7 Science-Based Strategies to Boost Willpower and Succeed With New Year’s Resolutions
01 January 2020
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How can you increase your willpower and fulfill your New Year's promise to yourself? Thomas Hawk / Flickr
By Jelena Kecmanovic
It's that time of year when people make their New Year's resolutions – indeed, 93% of people set them, according to the American Psychological Association. The most common resolutions are related to losing weight, eating healthier, exercising regularly and saving money.
However, research shows that 45% of people fail to keep their resolutions by February, and only 19% keep them for two years. Lack of willpower or self-control is the top cited reason for not following through.
How can you increase your willpower and fulfill your New Year's promise to yourself? These seven strategies are based on behavioral science and my clinical work with hundreds of people trying to achieve their long-term goals.
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<p class=""><em>Jelena Kecmanovic Is an adjunct professor of psychology at Georgetown University.<br/></em><em>Disclosure Statement: Jelena Kecmanovic does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</em></p><p>
<em>Reposted with permission from <a href="https://theconversation.com/7-science-based-strategies-to-boost-your-willpower-and-succeed-with-your-new-years-resolutions-128762" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>.</em>
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1. Clarify and Honor Your Values
<p>Ask yourself why this goal matters to you. Do you want to lose weight because you value getting in shape to return to a favorite pastime of hiking, or because of societal expectations and pressures? People who are <a href="https://doi.org/10.1037/0708-5591.49.1.60" target="_blank">guided by their authentic values</a> are better at achieving their goals. They also <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167218820921" target="_blank">don't run out of willpower</a>, because they perceive it as a limitless resource. Figure out what makes you tick, and choose goals consistent with those values.</p>2. Frame Goals and Your Life in Positive Terms
<p>Focus on what you want to accomplish, not what you don't. Instead of planning not to drink alcohol on workdays during the new year, commit to drinking your favorite sparkling water with Sunday to Thursday evening meals. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.53.1.5" target="_blank">Struggling to suppress thoughts</a> takes a lot of energy, and they have a way of returning to your mind with a vengeance.</p><p>It also helps to reflect on the aspects of yourself and your life that you are already happy with. Although you might fear that this will spur complacency and inaction, studies show that <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/1754073916669596" target="_blank">gratitude and other positive emotions lead to better self-control</a> in the long run.</p>3. Change Your Environment to Make It Easier
<p>Research suggests that people with high willpower are exceptionally good at <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2014.09.031" target="_blank">arranging their environment to avoid temptations</a>. So, banish all credit cards from your wallet if your goal is to save money. And don't keep a bowl of M&M's at your work desk if you intend to eat healthy.</p><p>If your coworkers regularly bring sweets to work, ask them to help you with your goals (they might get inspired to join in!) and bring cookies only for special occasions. Supportive friends and family can dramatically <a href="https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-006X.67.1.132" target="_blank">increase your chances of achieving your resolutions</a>. Joining a group whose members practice behaviors you'd like to adopt is another great way to bolster your willpower, because having role models <a href="https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01722" target="_blank">improves self-control</a>.</p>4. Be Prepared With ‘If-Then’ Strategies
<p>Even the best resolution falls apart when your busy schedule and exhaustion take over. Formulate a series of plans for what to do when obstacles present themselves. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s11031-014-9416-3" target="_blank">These "if-then" plans</a> are shown to improve self-control and goal attainment.</p><p>Each time you wake up in the middle of the night craving candies or chips, you can plan instead to read a guilty-pleasure magazine, or log into your online community of healthy eaters for inspiration, or eat an apple slowly and mindfully, savoring each bit. When you're tired and about to skip that gym class you signed up for, call your supportive sister who is on standby. Anticipate as many situations as possible and <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s11031-014-9416-3" target="_blank">make specific plans</a>, vividly imagining the situations and what you will do in the moment.</p>5. Use a Gradual Approach
