New year, new you, right? Well, maybe. If experience has taught us anything, it’s that bad habits are hard to break and most diets don’t last past January … but our wanderlust is here to stay.
There are so many ways to make an enjoyable and sustainable New Year Wish List, Resolutions List, or Bucket List if you will, so you can check all of these off your list come 2021, you’ll wonder why you never did this before.
Go vegetarian
The solution. In a bid to save the planet, go plant based for 1 meal a day. We don’t believe in dry January, Veganuary and crash diets, so this way, dip your toe in and you’ll feel a whole lot better.
Going plant-based is one of the most powerful ways to reduce our personal carbon footprints (or foodprint). If you eat just one plant-based meal a day for a year, you’ll save almost 200,000 gallons of water (that’s 11,400 showers!) and the pollution equivalent to about 3,000 miles driven in your car (roughly LA to NYC).
Learn a new language
The solution. The language one is the one that is always on the list but slips right to the bottom throughout the year. We say combine it with food. When most people think of travelling and new cultures, food is one of the first things that comes to mind. Since food and travel are so intertwined it seems fitting that this resolution would be a favourite. Learning language through cookery is even easier now with access to thousands of recipes around the world. Learn the ingredients in the new language, cook the food, and you’re well on your way! Bring international cuisines into your kitchen through language and learning new cultures.
Stay healthy
The solution? Going on holiday seems to give us permission to indulge in desserts and fancy cocktails, but you don’t have to completely let go of your health. Take some snacks with you on the plane, drink plenty of water when travelling, and eat the local cuisine.
And stay fit on the road. Try some local activity on your travels, or simply pack your trainers and walk everywhere, even venture out on local hikes. It seems that you can find yoga almost anywhere in the world, so seek out a yoga class to try on vacation.
Read more books
The solution? Even if you don’t manage to pick up a book or find the time to read, you can always listen to an audiobook or the thousands of incredible podcasts. From commuting to work, to sitting on a plane to ditching the endless scroll through Instagram, replacing that time with a good book or audiobook. It’s incredible what your imagination does when you read.
Travel more
The solution? Time. Finances. Family. Stop making excuses and start making plans. Whether you long for a round-the-world extravaganza or simply a weekend away, take the trip.
What’s better? Weekend getaways are incredibly underrated. Go solo or travel with family or friends, check out new restaurants, bars, meet new people, experience new things, you’ll feel invigorated and happy you explored somewhere new, even if it’s close by.
Go Green
The solution? Skip the single-use plastic. Pack a reusable bag or a tote in your handbag, wherever you go. Carry your own utensils, from water bottle to coffee cup to straws to cutlery. Some options to pack here:
And when you’re on your travels, take a look at companies that make a commitment to sustainable travel, visit the local farmers markets, and shop local supporting local businesses.
Now that’s not so difficult is it!! Feel free to comment on any of your New Year Resolutions below.
Any Questions or Tips to add?