As the new year begins, we are all filled with ambition and vigor. Our resolutions are made from genuine desires of change, yet a couple weeks in we find ourselves second-guessing and thinking, 'wow, this is work.' On top of our busy schedules and personal lives, we sometimes forget the importance of patience and beginning with small steps.

A personal goal I set for myself this year was to begin making a conscious effort to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle. I wanted to reduce waste and consume in moderation. I knew this change wouldn't happen overnight, and it would take learning. As a college student, I did not have the budget to cut out every plastic or wasteful item out of my life, but here are some of the steps I took:

1. Beauty

If you're a makeup lover like me, you will understand how costly makeup wipes or pads can be when you're buying them a couple times a month. Not to mention the waste that comes with them. They are good for a single use and then thrown into the trash. I recently purchased these reusable facial rounds for removing makeup and they have proved to be a great investment for my skincare routine!

2. Fashion

A major component of the world's pollution is due to the fashion industry! Thrifting is an easy way to say 'no' to both waste and fast fashion. It's also a huge money saver, and you can come across some really good finds. Patience is key when it comes to thrifting, and at times it can be very frustrating. If that is a concern for you, a website I love is ThredUp. It's basically an online consignment shop with designer brands and great prices!

3. Home

Start living a more green life by literally adding green to your life! Take a trip to your local greenhouse or flower shop and pick out a couple of plants to add to your space! Plants are not only great decor items, but they also help purify the air within your home. Succulents are one of my favorites because they are so small and can be added to any room.

4. Reuse Products

Instead of using the cups and bags they provide at the store, opt for a more environmentally-friendly approach by bringing reusable grocery bags and your own favorite coffee container. This reduces your waste consumption and even gives you an excuse to invest in some cute coffee/tea cups (here's a personal favorite)! Finding one that is completely plastic-free is another bonus, too!

5. Recycle

This one is pretty self-explanatory. If you're a student or have a job where paper or plastic products are constantly being used, recycle! This is one of the easiest ways to integrate eco-friendliness into your everyday life.

Remember, while making a lifestyle change can prove itself to be challenging, there are small steps that can be taken to make the process a little less overwhelming. Take one today.