Forming habits can be very powerful in helping us to achieve our goals effectively and efficiently. Did you know there’s a reason it’s harder to form habits that help the planet?

Whether you want to remember to recycle your cardboard packaging every week, take a reusable bag to the shops or switch to 30°C when you wash clothes – keep reading for advice on how to make them stick.

What is a habit?

Habits are mental shortcuts that make certain actions automatic. It means we can repeat them without much deliberation or thought. Habits can make some tasks easier, while also freeing up the brain to focus on more complex decisions and tasks.

We develop habits through repetition and reinforcement. As a result of repeating a behaviour, a certain memory process occurs in the brain, making it automatic. You will automatically remember the action next time you face the same situation, without having to think about it consciously.

It can be hard to establish a habit that doesn’t directly benefit us or impact our lives. Often, this is the case with sustainability-focused habits, such as recycling cardboard packaging. While we know recycling cardboard is important because the fibres can be reused, there can be less of a positive impact on our everyday lives than, for example, brushing our teeth regularly to prevent cavities.

When the personal reward is seen more clearly, it can be easier for the habit to stick. This is because your brain will release ‘happy hormones’ like dopamine, which give you a sense of satisfaction.

So how do we ensure our eco-friendly habits stick?

In the absence of a personal reward, we need to know why we want to commit to a particular behaviour to create long-term habits.

Keeping in mind why we want to develop a habit can serve as powerful motivation. Finding out more about ‘why’ you should do something can help motivate us by understanding the benefits of a certain action.

So, spend time reading and researching to learn more about the benefits of taking up eco-friendly behaviours and the impact on the environment.

Click here to learn more about the Beyond the Box campaign – Corrugated Cardboard | Beyond the Box | Sustainable Packaging