Make your resolutions ‘Green’ for 2023

It’s that time of year to reflect on the one gone by while planning ahead for 2023.

As you think about new beginnings and resolutions, why not make some – or all of them green, for an eco-friendlier New Year!

Congleton Town Council has made a pledge to reduce its environmental and climate footprint and actively encourages residents, householders, and businesses to adopt more sustainable ways of living to help combat climate change.

Congleton Town Mayor, Cllr Margaret Gartside said: “There are lots of things you can do to help yourself (financially) and the environment, from introducing small changes to your daily routine or making a big commitment to reduce your carbon footprint. Why not get your new year off to a green start with these five easy resolutions.”

1.Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - Reduce what you use, especially single-use plastics and paper. Reuse wherever possible, don’t forget to take your reusable bags for your shopping trip! Where reduction and reuse are not possible, recycle everything you can.

2.Drive less - walk and cycle where possible. It’s free, fun, good exercise and saves money and the planet. There are a great many cycle routes in and around Congleton.

3.Food for thought - What we eat and how we cook it has an impact on the planet, both in terms of our carbon emissions and also on biodiversity. Cutting down on meat and dairy is the best way to eat sustainably. If you do not want to go vegan full-time, you could participate in Veganuary - going vegan for the month of January.

4.Don’t waste energy – turn lights off when you leave the room, don’t leave appliances on stand-by but switch them off and save energy. Swap to energy saving or LED light bulbs – they may be more expensive to buy but save energy and can last up to 10 times longer. Turning your heating down by one degree centigrade could save £75 per year, or even more!

5.Go wild - Trees, hedges and shrubs play a significant role in combatting climate change and increasing biodiversity. Allow your garden to go a bit wild to attract pollinators and wildlife and plant more trees and hedges.

Cllr Gartside continues: “For further information and practical tips visit the updated green sections on the council’s website:

http://www.congleton-tc.gov.uk/green-living

The pages have been revamped to explain what the council is doing as part of its efforts to tackle climate change and provide more green resources and signposting for residents and businesses.

If you’re looking for more ways to do your bit for the environment in 2023, you might like to take the council’s free eLearning Course: Sustainable Living in Congleton. Packed full of local advice, useful links, and ideas. It’s free and only takes between 15 and 30 minutes to complete, with sections on the home, transport, food, and waste, with lots of links to other information and resources:

http://www.learn.congleton-tc.gov.uk