As you make your new year resolutions for 2024, consider setting a goal to protect the environment and your community. There are simple changes you can make in your life that can make a big difference.
New year, new green goals? Consider taking easy and meaningful steps in 2024 to protect the environment. Every year we make resolutions to better ourselves, whether it’s learning a new language or reading a new book. Regardless of the resolution, taking small but impactful steps can help you make a long-term improvement without being crushed by your own expectations. This year, think about making some small goals that will make a big impact on the environment.
Taking Transit
According to the 2023 Seattle Climate Change Response Framework, transportation makes up 60% of all of Seattle’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Make a big impact in reducing those emissions by driving a little less and pledging to take public transit when possible. Whether you’re hopping on a Metro bus, a water taxi, or the Link Light Rail, you can get to where you’re going easily while also helping the environment. Check out the King County Metro website for more information about what transportation options are available to you and how you can access them.
Sustainable Lawn Care
Green up your yard and garden this year! Ditch pesticides and fertilizers that have a large amount of harsh chemicals and start using organic mulch and compost. You can use everyday food waste and cardboard to make compost. Organic materials like leaves, grass clippings, straw, and wood chips can also make great mulch. Mulching your lawn can help reduce weeds and help your soil retain water.
Talk to the experts at The Garden Hotline to learn more about soil, lawn, and gardening care. You can reach them between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 206-633-0224 or send them an email at help@gardenhotline.org.
Eco-Friendly Beauty Routine
As you’re making note of your health resolutions this year consider what kind of beauty products you use. We all use them in one form or another and we often don’t know what is in them. You can help the environment and yourself by shopping for safe, sustainable cosmetics. Read the label on your product and look out for items with harsh chemicals. If you need help identifying what’s in your product, try the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Skin Deep Database. This non-profit organization put together a database with more than 99,000 products and 3,500 brands. It lists what’s in the product, how it affects your body, and provides a “Hazard Score Range.” If you have cosmetics that contain hazardous materials, learn how to dispose of them on the on Hazardous Waste Management Program website.
Safe Disposal of Hazard Waste
If you recycle then you’re already well on your way to responsible waste management. Amp up your garbage routine by identifying and properly disposing of hazardous waste. Hazardous waste includes things like household paints, all-purpose cleaners, batteries, florescent light bulbs, gasoline and automotive fluids and oils. For a full list of household hazardous waste and how to safely dispose of it visit the Hazardous Waste Management Program website.
We hope you find these tips and information helpful as you look forward to a happy and greener new year!