New Year, New Habits: Embrace The R’s in 2025
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
Hello, 2025! It’s that time of year when we set fresh goals and resolutions. But what if this year, instead of the usual "hit the gym" or "eat more kale" promises, we aim to reduce our impact on the planet? Enter the 10 R’s - a practical guide to living greener and kinder. Let’s explore!
1. Refuse – Start Strong
The simplest way to cut waste? Avoid it altogether. Say no to single-use plastics, unnecessary freebies, or fast fashion. By refusing what we don’t need, we focus on what truly matters.
2. Rethink – Get Creative
Take a fresh look at your habits. Could you swap disposable cups for a chic reusable one? Walk or bike instead of driving? Need a new outfit? You might already have the perfect pieces in your wardrobe. Small shifts can lead to big changes.
3. Reduce – Less is More
Buy only what you need, whether it’s food, clothes, or tech. Choose quality over quantity. Did you know that minimalism can save you money while helping the planet? More stuff doesn’t equal happiness!
4. Resell – Extend the Life
Fashion resale is booming, with platforms like eBay and Vinted making it easier than ever. One person’s trash is another’s treasure. Resale is transforming the fashion landscape in 2025.
5. Reuse – Embrace the Old
Before tossing something, ask yourself: Can I use this again? From jars to clothes to furniture, reusing saves resources and gives items a second life.
6. Refurbish – Give It a Glow-Up
Transform tired furniture with a coat of paint. Repair old tech using guides or repair cafes. Refurbishing is practical, creative, and rewarding. Or you can buy refurbished, which enables you to get what you want with less impact on the planet.
7. Repair – Fix It
Learn to mend ripped clothes, wobbly chairs, or worn-out trainers. Many brands now offer repair services, or check out platforms like Sojo and The Seam. Repairing is a superpower that saves money and resources.
8. Recycle – Do It Right
We’ve all heard it: reduce, reuse, recycle. But did you know that contamination (like greasy pizza boxes) can ruin a batch of recycling? Lets stop WishCycling and check local guidelines for proper sorting. Many councils list where to recycle items ie bedding such as duvets which often can’t be recycled in the traditional sense of the word but are welcomed by animal charities to use as bedding.
9. Repurpose/Reimagine – Dream Big
Think creatively! Turn jars into planters or old clothes into brand new pieces. The possibilities are endless, and upcycling is so much fun. Let your imagination run wild. Pinterest boards anyone?
10. Rot – Nature’s Cycle
Composting is nature’s way of recycling. Toss veggie scraps, coffee grounds, and several types of paper products into a compost bin for rich soil that feeds plants. That’s the circle of life in action!
Start Small, Dream Big
The beauty of the R’s is that you don’t need to tackle them all at once. Start with one or two, and let your efforts grow over time. Here’s to a New Year filled with greener habits and creative solutions.
Happy 2025 - let’s make it one for the planet (and ourselves)!