<p>When you embark on a new goal, start small and build on early successes. Use one less spoonful of sugar in your coffee. Eventually, you might be able to forgo any sweeteners at all. If resisting that muffin initially proves to be too hard, try waiting 10 minutes. By the end of it, your <a href="https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4246-06.2007" target="_blank">urge will likely subside</a>.</p><p>You might be surprised to realize that change in one domain of life – like abstaining from sweet processed foods – <a href="https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1610902114" target="_blank">tends to spread to other areas</a>. You might find you are able to bike longer distances, or moderate your caffeine intake more easily.</p>6. Imagine Rewards and Then Enjoy Them
<p>Picture the feeling of endorphins circulating through your body after a run, or the sun on your skin as you approach a mountain summit. Pay attention to all your senses: smell, sight, hearing, touch and taste. Visualizing rewards <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2019.02.002" target="_blank">improves your chances of engaging in the activity</a> that results in them.</p><p>If it's hard to imagine or experience these rewards in the beginning, decide on <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167216676480" target="_blank">small, meaningful gifts</a> you can give yourself until the positive effects of the new behaviors kick in. For example, imagine yourself taking a half-day off work each month after you pay down your credit card debt: visualize exactly what you would do and how you would feel. And then do it.</p>7. Be Kind to Yourself, Even During Setbacks
<p>Most people believe the way to increase willpower is to "whip oneself into shape," because being kind to oneself is indulgent and lacks self discipline. But the exact opposite is true – people who harshly blame themselves for even small willpower failures tend to <a href="https://doi.org/10.1037/0893-164X.19.3.253" target="_blank">do worse in accomplishing their goals in the long run</a>.</p><p>Try self-compassion instead. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2006.03.014" target="_blank">Cut yourself some slack</a> and remember that being human means being imperfect. When you fall for that doughnut, don't despair, and <a href="https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.40.2.193" target="_blank">don't throw in the towel</a>. Treat yourself with care and understanding and then recommit to your goal the following day.</p><p>Remember, you aren't likely to achieve your New Year's resolutions by being self-critical and hard on yourself. Instead, boost your willpower through a series of small and strategic steps that will help you succeed.</p>
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KatarzynaBialasiewicz / iStock / Getty Images
By Sydney Evans and Ketura Persellin
"Lose weight." "Exercise." "Save money."
<p>Those annual post-holiday, guilt-fueled mantras aren't only tiresome but are also usually doomed to fail. <a href="https://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/articles/2015-12-29/why-80-percent-of-new-years-resolutions-fail" target="_blank">Eighty percent</a> of resolutions fail just weeks into the new year. That's not surprising: They may seem simple, but they usually mean sustaining major lifestyle changes over the long haul.</p><p>So we've come up with a year's worth of resolutions to help you build a healthy environment for you and your family—bite-size challenges, each focusing on food, cosmetics and your home. The feeling of fulfillment and happiness that follows will keep you motivated, and who knows? Maybe along the way you'll find success with some of those other age-old resolutions.</p><p><strong>1. Clean up your water. </strong>If you think there's just water in your water, think again. Many contaminants may be in your tap water at levels that are legally allowed but could pose some health risks, especially to young children. Find out what's in your water in the <a href="https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/" target="_blank">EWG Tap Water Database</a> and then consult the <a href="https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/water-filter-guide.php" target="_blank">Water Filter Buying Guide</a> to find an inexpensive filter. Make sure to use a <a href="https://www.ewg.org/enviroblog/2011/07/think-your-water-bottle-bpa-free-better-double-check" target="_blank">BPA-free water bottle</a> to take your water with you on the go.</p><p><strong>2. Clean up your food.</strong> More than 10,000 additives are allowed into Americans' food. Some of them present serious health concerns, and they're found in every aisle of the grocery store. Check out <a href="https://www.ewg.org/research/ewg-s-dirty-dozen-guide-food-additives" target="_blank">EWG's Dirty Dozen Guide to Food Additives</a>, and choose at least one to cut out entirely. The <a href="https://www.ewg.org/foodscores" target="_blank">EWG Food Scores database</a> is a great place to find out which foods may have these additives.</p><p><strong>3. Let your hair down.</strong> You make it a point to buy special personal care products for your kids, why not choose those you can feel completely confident about? Consult our <a href="https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/" target="_blank">Skin Deep</a>® cosmetics database to identify a safer children's shampoo to switch to in the new year. While you're at it, look for <a href="https://www.ewg.org/ewgverified/personal-care.php" target="_blank">EWG VERIFIED™</a> hair products for yourself that meet EWG's strictest standards for health without any of our chemicals of concern. If you'd like a stretch goal, consider giving up the most caustic hair products—relaxers and straighteners, particularly <a href="https://www.ewg.org/hair-straighteners/our-report/hair-straighteners-that-hide-formaldehyde/" target="_blank">keratin treatments</a>, which often contain formaldehyde.