament expects this to rise to 17% by 2050. The increase in demand for faster delivery options like next day delivery, creates a huge rise in the last mile emissions. Click and collect options hold value for customers, the merchants and the environment. Pick up options are a great way to reduce your emissions, and additionally gives you more flexibility and convenience.