New Year’s Resolutions for All
 
It’s mid-December and you know what that means: It’s time to start thinking about your 2021 new year’s resolution.
Resolutions tend to be self-serving. Humans as a species are often centered around the self, and so it’s no surprise, then, that when we plan our resolutions for the coming year many choose ones that benefit the individual.
But my guest today argues that perhaps the reason why resolutions are notorious for failure is because we tend to be too self-centered when prioritizing our goals for the new year.
Today I am speaking with Corey Noble, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Impact Snacks. Corey is on the show to argue that 2021 is the perfect time to choose a resolution that benefits the collective, and he comes armed to our conversation with strategies for making your 2021 new year’s resolution stick. And because my eco-resolution is to create less trash when out of the home—and because Impact offers snack bars in compostable packaging—Corey presents tangible advice for me as I seek success with my own 2021 new year’s resolution.
Here’s a preview of this week’s episode:
[ 7:45] How to choose your eco-resolution using research
[10:10] Practical tips for advanced environmentalists, plus the importance of leading by example
[12:15] The power of social contracts in making your resolution stick
[14:00] Making SMART goals work for you
[24:00] The science behind plant-based polymers and how Impact Snacks is leading the compostable packaging revolution
 

New Year’s Resolution ideas:
 
For Novices:

* Pick up 3 pieces of litter on your daily walks (bring an extra bag!)
* Hang your laundry
* Substitute one dairy item with its plant-based substitute for the long-term
* Convert your home from pump soap to bar soap
* Swap out 3 disposable items for reusable ones

 
For Intermediates:

* Cook from scratch 5 days per week
* Give up meat on Mondays
* Start a home composting system
* Take 5 minute showers (set a timer!)
* Embark on a month-long shopping ban

 
For Advanced Sustainable Minimalists:

* Avoid purchasing any new clothing (thrift instead!)
* Organize community cleanups near you
* Sign up to receive Care2 Petitions and sign them, or create your own

 
* This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. (Use code MINIMAL for 10% off your first month!)
* Sustainable Minimalism (the book!) is available for pre-order now!
* Want more episodes like this one? Check out #053: Eco-Friendly New Year’s Resolutions (and How You Can Join Me).
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* Get in touch! Email Stephanie at MamaMinimalistBoston@gmail.com.