With the end of the year right around the corner, it's time to follow the tradition of making New Year's resolutions which are often more challenging to incorporate into your routine. Despite goodwill, some things we promise to do on January 1st are quickly forgotten.

That's why we’ve written this article, to help you find simple resolutions that you can gradually add to your daily habits. Here are some ideas that will make a difference for you, your community, and the planet.

Because changing small habits can make a big difference!

1. Prioritize second-hand or exchange

The holiday season and the new year can bring many expenses: buying gifts, food for guests, family activities, missing school supplies for back to school, etc.

Before heading to the store, why not opt for a swap? Could a friend, colleague or neighbour have what you need? If so, trade the item for something you no longer need or for a nice home-cooked meal. 

Also, a great option is to buy second-hand. For (almost) any item, you can find a used alternative rather than buying new. 

Visit thrift stores or online sales platforms like Bon magasinage or Vinted for clothing and accessories.  

On Facebook MarketPlace, you can also find used treasures in many categories: electronics, appliances, cars, furniture and more! 

2. Reduce your meat consumption

With the cattle industry being one of the most polluting sectors in the world, vegetarianism and veganism have become increasingly popular.

That said, going meatless altogether can be a daunting task for some. That's why we suggest you start with one meatless day a week, which can gradually increase to 2 or 3 times a week. It’s also a great way to reduce the cost of your grocery cart. 

Many delicious vegetarian or vegan recipes are available everywhere, especially on the websites of The Buddhist Chef and Lauren Toyota. Our favourite suggestion: Ricardo's vegetarian chili.

Instagram: @ricardocuisine 

3. Consume more locally

Despite your best efforts to minimize your purchases, some things are still essential: food, beverages, hygiene products, etc. For such purchases, go to your local stores.

Locate the stores in your neighbourhood that offer different goods and services and encourage them by visiting them regularly. To find a local store across Canada, visit the Shop Local Canada website. 

In addition to participating in the local economy, you often support businesses with solid family and environmental values with a conscious mission.  

4. Learn to recycle better

Recycling is a habit that is becoming more and more part of our daily lives. But are we doing it right? To find out if you are putting the right items in your blue bin, download a mobile application that provides a directory of recyclable items and tells you where to recycle them, such as Ça va où? or Recycle BC.

Locate the Ecocentre and collection points nearest you to bring your recyclable items. Finally, for electronics you no longer use, find out where to recycle them through specialized sites, such as Recycle my Electronics

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5. Reduce your food waste

In Canada, the equivalent of $31 billion is thrown away each year. An excellent resolution to adopt is to consume the food you buy and avoid wasting it to counter this problem.  

To do this, here are a few simple and easy tips:  

• Make a grocery list to avoid non-essential purchases. 
• Cook smaller amounts at a time or larger amounts that you can freeze.
  
• Distribute your food correctly in the refrigerator to maximize its shelf life. How do you do it? Check out this article for more details.

6. Improve organic waste management

Did you know that, on average, 60% of the content of garbage cans is composed of organic matter?

Despite your efforts to reduce as much as possible from the source, some foods are still more challenging to recycle, such as eggshells, coffee grounds, fruit and vegetable peels, fish bones, etc. 

Fortunately, there are solutions to give them a second life: make a soup or a broth with vegetable scraps and meat bones, prepare homemade household products with citrus peels, make your own face mask with coffee grounds, etc.  

You can also turn to composting, which can be done in an outdoor bin or indoors with vermicomposting. If you prefer a quick and easy method, opt for the Tero device, a food waste recycler that transforms organic matter into natural fertilizer without any foul odours. To discover more options, click here. 

7. Grow your own vegetables

You can get seeds from local seed stores or exchange them with friends or on Facebook groups. If you are short on space, you can also look into the community garden options in your city. 

There are also indoor gardens that you only need to add water to, such as Novagrow and HerbiaEra.