New Beginnings: Changing It Up For Spring 2021

Spring is here and that means new life and new beginnings. And after the year that we’ve had, a new beginning is just what we all need.

COVID-19 definitely put a damper on 2020, but this year with the new vaccine, there seems to be a light at the end of the pandemic tunnel. And while we don’t know when it will be safe again, we can absolutely celebrate the fact that we have hope!

So with that in mind, now is the time to fresh with a brand new mindset and a brand new attitude. Here are a few things you can do this spring to start over.

Spring Cleaning

Out with the old, in with the new. This is personally, something I always dread. But in the wake of a whole year at home, I’m ready to get rid of stuff that has accumulated.

I’m starting in the closets and dressers. I’m pulling out all of the clothes and shoes I don’t wear anymore, donating the things that are still in good condition, and recycling the clothes that are, what I like to call, very loved.

Then I’ll move on to the “stuff.” You know, all the old board games I haven’t played in years, old files, etc. I’ll donate some, recycle and reuse what I can, hopefully not leaving much waste. 

Start Recycling 

This is a big one. Lots of cities and towns already have a recycling program by providing bins and picking up recyclable items. Participating in these programs is so easy. All you have to do is read up on your city’s recycling requirements and set your bins out on pick-up day. The rest is taken care of for you.

Maybe you already recycle, which is amazing. But I encourage you to take a closer look at the things your throw out and ask yourself what else can you recycle or even repurpose in your home. For example, using old food jars to store other things, or cutting up an old towel you are no longer using to make cleaning rags. 

Incorporate More Sustainable Items In Your Daily Life

If you haven’t made the switch yet, now is a great time. Ditch the plastic toothbrushes and get wooden instead. Try shampoo bars instead of bottled shampoo. Stop buying paper towels, paper plates, plastic cups, and plasticware.

Do some research and find out how you can reduce your carbon footprint and become more eco-friendly in your everyday life. I even wrote a blog about how to start living a more sustainable life, and another about how to ditch plastic. They both have great tips for being “green.”

Get Active

Start incorporating fitness into your everyday life. Join a gym, do some yoga, or even just go for a walk outside.

There is nothing better for your body than keeping it in shape. It’s the same concept as taking care of your car. You wash it, change the oil, and take it in for routine maintenance. Your body also craves routine maintenance and exercise is a big part of that.

Don’t Drive 

Piggybacking off of getting active, instead of getting in your car and driving to work every day, start biking or walking. Not only is this great exercise, but it’s also a great way to cut down on air pollution.

If you live too far to bike or walk, consider public transportation like trains, subways, or buses. 

New Home Projects 

Spring and summer are popular times of the year for renovations and building new homes. If you are planning to make some changes to your home or even build a new one, consider greener home building practices. If you plan on painting or sprucing up your walls, consider using more eco-friendly products instead of traditional products.  And when it’s time to switch up your decor, find some ways to use antique salvage instead of buying all new home trinkets and wall furnishings.

Now that spring is here, it’s time to take charge and turn over a new leaf. It’s time to nurture our environment and create healthier habits. These tips can help you achieve those things, and get you into a happier, more eco-friendly lifestyle as we power through this pandemic. And hopefully soon, we can start venturing out and seeing our friends and family without putting ourselves at risk.