We made it through the holidays, and now it’s time to make a difference in the new year! As parents, not only can we make a positive impact on the world around us through our own actions, but we can teach our children valuable lessons to positively impact those around them as well. Here are a few realistic family resolutions which you can implement in your families everyday routine to better our world, and the world we’ll pass on to our children.

1. Make Responsible Purchases
   
   Our currency is a powerful tool which we can use to shape the future for our children. Every purchase we make reflects the kind of world we want to create for our kids, and by making responsible and sustainable purchases, we’re voting for a better tomorrow. Here are a few examples of how we can use our money as a voice for the kind of world we want to live in:

• Reduce plastic use to protect our lands and oceans. Choose unwrapped produce, sustainable materials for clothing, eco-friendly and biodegradable packaging, and so on.

• Reduce waste by using reusable packaging, bags, drink containers etc.

• Reduce, or better yet eliminate, our consumption of meat and dairy to prevent access carbon emissions and land/ocean pollutants.

• Cut out fast fashion, and buy second hand clothing to reduce fashion industry waste.

• Choose organic fruits, vegetables and other foods to cut down on pesticide use, often otherwise used in non-organic farming.

• Travel responsibly to prevent access carbon emissions. Limit our travel by airplane, and increase our travel through low-emission forms when possible, like bicycling or walking.

• Vote for leaders who support protecting our environment, ecosystems and our planet. Advocate for the kind of world we want to pass on to our children by using our vote.

Not only do the daily decisions we make impact our world today, but they leave a lasting impact on the world we’re leaving for our kids. By practicing responsible purchases now, and teaching our children this valuable lesson, we create a better tomorrow together.

2. Practice Mindfulness

Possibly one of the simplest ways we can make a positive impact on others around us, especially on our families, is to practice mindfulness in our daily routines. By taking a step back and reflecting on the important things in our lives, we’re able to relax and focus. Through sharing our passions and thoughts with our children, we’re creating both an environment for them to feel safe and flourish, as well an opportunity for them to consider what matters most in life to them.

If we start teaching our children at a young age how to respect, enjoy and appreciate the world (and others!) around them, we’re setting them up for ultimate success for sustainable future generations. By practicing kindness and generosity in our everyday life, we set an example for our kids, and for our community. In the new year, we can work together to create a stronger future for our children, and by teaching them important lessons along the way, we’re ensuring the longevity and sustainability of their future.

3. Volunteer with Local Causes

There are endless ways to get involved, and to make a positive impact on the world and its inhabitants. From cleaning up trash in our communities, to volunteering at local animal rescue organizations, to feeding the less fortunate at a food bank, getting our families involved has never been easier.

If leaving home because of kids is a limiting factor, consider offering your skills to local groups from the comfort of your home. For example, you and your children can learn to crochet together and create beanies or comfort shoes for infants through your local children’s hospital. Together as a family you could also survey the neighborhood for any items neighbors may want to donate to a homeless shelter or animal shelter. Get involved with local ocean conservation efforts to protect our seas, to find out how see these helpful tips. Additionally, you could offer your valuable set of skills to the cause- whatever your talents may be (such as marketing, photography, writing, technical support, and so on).

Not only does volunteering directly impact those less fortunate and the environment, but it assists the people who have dedicated their lives to the cause. There are endless ways to get involved, many of which require no particular set of skills- just a passion to create a better world for our families.