So you’ve made it halfway through January. Maybe those noble Veganuary goals have been downgraded. And perhaps those punishing gym promises were a little optimistic. Whether you’re on track or not, here are 19 resolutions you can pick up now to make the world a better place this year.
1. Start regular volunteering
As an ICS volunteer, you’re no stranger to this one. But if you haven’t continued after your placement, why not pick it up again at home? Begin by checking out Do-it.org, a national database which matches your skills in everything from football coaching to youth leadership with roles in your local area.
Time: 3 hours a week
2. Go for a week without single-use plastics
In October the European Parliament announced plans for a ban on single-use plastics – stuff like plastic bags and straws – by 2021. Get ahead of the ban by cutting them out of your life now. This blog has 100 great tips on how to live without or live with less plastic.
Time: 1 hour a week
3. Take part in a charity fundraising challenge
Even if you’re feeling hard up this January, there are still ways to give. Most charities are now recruiting fundraisers for events throughout 2019. Whether you’re a runner or a baker, use your skills to make money for good causes. Take a look at VSO’s events for inspo.
Time: 24 hours
4. Carry out a random act of kindness
In a world that can feel divided, random acts of kindness can go a long way to making a big difference to other people’s day. Resolve to give more praise or write handwritten letters to friends and family. There’s loads more ideas here.
Time: 1 hour a week
5. Speak to the press about your time on ICS
Help make sure we can reach the next generation of ICS volunteers in your area – by telling your local paper about your time on placement. Fill out our quick, five minute form and we’ll send a press release straight to journalists near you.
Time: 5 minutes
6. Do your bit for UK Aid
Feel passionate about the UK providing aid around the world? If you’re based in or near Essex and free on Sunday 27th January, sign up to join our training day on how to campaign better. You’ll be heading out onto the streets of Southend to talk to the public about why aid matters.
Time: 1 day
7. Become a blood donor
The NHS needs a regular supply of the eight main blood groups. Half the UK population is group O – but some rare types are more common in black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. Find out your blood type and sign up to donate online or by phone on 0300 123 23 23.
Time: 30 minutes
8. Give Veganuary a go
Whatever your opinions on meat – or awkward compound words – stopping your consumption for a month can improve the health of your body, your wallet, and the planet. Whether committing to January or just want to do the occasional meal, Veganuary’s site has loads of tasty recipes to try out.
Time: 1 month
9. Shop ethical
You have the ultimate consumer power – choosing which companies receive your money. So before you buy that top, find out about the retailer’s record on worker’s rights in Bangladesh, or whether they’re paying their staff London Living Wage. Shop VSO’s range of ethical products now.
Time: 10 minutes a day
10. Keep your local area tidy
Hate waste? Love your community? Keep Britain Tidy are bringing their #LitterHeroes campaign back for 2019, mobilising 500,000 people across the country to take to the streets in March and April to rid of rubbish. Pre-register now to hear about events near you.
Time: 1 day
11. Spread the world about the SDGs
Tell your local community about the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, how you helped work towards achieving them through ICS, and why they should care too. We’re looking for speakers to talk to schools and community organisations about ICS.
Time: 1 hour
12. Take action on food poverty in the UK
With more people than ever before through the doors of food banks this Christmas, your donations are needed urgently. The Trussell Trust’s 1,200 centres across the UK need constant donations. If, like us, you’ve been inspired by I, Daniel Blake – or it’s just on your mind – give your support now.
Time: 20 minutes
13. Lobby your local politicians
Use the skills you developed on ICS – and contact your local MP about an issue that you care about. Whether that’s making your views about Brexit or the use of food banks up heard – your politicians are paid and employed to represent you. Find out who they are and email them.
Time: 30 minutes
14. Offset your carbon emissions
Thinking more about your carbon footprint? Carbon offsetting means compensating for your CO2 emissions by paying to reduce the equivalent amount in the atmosphere – through actions like planting trees. Offsetting a year’s worth of gas and electricity costs around £45. Calculate yours.
Time: 30 minutes
15. Sign a petition
Clicktivism might feel like a small action, but petitions have made big change recently. From ending the tampon tax to making historic environmental progress with the Paris Climate Agreement, showing your support online can change things offline. See what’s trending – and start your own.
Time: 15 minutes
16. Stop wasting food
Around a third of the world’s food is wasted. This year, resolve to save some money and help the planet by planning and eating better. This handy guide has some good tips – including keeping a tally or taking photos of what’s left inside your fridge and avoiding shopping when you’re hungry!
Time: 2 hours a week
17. Get back in touch with your ICS team
Why not organise a UK reunion, get back in touch with your counterpart or organise a cross-country campaign? Now’s a great time to see where everyone is working and use your contacts to help each other. And get them to sign up to our newsletter to hear about what events we have coming up.
Time: 30 minutes
18. Donate your unwanted belongings to refugees
As winter weather sweeps across Europe, refugees urgently need warm clothes. See the list of items that Help Refugees needs donated, like sleeping bags, leggings and ponchos – and what they don’t want, like children’s bedding, wellies or roll mats – and if you’ve got any, then find your local centre.
Time: 1 hour
19. Celebrate Fairtrade in their fortnight of activism
Fairtrade Fortnight takes place from 25 February to 10 March. This year, the event, which focuses on cocoa, is looking at the crash in prices that has affected West African farmers. Order your free resources to host your own events and awareness of Fairtrade at work and in your local area.
Time: 2 hours
Six things ICS staff around the world pledge to do in 2019
