My eco-friendly goals for 2021

New Year, New Goals. That's pretty much inevitable, right? Even though you're not exactly a fan of this "New Year, New Me" kind of thing. Instead of re-inventing myself, I want to work on some things that I can improve.

I've never been a fan of the New Year. The whole thing. The "obligation" to party and be happy. Asking for wishes. Doing this and that. Mostly, that "blank slate" idea that everything will be different (and better) and that whatever happened in the previous 365 days... doesn't happen anymore.

After all we've been through in 2020, I decided to take it slow this year. Be realistic about what I want to achieve and don't exactly expect life to turn upside down. Especially because mine already did in 2020.

Let's see: my body told me to stop before the whole world was told to stop. I've been diagnosed with burnout, anxiety, and depression in February. Been on medical sick leave until mid-July. Had months and months of therapy. Spent one of the strictest lockdowns in the world (hello Spain) confined in the tiniest studio apartment (everything was the same room, except the bathroom). And no, I could not go outside for a walk. Once we were allowed to leave our neighborhood, I had the chance to move to a new flat. Far from the city, but surrounded by nature.

I was finally able to give a new life to a rescued cat (and this alone made 2020 a year worth living). Out of the blue, I was made redundant. Spent hours and hours working on my resumé, applying for jobs, having job interviews online, and improving my skills (God bless online learning). Been through ups and downs. Haven't seen my beloved family for a year (they live in Portugal). And just when 2020 was about to end... I've got a job. A really nice job (so far so good).

As you can see, my 2020 was challenging in many ways. But it has thought me that:

- Somehow all those previous crappy years prepared me for what was coming.

- Everything happens for a reason.

- There's a timing for everything in life.

What about my eco-friendly journey?

Well, it wasn't the easiest year for it. Disposable gloves when shopping at the supermarket (or some other store, when these reopened), disposable face masks, online shopping (more than I'd like to, due to the several lockdowns we had this year), not being able to restock on some zero waste essentials (as I wasn't allowed to visit my go-to stores)...

Even though I always walk everywhere or take public transportation, 2020 was the year that I spent most time indoors. So, that was probably the best thing I've done for the environment.

Yes, I've kept taking my reusable bags every time I went to the supermarket. Using reusable coffee pods, food huggers, supporting local stores, read a lot about the subject and started this project... but, somehow, I feel that it wasn't enough.

So, what are my eco-friendly goals for 2021?

Instead of setting my eco-friendly goals high (as usual) and trying to do it perfectly (does such a thing even exist), I am trying to be more realistic about the things I can change to save the environment.

Use less paper

I've been a writer my entire life. I remember being 4 years old and carrying a small notepad everywhere. And no, I didn't know my name back then. But I already loved to scribble.

So yes, stationary is my thing. I can spend hours and hours in that aisle. Mesmerized by the patterns, the different types of paper, the messages, the pens...

Even though I've been creating content for digital platforms for over 13 years now, I am still an analog girl. I like to take notes and scribble during meetings. I write down things while studying for an exam to retain the information. I've been like this all my life.

Last year, unable to buy a notebook at the supermarket during the lockdown... I had to improvise. And started taking notes on my computer. Well, it's not the same thing.

I've also realized that I don't "go back" to most of my notes after I write these in the first place. Like every day briefs at work or brainstorming ideas for a project.

The same with course notes and .pdf ebooks. I print these out, read and highlight these, but rarely come back.

That’s why one of my eco-friendly goals for 2021 is to use less paper. I've been looking up for more eco-friendly options and I came up with these two:

- An Infinite Book: for taking notes at work. After using it, I can scan the pages with relevant information and erase what's no longer important on the go. And do this over and over again.

- An iPad mini: to keep up with the course work, read ebooks and take handwritten notes. This is relatively new for me and I am still adapting. But for now, I could already keep myself from buying a "gratitude journal" and a "personal diary" for 2021. It will also allow me to access all my written documents more easily with the iCloud.

My main goal here is not to accumulate things I don't need. Like notebooks, binders, printouts... I'll keep an eye on my recycle box and adjust along the process.

Buy only what I (really) need

I've been putting this one in practice for a few years now, but I feel like I could be doing better. Especially when I am motivated by others to buy this or that.

I can tell that when this happens and I purchase something I haven't done proper research on (reading reviews or watching tutorials on YouTube), I usually end up feeling disappointed with my purchase.

It happened a couple of times last year. Either because I was feeling pressured by someone or by a time-sensitive special offer.

So what am I going to do?

- Buy only items that I need. Like clothes that need to be replaced, items that can improve my living (like a working desk), or everyday items (like solid shampoo).

- Unsubscribe from most e-commerce newsletters. I like to follow certain brands and see what they're doing. Mostly because I've worked in marketing for more than a decade. But the truth is, sometimes I feel tempted to buy something just because I received an email and there's a nice special offer going on. What usually happens? I enter the website, add things to my cart, and leave them there. Because I come to my senses and realize how stupid it is to buy something I don't need. In the meantime, my adrenaline levels went up and I've spent time (that I'll never get back). That's why in 2021, ignorance will be bliss for me... but just in terms of special sales.

Stick to a beauty routine that suits me

2020 was a tough year for my skin. The whole lockdown thing and not catching a ray of sun for weeks really paid a toll.

No, it's still far from what it used to be. After a lot of trial and error, my skin ended looking healthier (and happier). Which is great! But I spent a lot of money and wasted some products (and resources) in the process.

That's why this year I won't be so adventurous when it comes to buying and testing new products. As I found it a waste for the environment and my wallet. And no, I haven't gone overboard at any point. But it's just that, I don't like the idea of having so many products lying around.

The same with my makeup routine. Makeup was one of my big discoveries in 2020. Playing with it, testing products, watching reviews, writing reviews... but I spent a lot of money on it. And no, not all the products dazzled me.

Instead of following the trends and spending my money on the next big product, I should have, I am sticking to the products (and steps) that do wonders for me. So yeah, you'll probably find fewer product reviews around here. But that's for a good cause.

Be more minimalist

I thought I was living a minimalist life until I moved to my current apartment, and got rid of many many things. Donated, recycled... but I still feel like I have a lot of stuff. Especially for an expat.

This year I want to downsize. Be more realistic. Give away what I am no longer using and selling a few things online if I have the chance.

For years, I've kept many of my possessions because of the memories these brought me or because I might need to use these in a near future. Which is silly, at least for me.

Be realistic

There's a tendency to be idealistic with the start of a new year. I've been like that most of my life, mostly because of social pressure. Well, not anymore. At least in 2021.

Instead of being too hard on myself if something can't be done (like buying in bulk near my flat), I'll be realistic instead and try to come up with the best possible solution. Like: walking to the nearest supermarket or supporting a local business (instead of a big corporation).

There are plenty of things we can do to help the environment. We just can't do every single thing there is.