2024 Ins & Outs

It’s definitely too late to say ‘Happy New Year’, but as it’s the first post of the year, I’m going to say it anyway – Happy New Year! 🎉🙌 We are already a few weeks into 2024, and to make sure this year is a good one, I thought I’d hop on the trend and share my Ins and Outs for this year, both in sustainability and life. These are the things I want to focus on and attract, and the things that I don’t need to take into this year. Maybe you could make your own too? Do share in the comments what your own list includes…

Ins ☀️

• New veggie recipes – I’ve been really enjoying my transition so far to a more plant based diet, so this year I want to be more open to trying new recipes and vegetarian foods. A couple of weeks ago I made my own risotto, which was TRICKY, but so delicious! I’ve also got really into adding wholegrain mustard to dishes😋 So instead of getting stuck in making the same comfort meals, I’m going to try something new each month, maybe there’s a new favourite food out there?!
• Making connections to nature – I did the Big Garden Birdwatch again yesterday, and I’d forgotten what a beautiful pleasure it is to feed the garden birds and sit and watch them without distractions. Life is far too busy, so I want to value being in nature just as much as any part of my life, to keep really grounded and remind me why sustainability matters, to look after all this beauty 🌎
• Dressing the way I want to – Are you like me and have loads of clothes, but just wear the same leggings and jumper on repeat? I already have a wardrobe of all the clothes I need, so I want to be more creative with how I put outfits together to suit my own style. Maybe it feels a bit dressy compared to others, but as they say, comparison is the thief of joy, so wear what you like. 👗

Outs 👎

• Letting perfectionism get in the way of progress – This applies to so many things, but especially in sustainability, not being a perfect environmentalist is not an excuse to not keep trying or inspiring others. I often get caught in the trap of not making a point in case it’s used against me, but we can appreciate that as people we are not completely disconnected from the issue, but are aware change needs to happen and are working towards it in the ways we can. Both can exist at the same time. Wherever you have influence, that’s your space for change. 💚
• Overconsumption – We. Don’t. Need. The. Stuff! I am very lucky to have so many nice things, so now I’d rather spend my time enjoying them than add anymore and risk feeling overwhelmed by ‘things’. Now, I’m going to resist the urge to shop as much and instead ‘shop’ what I already have, which is usually just as surprising and fun! 🛍️
• High levels of screen time – For the comparatively short time I’ve been on social media, I very quickly discovered what amazing things it can do, all the information I’ve found out through these apps, followed by how much time I spent on them, and then how I seemed to use them as a coping mechanism. I know it’s not good for my little brain or my health, so I’m choosing to stick to strict screen limits and find alternative activities. Surprisingly, since I went on a little digital detox over Christmas, I’ve found it much easier to not open the apps this month. I’ve also enjoyed the extra time I’ve spent reading instead, so want to keep this up for the rest of the year. I’m going back to my original rule: Spend more time creating over consuming. 📚

Sending you all best wishes for this new year – The world is still as scary as ever, and there is much to be done to make it better, but every one of us has a chance each day to make our own lives better and more sustainable, so now we have a year to see what we can achieve. To 2024!