Make 2023 your greenest year yet

A new year is almost upon us and it’s time to start thinking about resolutions: the steps we want our future selves to take on the path to positive change.

Anyone can resolve to save more money or eat less chocolate. Why not make 2023 the year you make a commitment that will benefit the whole planet.

For inspiration, key staff members across Sustainability Victoria have shared their New Year’s resolutions to show how they’ll be making a difference in 2023.

Kate Dundas: Acting Chief Operating Officer

In 2023, I’m going to make an effort to reduce consumption and waste by making it easier for my neighbours to share the things they own rather than buying new stuff.

We already have a really well connected local community who like to help each other out, so I am going to create an inventory of all of the stuff that people might want to borrow and tell my neighbours about it in the hope that they want to do the same.

Dung Nguyen: Manager, Strategic Planning & Performance

I’m going to make 2023 the year of minimising waste generation.

This comes down to the purchasing decisions I make when I do my grocery shopping, and the products I use to carry my purchases.

I already use a lot of produce bags, but I’ll try to convince my deli to let me use my reusable containers and focus more on shopping for bulk dry goods like flour, where I can use my own containers too.

Travis Hatton: Team Leader, Business Programs

Next year, I’m going to remember to make a list before going to the shops, to only buy what I need (not multi packs or bulk packs), and to eat leftovers before making new meals.

I like doing a bigger batch of roast veggies so I can eat them in salads for the next couple of days.

The worst thing for leftovers is dressed salads. They won’t last the night, so here’s a hint from an ex-chef: Never add dressing or salt to salads. Instead, put the dressing and seasoning on the side, so the salad doesn’t go sad and limp.

This is how I’m going to save food and money at home in 2023.

Emily Dunstan: Acting Director, Strategic Foresight & Research

When it comes to clothing going forward, I am adopting a second-hand first approach for 2023. I’ll be looking in online second-hand marketplaces and op shops when I need to replace something as the first option. This is something I started doing a bit this year, but 2023 is the year for reusing first.

And when it comes to gift buying for family and friends, experiences will be the go-to. I’ll be looking at things they can do and participate in over physical objects to cut down on waste.

Florian van den Corput: Senior Advisor, Circular Economy

I’m already a big public transport and bike user, so this year I really want to address my food waste.

Australia generates, on average, 300 kg of food waste per person per year! About a third of this waste happens at the household level, so it’s not just food production that’s to blame.

In 2023, I’m going to play my part and focus on planning out my family’s meals and groceries.

I’m going to buy from smaller and local grocers and butchers so I can get the exact amount I need while reducing plastic packaging at the same time.

I’m also interested in reducing the meat in my diet and experimenting with plant-based alternatives. I might even try and grow some of my own veggies!

Justin Lichtblau: Manager, Social Impact

In 2023, I will continue to eliminate more single-use plastics in my day-to-day life.

I’m already doing a great job bringing my reusable coffee cup, water bottle and shopping bag, but I’m keen to look at packaging and other waste-free options to reduce my footprint.

There are some great markets and stores in my neighbourhood where I can fill up my own jars and containers with delicious goodies, and then do it again and again without single-use plastics.