Spoiler Alert: This article features a new challenge to help you start the year with positive change. Why? We’ll tell you right away.
What is an ecological footprint?
The ecological footprint is an environmental sustainability indicator that measures the impact of human activity on the planet. It measures the quantity of resources needed to sustain people and the economy, both in terms of production, consumption, and the waste these activities produce. The unit of measure is a global hectare (gha), that represents the global production and assimilation of waste provided by one hectare of productive land and water, each year.
To avoid exhausting the planet’s resources, the ecological footprint should be equal to or less to the planet’s bio-capacity, ergo, the ability to regenerate its natural resources. But that’s not always what happens.
And speaking of ecological footprint, it’s inevitable to bring up the Earth Overshoot Day, marking the date when humanity depletes the natural resources which should last for an entire year. In 2024, the global overload of the planet took place on 1 August.
Each person can do their part to reduce their ecological footprint and contribute to a more sustainable planet. Are you up for the challenge?
12 New Year’s resolutions to reduce the ecological footprint
In this new year, we bring you 12 resolutions, one per month, to work on every day and start reducing your ecological footprint.
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January: A new way of eating
Food is one of the main drivers of ecological footprint. In fact, in Europe, food consumption represents somewhere from 10 to 30 percent of the total ecological footprint. Our food traditions still rely heavily on meat and fish, but change is the way to move forward.
Accept the challenge of eating more vegetables, more fruits, more pulses, fewer processed foods, less meat and fish, less sugar, and less fat – valuable principles of the Mediterranean diet. Why not choose a day of the week to practice a vegetarian or even a vegan diet? Get inspired with these nine vegan recipes.
Why it matters: a varied diet, based mainly on plant-based foods, contributes to reducing indirect greenhouse gas emissions and, consequently, to reducing the ecological footprint.
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February: Revisit energy efficiency at home
This February, the challenge is to turn your attention to the inside of your home. Did you know LED lamps save up to 80% of energy? And they are also much more durable than incandescent and fluorescent lamps. It is possible to save money just by looking at the energy efficiency labels on the appliances we use. These days, efficiency grades go from A to G, with A being the most efficient and G being the least. Choose the A rating to save on the electricity bill and reduce that appliance’s ecological footprint. Learn 7 ways to save energy and money, painlessly.
Why it matters: energy efficiency reduces energy consumption and CO₂ emissions.
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March: Buy clothes consciously
With spring coming, there’s a desire to renovate your closet, but is it really necessary? The fast fashion motto – buy, use, throw away – is the opposite of sustainability, which encourages people to buy, use, use again, use some more, repair, reuse, donate, and circulate.
So, in March, take a long look at your closet. See what clothes you no longer wear and can donate, check which pieces can be repaired and which really need replacing. In case you must buy new clothes, choose quality pieces, with natural, more durable, fibres. And maybe consider second-hand solutions.
Clothes with natural fibres, like cotton, have less polyester and other plastics. As a result, they do not pollute water with microplastics during washes. Here’s a tip to reduce the ecological footprint… with style.
Why it matters: the fashion industry is one of the most polluting in the world – textile production alone accounts for about 20% of global freshwater pollution.
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April: A new way to move about
When talking about carbon emissions and resource consumption, it is essential to address transportation. From April onwards, take more public transports – bus, metro, tram, and train – and as the warmer weather approaches, choose to ride a bike, a scooter, or an electric scooter. Walk whenever the distance allows it. The planet, your wallet, and your health will surely thank you.
Consider alternatives like carsharing or carpooling. With carsharing, you rent a car for a short period, paying only for usage without worrying about maintenance or fixed costs. Unlike traditional rentals, there are plenty of apps to simplify the process, and some even let you use your phone as a key. Carpooling, on the other hand, involves sharing rides with coworkers who live nearby.
Why it matters: transportation is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Switching from private cars to shared or collective transportation is more sustainable and cuts your ecological footprint.
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May: Plant aromatic herbs
April showers bring May and its flowers. And at this time of regeneration, how about making a herb garden at home? Planting aromatic herbs is simpler than you think, whether you have a backyard, balcony, or just a windowsill. Have you ever imagined seasoning your cooking with fresh basil or parsley, home-planted and grown? It is an opportunity to connect with nature, have more sustainable meals, and fill the house with delicious aromas. Start with basil, parsley, or mint, which grow easily on balconies or windowsills.
Why it matters: growing your own herbs reduces the need for packaged products while enhancing the flavour and quality of your meals.
