It’s time to bid a hearty farewell to 2024. What a year it was! We’re slowly coming to terms with the fact that 2025 is finally here. But before we move on, let’s give its predecessor a proper send-off.
We’re not talking about the New Year’s Eve party, but an overview of something that’s very close to Misona – as it is for many people around the world, thankfully.
And since there hasn’t been a whole lot of development or ground-breaking news in the organic towel and stone bath mat world, we’ll focus on the environment.
Greener but Mixed
As always, there’s some good and some bad news. The efforts towards sustainability were intensified but we’re still facing the same global ecological issues and environmental problems.
Sustainable development involves balancing environmental concerns with economic growth to meet current needs without compromising future generations.
All in all, it was clear from the start – this fight is going to take a lot of time.
Environmental Wins
News on climate change tends to be a tad dramatic and gloomy but it’s important to celebrate all the wins – no matter how big or small. Nothing’s insignificant in the fight for our planet. These wins contribute significantly to reducing our carbon footprint.
Here are just some of them:
1. UK's Last Coal-Fired Power Station Closed
Energy consumption plays a crucial role in this green transition, as reducing reliance on coal helps lower greenhouse gas emissions. The United Kingdom marked a significant achievement by shutting down its last coal-fired power station. That’s a real milestone on the road of transitioning towards renewable energy sources.
2. Rewilding Done Right
Scotland and Wales set the new standard and paved the way towards nature-led restoration in their innovative and bold vision for rewilding. This vision emphasizes the sustainable management of natural resources to combat environmental problems and climate change. With legislation and crowdfunding in place, various initiatives are set to begin in the early spring of 2025. Exciting stuff!
3. Belgium's Ban on Disposable E-Cigarettes
Belgium became the first European Union country to ban the sale of disposable vapes, aiming to reduce plastic waste and prevent nicotine addiction among teenagers. This move not only addresses these issues but also significantly lessens the environmental impact. Well done, Belgium!
4. Operation Delta Po
Italy gets a crucial win for Mother Nature. The UNESCO-designated Po Delta is officially a landmark which means the project to start offshore drilling is not going to happen any time soon.
Protecting natural reserves like the Po Delta helps reduce carbon footprints by preserving ecosystems that absorb carbon dioxide.
5. Advances in Carbon Capture Technology to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, developed a new porous material capable of capturing CO₂ directly from the atmosphere. Looks promising and could significantly reduce our carbon footprint, so fingers crossed!
6. Reduction in Amazon Deforestation
Brazil reported a significant decrease in deforestation rates in the Amazon rainforest – the lungs of the world – which is amazing sustainable news. This can contribute to global biodiversity preservation and climate change mitigation.
It Can’t All Be Good
Unfortunately, not everything is sunshine and rainbows. But we have to take the good with the bad.
1. Record Global Temperatures Due to Climate Change
2024 is very likely to be the hottest year to date, with average global temperatures reaching 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. El Niño definitely had something to do with that but that’s not the milestone we want to aim for.
2. Intensification of Atlantic Hurricanes
Studies confirmed that ocean warming, driven by human-induced climate change, intensified all Atlantic hurricanes in 2024, emphasizing the direct environmental impact of rising sea temperatures on natural disasters.
3. Early Category 5 Atlantic Hurricane
Hurricane Beryl strengthened into the earliest Category 5 Atlantic hurricane on record after devastating the Windward Islands. It seems they are getting more severe.
4. Antarctic Ice Melting
We’ve been hearing about glaciers disappearing and ice melting for quite some time now, but 2024 was rated the second-lowest year when it comes to sea ice extent.
5. Migratory Species in Danger
The UN treaty features a list of migratory species and half of the species on that list are in decline, facing various issues and human-induced challenges.
Where Do We Go From Here?
2024 is already in the rearview mirror. The summary’s done, so what’s next? It’s time to look to the future, not the past. To start 2025 with hope and new-found motivation. Set some achievable goals and try our best to reach them.
That’s what the New Year’s resolutions are all about.
Worldwide Problems
On a global scale, the challenges remain pretty much the same:
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Reducing Carbon Emissions and Carbon Footprint
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Tackling Deforestation
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Minimising Single-Use Plastics
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Improving Water Conservation
These are all hefty goals, so chances are we can’t do any of that in a single year. But it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
Our Impact
It may often seem like we don’t a have say or we can’t make a big impact. We have to rely on the technology advancement, scientists, specialists, professionals, and governments to manage natural resource use responsibly.
While this may be true, especially individually, we do have a role to play and our everyday choices matter. Shifting towards a sustainable system requires collective efforts, and our actions contribute to this larger goal. Adopting sustainable practices, such as choosing brands that prioritize eco-friendly products and packaging, can significantly impact the environment.
Why not include some new healthy habits that can help the planet in your New Year’s resolutions…?
But where to start? We’ve got some suggestions for you!
And don’t worry – small adjustments can make a big difference, nobody has to spend thousands or sacrifice a lot.
1. Don’t Waste Food
Food waste is a massive contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Combat it by:
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Planning meals: Create weekly meal plans and shopping lists. This way, you won't buy too much.
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Storing leftovers properly: You can use airtight containers and freeze what you can’t eat right away.
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Composting scraps: Turn your food waste into nutrient-rich compost instead of sending it to landfills.
2. Switch to Renewable Energy
Transitioning to cleaner energy sources isn’t as difficult as it might seem. You don’t have to go on a shopping spree and invest hundreds into more energy-efficient light bulbs or solar panels to reduce your energy bills – small changes do matter:
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Save energy: Turn your lights off and unplug devices you’re not using.
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New hobbies: Find ways to unwind without electronics – books, long walks, sports, take your pick.
3. Embrace Reusables to Conserve Resources and Minimise Pollution
Single-use items are a big concern for the environment. Replace them with:
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Reusable water bottles and coffee cups: Save money and reduce waste.
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Sustainable shopping bags: Opt for durable totes or bags made from recycled materials.
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Eco-friendly household items: Swap out plastic wrap for beeswax wraps or reusable silicone bags.
4. Shop Sustainably & Stop Overconsumerism
Your purchasing power has the potential to reshape industries. Take these steps:
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Choose brands with ethical practices: Research companies that bet on sustainability, fair labour, and eco-friendly packaging. Our very own stone bath mat selection and range of bamboo towels as well as ribbed towels come in plastic-free packaging.
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Focus on quality over quantity: Invest in well-made products that last longer to minimise waste.
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Support local businesses: Buying local reduces carbon emissions from transportation and boosts your community.
5. Cut Down on Water Waste
Every drop counts, so let’s use water in a responsible way. There are just a few simple rules:
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Fixing leaky faucets as soon as possible.
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Running dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads.
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(Optional) Installing water-saving showerheads and low-flow toilets.
6. Rethink Transportation Choices
How you get around can also make a big difference in reducing carbon footprints:
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Carpool or use public transportation when you can.
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Walk or bike for short distances – it’s great for your health and the environment.
Happy (and Green) New Year: Sustainable New Year's Resolutions
We want to wish you all the best – and the greenest – in 2025. Hopefully, you meet all your goals this year, not only personal but environmental ones, too.
As you consider your year's resolution ideas, remember that adopting sustainable practices can make a significant impact. We’ve finally got some momentum going after the slowdown forced by the pandemic, so next year’s summary may look even better. And there was a lot to be happy about in 2024 anyway.
Let’s make this year even better – for ourselves and the sake of our planet!
