Your 2021 New Year's Resolution: Go Green!

With 2020 in the rear-view mirror, many of us are looking forward to the fresh start of a new year. If you're still searching for inspiration for your New Year's resolution, consider making a commitment to improving the environment by going green.

Members of our Green Team are here to share some easy ways that they're working to create a more sustainable future right from home:

Recycling - Rob Szlachciuk, Environmental Senior Coordinator

With the average American generating nearly five pounds of trash per day, it's time to start recycling- if you haven't already. 'It's fun and easy to get your whole family involved,' he said. 'Have your kids assist with sorting cans, bottles, and boxes and turn what's typically a household chore into a game.' Once you've established a strong recycling routine, consider taking the #BeRecycled pledge through Keep America Beautiful to encourage friends and family to start recycling.

Composting - Nancy Kaplan, Senior Counsel

Lower your carbon footprint and help your garden grow by composting. Food scraps and yard waste make up more than 30% of what we throw away and those materials could be put into a compost pile instead. 'It is so easy,' said Nancy. 'I use a countertop compost bin to collect all the extra food waste I have now that I'm working remotely and spending more time cooking at home. I routinely empty my countertop bin into a larger one I keep on my porch, and it gets picked up and taken to a compost facility weekly.' Visit the EPA's website for tips on how to start composting at home.

Plant-based Eating - Deanna Sassorossi, Environmental Specialist

In addition to being good for your health, making the switch to a vegan or vegetarian diet can have a positive impact on the environment. According to a 2019 UN special report, an estimated 23% of greenhouse gas emissions come from agriculture, livestock, and the land and forests needed to raise them. 'It can feel daunting to switch your diet overnight,' said Deanna. 'Start small by incorporating more fruits and veggies into your diet or consider adding a 'meatless Monday' into your week.'

Energy Efficiency - Kate Peters, Energy Efficiency Spokesperson

Enhancing your home's energy efficiency can reduce your impact on the environment while also saving you money each month on your energy bill. 'Simple changes such as switching to ENERGY STAR certified LED lighting, recycling an inefficient refrigerator or freezer, or upgrading to an ENERGY STAR certified room air purifier can help you save money while protecting our planet,' said Kate. Visit eversource.com for energy-saving tips, programs and products to get you started.

In addition to our employee's individual commitments, we're also going green as a company. As one of the greenest energy companies in the nation, we're focused on empowering New England's clean energy future and working towards our goal of being carbon neutral by 2030. From climate leadership to clean energy, you can learn more about our commitment to environmental sustainability on our website.