</p><p><strong>4. Breathe easy. </strong>Upgrade your air filter to improve air circulation in your home and remove airborne pollutants. Use a <a href="https://www.ewg.org/healthyhomeguide/air-filters/#.XA6ZxxNKiWh" target="_blank">high-quality filter</a> and replace it at least every three months—more often if you're renovating or if there are other unusually dusty conditions. At least once a month, clean dust buildup from the filter.</p><p><strong>5. Clean gently. </strong>We typically use household cleaners that are far stronger than needed. Resolve to eliminate the harsh ones you use on your <a href="https://www.ewg.org/guides/categories/5-Dishwashing" target="_blank">dishes</a> and <a href="https://www.ewg.org/guides/categories/9-Laundry" target="_blank">laundry</a>. Then move on to other cleaners, if you're so inclined. Try one of our <a href="https://uploads.weconnect.com/mce/0ad54e429b2b6238550f24701541130b978e4640/EWG%20Guide%20to%20Healthy%20Cleaning.pdf" target="_blank">DIY cleaning solutions</a> or consult our <a href="https://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners" target="_blank">Guide to Healthy Cleaning</a> to find less harmful products. They're better for your health and for the environment.</p><p><strong>6. Kick the antibacterial habit. </strong>Antibacterial products take the idea of <a href="https://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners/content/faq#q30" target="_blank">cleaning</a> to an extreme, to the point of combatting important "healthy" bacteria we all need—especially children—and causing a proliferation of the kind we don't want. Instead, look for ordinary cleaning supplies to use, or a plain old-fashioned <a href="https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/browse/bar+soap/" target="_blank">hand soap</a> that's <a href="https://www.ewg.org/ewgverified/personal-care.php" target="_blank">EWG VERIFIED</a>™—made according to our strictest criteria for transparency and healthfulness.</p><p><strong>7. Wrap it up better. </strong>Additives may not be the only toxic ingredient in your food. Food wrappings and containers, particularly those made of plastic, may leach harmful chemicals. Challenge yourself to see how much toxic food packaging you can avoid. Start by eliminating <a href="https://www.ewg.org/childrenshealth/22091/these-toxic-chemicals-food-packaging-are-getting-your-meals" target="_blank">PFAS-containing fast food containers</a> from your life or replacing <a href="https://www.ewg.org/enviroblog/2015/06/reduce-your-use-plastics" target="_blank">plastic baggies and lunch boxes</a> with reusable glass and steel containers. </p><p><strong>8. Avoid mystery ingredients.</strong> Eliminate one of the biggest unknowns in many consumer products: <a href="https://www.ewg.org/research/not-so-sexy" target="_blank">fragrance</a>, a vague term that could mean one or more than 3,000 different chemicals. Some companies are moving toward greater transparency by disclosing the ingredients they use, and some are eliminating fragrance altogether. Make it a habit to read product labels and avoid buying those that don't disclose their fragrance ingredients. You can also refer to <a href="https://www.ewg.org/consumer-guides" target="_blank">EWG guides</a> to help you find healthy alternatives.</p><p><strong>9. Eat organic.</strong> Recently, a <a href="https://www.ewg.org/news-and-analysis/2018/11/eating-organic-diet-may-reduce-your-cancer-risk" target="_blank">groundbreaking study</a> showed that eating more organic foods, rather than those treated with chemical pesticides, may reduce your risk of cancer. You may not be able to switch overnight to an all-organic diet, though. You can start slowly by buying organic just for the produce on the Dirty Dozen list on <a href="https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/dirty-dozen.php" target="_blank">EWG's Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce.™</a></p><p><strong>10. Detox your makeup bag. </strong>You may not be ready to ditch your high-end cosmetics just yet, but consider auditing what you use most often and switching them out, one product at a time, using our <a href="https://www.ewg.org/videos/ewgs-healthy-living-app" target="_blank">Healthy Living app</a> or this <a href="https://secure.ewg.org/images/SkinDeep_WalletGuide_EWGVPlug_C01.pdf?_ga=2.84073049.1513303428.1544450254-757456667.1543852855" target="_blank">cheat sheet</a> for guidance. The last thing you want is your kids playing make-believe with something containing carcinogens or developmental toxicants. Here's how to find less <a href="https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/" target="_blank">harmful products</a> for them. </p>
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More and more Americans are retrofitting their bathrooms with high-end bidets, allowing them to enjoy cleanliness and hygiene without creating as much paper waste. Not all bidets are created equal, however, and before deciding on a particular brand, it's important to do your homework. Take a look at our comprehensive Toto bidet review, and our reviews of Tushy and Omigo, to learn more about all of their options.
