A Green New Year – 5 ways to be more sustainable in 2023

Many of us will have set New Year’s resolutions – maybe it’s starting that hobby you’ve always wanted to try, or giving Dry January a go. However, a recent study has shown that 31 percent of Brits are trying to buy more sustainable items, highlighting that nearly a third of people care about sustainable practices and adopting these themselves.

Making small changes in your life can help you become more sustainable, helping to save the planet and your pennies along the way. Here, sustainability expert at British Wool, Graham Clark, shares five simple ways you can pledge to be more sustainable in 2023.

Buy once, buy better

The effects of fast fashion on the planet is on everyone’s conscience, and British Wool’s 2022 What on Earth Are You Wearing report revealed that Brits throw away six garments per month on average – that’s 72 pieces per person per year ending up in landfill.

When buying new clothing, consider the material they are made from and whether the item is built to last. Many fast fashion products are made from materials such as synthetics which aren’t durable and will leave you needing to repair or replace them more often, contributing to the harmful effects on the environment.

Opt instead for pieces that are made to last with sustainable materials such as wool which have a much longer life span and don’t release microplastics into the ocean when washed. Picking the right choice first time is an easy way to buy less and help you be more sustainable this year!

Avoid using single-use products

Single-use products are items that are only used once and then thrown away – some of these items can be recycled but many single-use plastics still end up in landfill or the ocean, causing harm to the environment. Products such as straws, water bottles and make up wipes are just some examples that many of us use every day that aren’t kind to the planet.

By switching to multi-use alternatives, such as refillable water bottles and washable make up removal pads, you can reduce your personal carbon footprint and prevent these items from ending up in landfill. These will also help you save on money in the long run as you won’t have to keep buying single-use products over and over again!

Learn simple sewing repairs

How many times have you accidentally ripped a hole in your favourite jumper, considered it unusable and gotten rid of it? Luckily, you don’t need to have a sewing machine with yards of thread to be able to maintain your clothing. There are basic stitches that can be learnt with just a needle and thread, allowing you to make a variety of repairs on any fashion faux pas!

As many as 63 percent of Brits admit to chucking clothes away which could have otherwise been mended, so learning simple sewing repairs is an effective way to be more eco-conscious in 2023. If you’re not able to use a needle and thread, then consider donating used clothing to a charity shop instead of throwing them away.

Opt for the paperless option

Everything is becoming more and more digital, and the same goes for letters. Many services are now going paperless, choosing to send you information over email instead of via post. From bank statements to receipts when shopping – most things can now be sent digitally.

The obvious benefit of using less paper is the number of trees that will be saved as a result, saving our forests and our planet. However, reducing the demand for paper also affects the amount being produced, helping to cut carbon in the production stage as less paper is needed. Going paperless where possible is a simple way to help the planet, and saves you from getting lots of letters through the door!  

Reduce, reuse and recycle

Finally, and perhaps the most widely used and obvious tip for being more sustainable – reduce, reuse and recycle wherever possible! Reducing waste across things like food, reusing items, and recycling properly are relatively easy and effective ways to be more eco-conscious at home.

If you don’t already recycle, a simple way to start is by purchasing a separate bin for your recycled items, encouraging you to make a conscious effort to separate the recyclables. Always check the label to ensure the item can be recycled, remove plastic sleeves from packaging, and – most importantly – make sure the item being recycled is clean. Just give them a rinse to ensure you’re getting as much food out of them as possible as this helps avoid contamination during the recycling process.