Helping you stick to your New Year's resolutions - part one

Climate change is happening in Waltham Forest and across the world. We are committed to reaching net zero by 2030, and through our Climate Action Plan we're offering residents, businesses, employers and community groups the tools and the support they need to help us tackle the Climate Emergency together. Here are some things you can do to help:  

• Recycle, reuse, repair. Help us improve our recycling rates by recycling more and contaminating less. Check out our helpful A-Z waste guide to find out what to put in each bin. And why not reuse or repair rather than throw things away? Learn more about local repair initiatives and keep your eyes on this page to find our interactive map (coming early January!) 
• Get the community involved. Why not speak to your neighbours and apply to create a parklet in your street? Or volunteer with them to create a 'Bee Friendly Street' in your local area, supporting vital pollinators and natural biodiversity. 
• Sign up to receive Climate e-news to stay up to date with all the initiatives and opportunities for you to get involved. 

Maybe your resolution is to drink less alcohol, or maybe it’s to practice mindfulness to reduce stress levels, or maybe it’s to finally quit smoking. Whatever the resolution, we are happy to help. 

• Reducing your drinking can help you improve your health, boost your energy, and even save money. Have you seen our Drinks tonight? campaign in your local market? It features some helpful resources and practical tips to help you cut back. 
• Sometimes anxiety, stress and low moods can negatively affect our daily lives. If this sounds familiar, remember that you are not alone, and that help is available. Our partners Good Thinking offer digital self-help resources to help you navigate anxiety and stress. More support is also available on our Mental Health pages. 
• Is 2024 the year you want to quit smoking? You are three times more likely to quit smoking for good with professional support. Get free advice and tailored support from Quit Right Waltham Forest, a service specifically for those who live, work or study in the borough. 

Physical activities such as walking, jogging, cycling, exercising, or playing sports, done at any intensity and level, are not only great for your health but are known to be a great way to boost your mood and make you feel good. 

• Using your commute to get some physical activity can not only help you move more, but it can be great for the environment, reducing the number of cars on the road and improving air quality. Whether you want to take up cycling or want to try walking your commute journey for the first time, our Enjoy Waltham Forest resources are designed to help. 
• Find plenty of activities in our sports and leisure centres. 
• Don’t want to commit to a gym membership? From Parkrun to walking groups and free exercise classes in one of our lovely parks, there are loads of other ways to get involved. 

Learning new things not only keeps our minds active, but it can boost your moods, improving your confidence while reducing depression and anxiety. There is no better time than now to learn that language or that new skill you have always wanted to. 

• Waltham Forest Adult Learning service has a variety of courses from creative courses, business, and administration to gardening. Apprenticeships are also available to help you earn while you learn. 
• Improve your skills with technology and digital devices, with the various initiatives promoted by our Let’s Get Digital campaign, including face-to-face support, digital skills courses, and plenty of resources to ensure you have the skills, tools, and support to get online. 
• Learn how to ride a bike or brush up your cycling skills with free Enjoy Waltham Forest cycle training delivered by our partners Cycle Confident to anybody who lives, works, or studies in Waltham Forest.