<h2>Toto overview</h2><p>Toto is a company that has been around for over 100 years. They aim to improve people's quality of life, and they do that specifically by focusing on bathrooms. To that end, Toto is known for high-quality products including toilets, faucets, showers, bathtubs, and bidets. </p><p>Toto has also expressed an admirable commitment to ecological stewardship. As <a href="https://www.totousa.com/about-toto/toto-way" target="_blank">their corporate website</a> notes, they strive to "protect the global environment by conserving finite natural resources and energy." One example of this is their donation of any imperfectly fired porcelain products for recycling and reuse as porcelain floor tile. Their <a href="https://www.totousa.com/about-toto/living-toto-library/smart-sustainable-packaging-solution" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">packaging</a> uses differing levels of recycled post-consumer paper products while their forklifts operate using <a href="https://www.totousa.com/about-toto/living-toto-library/plant-based-hydraulics" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">plant-based hydraulics</a> made from soybean oil instead of traditional hydraulic oil.</p><p>Toto is definitely a company with a superior reputation when it comes to bathroom accessories in general, and bidets in particular. Here are reviews of some of the specific products in the Toto line.</p><h2>Toto bidet reviews</h2><p>There are two different bidet product families available from Toto: standalone bidets and bidet seat attachments. Their standalone models include the Piedmont bidet, the Lloyd bidet, and the Clayton bidet, while their bidet toilet seat offerings include a wide selection in the popular Washlet line. Here are details on the three standalone options and three of the most popular bidet seat attachments.</p><p><em>Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.</em></p><h3>Toto standalone bidets</h3><h4></h4>
<h2>Toto bidet pros and cons<br></h2><p>Whether you're considering a standalone bidet or a bidet seat attachment, here are some of the pros and cons to help you compare your options.</p><h3>Pros</h3><ul class="ee-ul"><li>Standalone bidets, such as the ones offered by Toto, are designed in a wider range of elegant, contemporary styles. If you are looking to remodel your bathroom, splurging for a standalone bidet makes sense.</li><li>Toto offers a wide selection of bidet and bidet attachment options. Some of their more advanced units feature night lights, adjustable nozzle positions, warm air dryers, and adjustable settings for the temperature of the water.</li><li>All of the Toto bidet attachments we reviewed include self-cleaning nozzles for added hygiene. They are also designed for DIY installation, and easily connect to your existing toilet's water supply without the need for a plumber or electrician.</li></ul><h3>Cons</h3><ul class="ee-ul"><li>Toto's line of standalone bidets and bidet seat attachments are more expensive than some other brands, especially some of their more high-end models.</li><li>Standalone bidets may not be as convenient for those who have mobility issues.</li><li>All of Toto's bidet seat attachments are electric, and don't feature an eco or energy-saving mode like some other options.</li></ul><h2>The benefits of buying a bidet</h2><p>Why buy a bidet at all? There are plenty of perks, both for you and the planet:</p><ul class="ee-ul"><li>Bidets offer a more thorough, hygienic cleaning than toilet paper.</li><li>They're considerably more eco-friendly, using less water and paper.</li><li>Because you'll use so much less toilet paper, bidets are also more cost-effective.</li><li>Compared with TP, bidets can be really soothing to the skin.</li><li>They have special benefits for women, and especially pregnant women, helping minimize the risk of a UTI.</li><li>Bidets are highly accessible, even to those with limited mobility.</li><li>A bidet makes it much easier to teach your children about proper bathroom hygiene.</li></ul><h2>Considerations when buying a bidet</h2><p>As you consider all of your options for getting a bidet, here are a few of the key factors to consider:</p><ul class="ee-ul"><li>Look for a bidet with a self-cleaning nozzle. This will help keep things hygienic.</li><li>Electric vs. non-electric? Electric bidets can offer more comfort features, like a heated seat, but they also use more energy than a non-electric one.</li><li>Is it a standalone bidet, a bidet seat, or a bidet attachment? While a standalone bidet is a completely separate fixture from your toilet, a bidet seat will completely replace your existing seat and a bidet attachment will be installed onto your existing toilet seat. These are usually the least expensive, but also come with the fewest features.</li><li>Does the bidet connect to your home's hot water? If it doesn't, you will only be able to clean with cold water.</li><li>Make sure you can adjust the settings. For the most comfortable bidet, look for controls that let you customize the water pressure, the angle of the water stream, the temperature of the water, and the temperature of the seat, if it is heated.