It’s 2025, and vision boards and New Year’s Resolutions are being created as we speak! While New Year’s resolutions typically involve fitness, health, career, or family goals, I’m here to suggest a couple attainable environmental goals.
Goal #1: substitute plastic or ziploc bags for reusable bags
Plastic sandwich or storage bags add up quickly, especially in a family household. Investing in reusable plastic alternatives can save you money and is a more sustainable approach to meal packing or meal prep!
Here are some options for reusable bags:
- Bee’s Wrap Reusable Snack & Sandwich Bags
- Compostable Single-Use Sandwich Bags
- Silicone Reusable Snack & Sandwich Bags
In addition, as a Publix cashier, I see firsthand the huge volume of plastic bags that are used everyday. Reusable shopping bags are sturdier, easier to carry, fit more, and are much better for the environment. If you do not want to invest in reusable bags, make sure to recycle your plastic bags at Publix!
Options for reusable shopping bags:
- Scout Bags– these fit a ton of items & are super sturdy– my mom uses these
- Publix Bags– there are so many options in-store and these are very affordable
Goal #2: follow sustainable accounts on social media
Your attitude towards sustainability can shift depending on who you surround yourself with! Following accounts that give sustainable or environmentally friendly advice are helpful as well as inspiring. I follow many different college accounts, as well as local nurseries and invasive species accounts.
Some accounts I follow:
- @ufifascaip → UF IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants
- Bonus: they have a super informative podcast regarding invasive species
- @grow.hub → nursery in Gainesville
- @natgeo → always have cool info and sustainable ideas
- @fla_invasives → Florida Invasive Species Council has information about identifying invasive species
- @sfwmd_gov → South FL Water Management District’s account helps me stay up to date on what’s going on in the community, environment-wise
- @penn_environement → University of Pennsylvania’s environment account shares innovative research regarding the environment
You can also follow my instagram account (@studentsagainstinvasivespecies) for extra information on native and nonnative species.
Goal #3: shop sustainably
Shopping more sustainably is one of my new year’s resolutions that I really want to implement this year. While cheaper clothes are definitely appealing, especially if you’re a part-time worker like me, investing in higher quality pieces is sure to have a better impact on your wallet and the planet.
Before purchasing items from a store, search up the brand on this website to see the sustainability rating.
Good on You Sustainability Rating Website
You can even make a goal not to shop at harmful brands like Shein, Temu, or Cider. Instead, try to shop at brands classified as a “Good” or “Great” sustainability rating, such as Outland Denim, Stanley/Stella, and Yes Friends.
While sustainable clothing businesses may have the reputation of being expensive, the brands mentioned above (and many more brands!) have extremely affordable pieces. Be sure to check out the Good on You ratings before purchasing a piece– you can even toggle the price range you’re interested in on the website.
Goal #4: attend an environmentally friendly event in the community
As a high schooler, I know how busy weekends can get between work, homework, social events, and family time. However, even as a busy high schooler or adult, it is possible to attend beach cleanups or other environmental events or sessions if you incorporate them with family time or social events. Here are some fun suggestions for places to attend with your family or friends!
- Go to Busch Wildlife– you can see many different animals and attend conservation talks
- Attend a beach cleanup– if you are a high schooler, your school most likely has a Green Club! My school’s Green Club does several beach cleanups a year
- You can also just get some people together and clean up the beach without an official “green” group
- Go to a Florida Native Plant Society meeting– FNPS has monthly meetings with talks about Florida plant history, conservation, gardening, and more
Goal #5: reduce your home water waste
Water is a precious natural resource, and to help prevent unnecessary use, you can try to implement small changes such as:
- Shortening your shower time (even by a little)
- Check out your sprinklers to make sure they are using water efficiently (replace with water conserving products if not)
- Adjust your viewpoint about the constant availability of water
- Changing your attitude about water’s availability can inspire you to make small changes
- I suggest reading “The Big Thirst” by Charles Fishman. It is an excellent read that will definitely help you realize how much we take water for granted.
I hope you enjoyed this post! Remember, it is all about small changes you can make in your life that will have a big impact on the environment in the long-term.
My Instagram: @studentsagainstinvasivespecies
Sources:
Students Against Invasive Species 