New Years Resolutions Meet Climate Revolution

Legacies

Beginnings and endings go hand in hand and the turn of the year makes me reflect on time and its unwavering progression. In the face of the climate crisis the passage of time makes me increasingly anxious­­­­­­­­­­­­­­—a sentiment many of you will no doubt share. I can be tempted to feel fatalistic in light of this fact, but I believe it is essential to remain equally unwavering in my dissatisfaction with the current state of environmental policies and efforts, and to stay committed to doing whatever I can to protect and advocate for our world. What other choice do we have?

The ‘carbon footprint’ is a fitting metaphor because it reminds us that we will all leave a trace of our lives behind on the planet—when our time walking the earth is over there will be an environmental imprint that outlasts us as a sign of the places we have been and the impact we have had. The idea of legacy has been on my mind; the desire we have to leave the world a better place must extend beyond family, friends and career. Living life well means caring for our home to the best of our ability. At this time of resolutions and reflection, I want to remind myself and you all to not lose your vision and to be loyal to the environmental cause.

So, if you are looking for some changes you can make in the New Year, here is a handful of ideas for new resolutions. I was about to write that they’re not revolutionary ideas, but that would be wrong! We need a climate revolution and every change that we make is an act of resistance and evidence of our belief in a better and safer future—this is legacy shaping.

Food

Consider cutting down or cutting out meat and animal products this year! 26% of carbon emissions are associated with food, of which ~60% relates to meat and animal products. If you eat meat regularly, perhaps reflect on what your go-to student meals are and whether there are meat-free alternatives you could switch to or get creative trying some new recipes (such as those shared with us at Planet Art last term with Max La Manna!) Take a look at your shopping habits too—do you end up throwing away food each week? How can you reduce food waste and save money at the same time? Double checking your fridges and cupboards before making a shopping list is a great way to start.

Clothes

Why not commit to buying fewer clothes in 2025? Social media can skew our perception of how many items we need and promotes fashion trends that come and go. Try buying second hand or online—one brand new pair of jean requires 7250 litres of water to produce! And even better, get creative with your wardrobe and wear everything you already own. If items are damaged or don’t fit right get them repaired or altered—either DIY or find a friend and buy them a coffee or a pint in exchange!

Waste

Make sure you are disposing of all your spring-cleaning clear-out items responsibly! It takes seconds to sort your recyclables from landfill-bound rubbish, while your local council will have bookable slots at a tip nearby where you can dispose of electronic waste and household items safely. Use the food waste bin if you have one or try composting if you don’t. And before you do, veg and meat scraps can be used to make stock for soups and stews!

Use your voice

Get involved with the climate agenda in any way you find interesting and important. You can send our Climate in the Curriculum reading lists to your subject departments and read some items yourself, write to your local MP about issues that matter to you or engage with news and media concerning the environment. You have agency in the circles you move in, so use your voice to make a difference for the better!

There are many ways you can shape your environmental legacy this coming year besides the above inspiration and any form of change that you can sustain day to day is amazing! The point of a legacy is that it endures, so I encourage you to reflect on the environmental impact of your daily activities because they help to make up who we are and what we stand for. I hope that when I am gone my legacy will show my love for those around me and for the world I am lucky enough to enjoy as my home.

Written by Kez Whittlesea