</li></ul><p>Use these questions to determine whether the bidets from Toto are right for you.</p><h2>Toto bidets: a leader in comfort and efficiency</h2><p>Toto makes durable, elegant, and highly functional products that will allow you to enjoy all the hygienic and environmental benefits of a bidet. You can also read our full review of the best bidets to compare with other brands like Brondell, Kohler, Tushy, and BioBidet.</p><p><em><strong>Josh Hurst </strong></em><em>is a journalist, critic, and essayist. He lives in Knoxville, TN, with his wife and three sons. His writing on natural health, nutrition, and supplements has appeared in Health, Shape, and Remedy Review.</em></p>
Piedmont
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTY3MDgyMy9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyMjI3MjE3Nn0.QqBs95yaFQnGwAuf0t3XaSCc7pvrSEUalnl9UulrODg/img.jpg?width=980" id="a0c63" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="9d10ad2b08c5d00642b44787c1b099ad" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="400" data-height="400" />Toto USA
<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/TOTO-BT500B-01-Piedmont-Vertical/dp/B00084P3GO/ref=sr_1_3?crid=ZG6AGN0U9VQL&dchild=1&keywords=toto+piedmont+bidet&qid=1613591898&sprefix=toto+piedmo%2Caps%2C188&sr=8-3" target="_blank">Toto's Piedmont bidet</a> offers an elegant, classic design, and it also comes with built-in safeguards that prevent it from ever overflowing. It is available in several color options, and will look good with any contemporary bathroom design.</p><p><strong>Why buy:</strong> This is the most affordable standalone bidet in Toto's catalog. This bidet is a good option if you are remodeling your bathroom or are building a home and want to save water and paper waste from the start. Priced starting at $533, you can find it through other retailers for around $280.</p>
$533
Lloyd
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTY3MDgzMS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyNTU0Nzk0Nn0.h9XeFBojZff_4Un8swlIoamX7xAwO1wH3RKAiiZb96k/img.jpg?width=980" id="e5d22" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="83ff9c9b3ed8f1b5e92ff99c14ad9b0c" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="400" data-height="400" />Toto USA
<p>The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/TOTO-BT930B-01-Vertical-Cotton/dp/B0015IVUOQ/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=toto%2Blloyd%2Bbidet&qid=1613592001&sr=8-2&th=1" target="_blank">Lloyd bidet</a> has a much bolder, "skirted" design, but it also shares the Piedmont's flushing rim and integral overflow features, which keep you from ever experiencing spillage.</p><p><strong>Why buy: </strong>This is a fancier product with a more striking appearance, and is mainly suited for a larger, more formal design. It retails for a slightly higher price point: The Lloyd model starts at $780 in total, but you can find it for $526 through other retailers.</p>
$780
Clayton
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTY3MDgzMi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0NTI4MTYyNn0.xNOnfejHaWbEVHRbO1vFVdUoWbFvevja40qRVr6L4dI/img.jpg?width=980" id="df200" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="0cdb567e670fb2e46f50fbc43c99158c" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="400" data-height="400" />Toto USA
<p>The company's flagship standalone bidet is known as the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/TOTO-BT784B-01-Clayton-Vertical/dp/B0018L9JUC/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=toto+clayton+bidet&qid=1613592108&sr=8-2" target="_blank">Clayton</a>. It includes the same overflow safeguards as the other two, and of course, each of these products is backed by Toto's longstanding commitment to excellent craftsmanship.</p><p><strong>Why buy: </strong>This is the most traditional in its visual style, and, with a number of colors to choose from, it will look great in almost any bathroom design. The Clayton starts at $734, but is available through other retailers for around $426.</p>
$734
<h3>Toto bidet seats</h3>
Toto Washlet C200
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTY3MDgzNi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2MTY3OTY1M30.3coYAuyqJLBcw8hQszI8Shbcfyr6nn9V0ek-kXv2kgQ/img.jpg?width=980" id="61762" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="b7c91d2511149e271c7f0139f1580788" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="400" data-height="400" />Toto USA
