Try These Eco-Friendly Habits In 2022

It's that time of year again - time for New Year resolutions! The start of a new year is a great time to reflect on the past and look forward to the future. What are some new skills you'd like to build, habits you'd like to make or break, or priorities you'd like to set?

Our Environmental Education team put together a few ideas that will help you make more sustainable and environmentally-responsible decisions in 2022. Check them out below!

Own Your Purchasing Power:

• Research before you purchase: www.choosefinch.com
• Choose products with less or no plastic packaging: zero waste shopping routine
• Buy only what you will use
• Buy secondhand
  • www.mercari.com
  • www.thriftbooks.com
  • www.thredup.com

Reduce Waste:

• Recycle: Buy recyclable products and packaging. An aluminum can is endlessly recyclable
• Avoid disposable products: Turn down the bag from stores and disposable silverware from takeout
• Donate used goods
• Check out 25 Ways to Reduce Waste (even if you're exhausted) from Today's Parent
• And get more ideas for reducing waste at home, school and work from the EPA

Support Local Wildlife:

• Gift some of your lawn back to wildlife: How pollinators gardens help
• Get familiar with invasive plants and how to remove them
• Plant native plants in your yard and garden
• Keep litter, chemicals, pet and yard waste out of gutters and storm drains. Storm drain water is not processed and drains into rivers, lakes and other waterways that people and wildlife rely on.
• Find other ways you can help wildlife and plants from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Get Environmentally Educated:

• Pottawattamie Conservation hosts education programs year-round that teach you and your family about conservation, recreation, wildlife and more. Visit our Calendar regularly for affordable programs and events.