Getty ImagesA brand-new year is just a few weeks away, so it's time to make those resolutions! But before you do that, we have a suggestion for you guys.
Instead of making a list of things like "stop swearing" or "join the gym," we have some simple tips to keep with you after the clock strikes midnight and 2015 officially starts.
Not only do these lessons have the potential to make you a better person, but they can help the world around you. And we're not sure if you know this, but we only have this one planet to live on. That is, until Interstellar becomes non-fiction.
Here are 11 easy things to do in 2015 that will make you and your world better than it was in 2014:
1. Recycle your recyclables even if they're not yours (starring @polina_kaluzhnaya)
Check out these mind-boggling but very true facts: Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to listen to a full album on your iPod. And if every American recycled just one-tenth of their newspapers, we could save about 25 MILLION trees each year.
2. Don't do the right thing just because someone is watching (starring @carlee.__)
For example, pick up your dog poop, even if no one is around to see if you do it or not. True character is what you do when no one is looking. What if you were going to work and stepped the (literal) crap someone left behind?
3. Stop cheating
Cheating on your partner for some immediate gratification (and then begging for another chance when you get caught) will more than likely lead to you ending up alone. And beyond that, you shouldn't be cheating your health or your well-being, which means you need to ask for that raise, start that exercise plan and tell the people you love how you feel every single day.
4. Stop blaming others (starring @ranfrony)
Just take these wise words from actress Erin Cummings to heart: "At the end of the day, you are solely responsible for your success and your failure. And the sooner you realize that, you accept that, and integrate that into your work ethic, you will start being successful."
5. Eat healthy and support local (starring @Josie_ness)
We spend so much money on material things that we will break, lose or grow out of, so why not spend your hard-earned money on your local businesses? Farmer's markets are a great way to do that and eat healthier.
6. Stop wasting water (starring @missmonicablanco)
We get it. You don't want to the person outside the bathroom to hear you poop, so you turn on the sink. But you need to stop that. Doing something as simple as turning off the tap while you brush your teeth saves four gallons of water. In fact, many people in the world have to exist on only 3 gallons of water a day. Please don't just let the water run while you do the dishes, either.
7. Control your social media time (starring @van.dam_ and @melissablykins)
Look your loved ones in the eyes and appreciate the time you have with those around you. Stop giving so much attention to people that are in your phone you while ignoring those who cherish your presence enough to be there with you in real life.
8. Stop wasting toilet paper (starring @jonrichard)
It's a simple but important habit to start. Use only what you need, because toilet paper wipes out 27,000 trees a day.
9. Remember: Just because you can, doesn't mean you should (starring @jennacaldwell)
Stop serving yourself more than you can eat at buffets. Not only will you feel better with less food stuffed into your body, but you'll be helping with food waste. Waste in the food service industry is a huge problem in America right now, so doing your own part to help is really important.
10 . Save what you can even if it's much smaller (or scarier than you)
Instead of crushing that spider, just take it outside the house. Or volunteer at a local animal shelter, even if it's just for a couple hours a week. Trust us, there is no better feeling.
11. Don't sweat the small stuff, but do remember the big stuff
Never forget that our time on this planet is limited. Not you or your loved one are immortal, so stop arguing over petty things. Tell your family and friends you love them at every opportunity. Visit your parents, cherish your children and take that trip you've been putting off. Make the best out of your time on Earth.
Here's to a great new year and better you in 2015!