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June: Save water at home
Right after the World Environment Day, the first days of warm weather bring a higher use of water – and an important reminder to save it. By “saving water” we mean water to wash clothes and dishes, bathe, flush or do household dishes; not drinking water – stay hydrated and drink tap water (which reduces plastic consumption!).
Also, consider placing a container outside to collect rainwater. You can also have a bucket or a basin inside the shower to collect the water that runs while you wait for it to heat up. This water can be used for plants, or even to wash your car.
Why it matters: reducing water consumption saves money on your monthly bill and helps preserve this vital resource for the future.
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July: Alternative holidays
Did you know that, of all means of transport, planes emit the most carbon and greenhouse gases? Flying is OK on long journeys since take-offs and landings are the moments that generate the most pollutants and waste more fuel. Consider taking the train, the bus, or even a car for short trips.
Whether you spend your summer holidays in your own country or travel abroad, keep making conscious choices, such as visiting places on foot or using public transportation. Do not pollute, recycle, prioritise reusable items, and consume local products to help local commerce.
Why it matters: aviation accounts for around 2.5% of global CO₂ emissions. To reduce this environmental impact, opt for land transport like trains or buses instead of flying.
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August: Question your purchases
In August, take a break from beaches and tanning, and start questioning where your food comes from. It is vital to buy local products, but do you know if the chocolate you buy contains cocoa from sustainable cocoa farming? Or what steps are involved in sustainable palm oil production? Knowing the origin of your food is very important, as well as prioritising sustainability or fair-trade certifications; these are ways to help local and developing country producers and traders and, of course, the environment. Next time you go to the supermarket, pay attention to this information. You can reduce your ecological footprint bite by bite (ha!).
Why it matters: The closer we are to where the products we consume are produced, the better for the planet – and even for our health. You’ll avoid thousands of kilometres spent transporting these products, and you’ll increase the freshness of what you eat.
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September: Bet on renewable energy
If you’re thinking about using renewable energy at home, September is the month to get it done. Installing solar panels is not as difficult as it once was, and there are self-consumption photovoltaic kits that can save a few hundred euros a year on the electricity bill. If you so happen to have a river or watercourse nearby, you can take advantage of water power; and you can certainly use biomass energy to heat the house in winter time. Investments that are worth it from the start.
Why it matters: using renewable energy reduces reliance on fossil fuels, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, and helps control expenses.
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October: Recycle more and better
Most changes begin inside… both of ourselves and of our homes. A gesture as simple as sorting your waste into the corresponding bins is a big step towards a smaller ecological footprint. If this is not yet part of your routine, accept the challenge of putting a few small recycling bins in your kitchen – depending on how your country sorts recycling. It is a simple way to sort waste effortlessly and make it easier for your community to route it properly when collecting it. If there are children at home, this is an opportunity to include them in adopting more sustainable habits, making recycling a family commitment.
Did you know there are over three recycling categories? The next time you use food oil or replace the batteries in your remote control, give them another life. Learn the 5 Rs that make life more sustainable.
Why it matters: recycling reduces material waste, saves natural resources, and decreases landfill overflow.
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November: Spread the word
Another essential part of reducing your ecological footprint is encouraging more people to do so. Talk to your co-workers, share your experience with friends and family, promote your new habits and achievements on social media, and challenge others to join you. The amazing feeling of contributing to a better planet is contagious!
Why it matters: the more people who join the cause, the greater the positive impact on the environment.
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December: More conscious consumption
Finally, December, and one of the most anticipated times of the year, Christmas. This month, think about the path you’ve taken and make a list of the unsustainable habits you’ve abandoned and the good habits you’ve adopted. To wrap up the year on a high note, celebrate a greener Christmas from gifts to supper. Check how much food you’re planning for the holiday season and for New Year’s Eve.
For gift exchanges, suggest a Secret Santa within the family. Check this guide to sustainable Christmas gifts and the DIY gift ideas.
Why it matters: Christmas can be a time of excessive consumption, leading to more food waste and rubbish (such as packaging and wrapping).
How to choose and apply these New Year’s resolutions?
Choosing New Year’s resolutions should be personal and in line with your lifestyle. Start by reflecting on the areas in which you would like to improve and set goals that are realistic and achievable – the important thing is that you feel motivated to continue. Although the beginning can be challenging, these habits will become your ‘new normal’ – don’t give up.
It feels like we’ve travelled an entire calendar, but we’re only at the beginning. This is the perfect time to say ‘yes’ to change. Will you accept the challenge?