The team at Planet Ark are constantly striving to reduce our impact on the natural environment and live more sustainably.

Here are some of the goals we have set ourselves for 2018 and how we plan to stick to them.

Less plastic in the bathroom

Paper Programs Manager Sam plans to reduce her plastic products in the bathroom. From bamboo cotton buds to using a metal safety razor, Sam is going to cut down on the unnecessary disposable plastic items that can’t go in the recycling bin.

Plant a native garden

To reduce water consumption, runoff and encourage local birds and bees – Planet Ark’s Media Coordinator Josh and his housemates have decided to plant a native garden in front of their townhouse. Selecting a range of flowering and local endemic plants will not only look great, but improve air quality and reduce runoff.

Reducing my carbon 'food'print

Our Web Developer Jamie is choosing to reduce his carbon footprint through the food he puchases & eats. Less processed foods, buying local ingredients with less packaging, eating fewer animal products (Jamie has been vegan for 2 years), cooking at home and eating out less, growing his own food (urban garden), and composting the leftovers.

Reusable produce bags

Having mastered the art of the reusable shopping bag, Recycling Programs Coordinator Claire is taking the next step and refusing any single-use plastic bags on her shopping trips by bringing mesh bags from home, reusable bread bags and using containers where possible.

DIY vegetable stock to reduce food waste

Nell, our Coffee Program Manager, is going to freeze all the left over bits of veggies rather than binning them, making sure she is getting all the goodness out. Once she has enough she will then create her own vegetable stock!

Community composting

Social Media coordinator Laura lives in an apartment complex, so doesn’t have easy access to a garden for composting. Her goal for 2018 is to join a community garden or composting group to dispose of her vegetable waste.

Buy nothing new

And me? My wife has challenged me to buy nothing new in 2018 – first task will be to attempt to repair, reuse, then purchase via second hand stores and gumtree. Since our attempt to go plastic-free in July 2017, we know this is going to be a big challenge!

There's no need to go cold turkey, you can always slowly start to build a habit.

And celebrate your achievements! Even if you do slip now and then, you're doing more than this time last year so make sure you keep going! If friends and family know, then they will support you even when it seems hardest.

How about you? Any green goals for 2018? Let us know on Facebook or Instagram.