<p>This electronic smart bidet seat fits onto your existing toilet bowl and offers a number of comfort features, including a heated seat, automatic air deodorizer, adjustable warm water, warm air dryer, self-cleaning wand, and a wireless remote control.</p><p><strong>Why buy:</strong> We chose the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UCIOX2Q/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?_encoding=UTF8&aaxitk=-XjvJQOmffOcAmiCOZvtAA&hsa_cr_id=7413316040901&pd_rd_plhdr=t&pd_rd_r=0e0e7f3d-0baf-4977-85d3-663f618a76d8&pd_rd_w=Yi3yF&pd_rd_wg=LUFHB&ref_=sbx_be_s_sparkle_lsi3d_asin_1_img" target="_blank">Toto C200</a> as the overall best bidet in <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/best-bidet-toilet-seats-2650502928.html" target="_self">our review</a> of top brands. In addition to the features mentioned, its dual action oscillating and pulsating spray and pre-mist function provide a comfortable and sanitary clean.</p>
$715
Toto Washlet S500e with EWATER+
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTY3MDgzOS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1MTgzNTIyMH0.idaacYO4MzHGTeajRkSCVHOo3TH7tehRN8TAH2s75ko/img.jpg?width=980" id="f6ed5" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="87fa67b17e4c8e06f74bfbce87bf4809" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="400" data-height="400" />Toto USA
<p>The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/TOTO-SW3046-01-Electronic-Contemporary/dp/B078GTKSXK/ref=sr_1_2?crid=15NGPC9YFANKH&dchild=1&keywords=toto+s500e&qid=1613960063&sprefix=toto+s500e%2Caps%2C171&sr=8-2" target="_blank">Toto Washlet S500e</a> bidet seat includes the features found in the C200, plus instantaneous water heating, front and rear wash functions, two-user preset memory, and the company's <a href="https://www.totousa.com/technologies/ewater" target="_blank">EWATER+ technology</a>. This system uses electrolyzed water to keep the wand and toilet bowl clean.</p><p><strong>Why buy:</strong> This high-end Toto electric bidet seat can help you reduce water and toilet paper use, and it can help reduce the need for chemical cleaning products with its EWATER+ technology.</p>
$1530
Toto Washlet A100
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTY3MDg0Mi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1MzU0OTU3MH0.g2PYzguGXvB1l7RvWBcw_xNtlpy8hsmcwui8Twr3CMA/img.jpg?width=980" id="08295" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="d3d798b5d7737cddaadfd9f6fa5a84d6" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="400" data-height="400" />Toto USA
<p>The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/TOTO-SW2014-01-Electronic-SoftClose/dp/B0165UFOGS/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=30E9Y1LAN9ZRW&dchild=1&keywords=toto+washlet+a100+elongated+bidet+toilet+seat&qid=1613589664&sprefix=toto+washlet+a100%2Caps%2C167&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFBR1FMUTdJR1hXNUEmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTAyNjIwOTkxUE1EWk5CQjg2QTZPJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA0NDc1MzExSk1UMk5CQzJYVUhVJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==" target="_blank">A100</a> is an entry-level Washlet bidet attachment, but still offers numerous comfort features. It includes a heated seat with temperature control, aerated warm water with a dual action spray, and an attached arm control panel.</p><p><strong>Why buy: </strong>One of the most affordable Toto bidet options, it still lets you adjust the water temperature and pressure settings, and features rear and front cleaning functionality for a feminine wash.</p>
$499
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2018 was a year in which the threats facing our planet—from plastic pollution to climate change―became impossible to ignore. As scientists and journalists continued to sound the alarm, ordinary people stepped up to do something about it. Sometimes it can be hard to believe that one person's action can make a difference in the face of such enormous challenges, but big changes are made up of little actions. So if you are looking for a New Year's resolution for 2019, why not add saving the earth to the list? To get you inspired, the EcoWatch staff is sharing successful green changes we made to our lives last year, as well as the improvements we plan to make in the year to come.
<p><em>Olivia Rosane, freelance reporter<br></em><strong>2018 Green Change: Stop Eating Meat<br></strong>This is actually something I started halfway through this year, but after writing <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/vegan-earth-footprint-2574241439.html" target="_self">article</a> after <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/us-diets-food-related-emissions-2550870432.html" target="_self">article</a> about the ecological costs of meat-eating, I successfully cut meat out of my daily diet. I am still flexible about what I eat if I am a guest in someone's home, but I no longer cook or order meat for myself.<br><strong>2019 Green Resolution: Get Involved Locally<br></strong>I have been moving around a lot over the past two years, so I have not had a chance to get involved with any efforts to protect the environment in my local community. Now that I am a bit more settled, my goal for 2019 is to connect with like-minded people near me to work to preserve our shared home.</p><p><em>Chris McDermott, news editor<br></em><strong>2018 Green Change: Reduce Plastic Waste<br></strong>I knew plastics were made from fossil fuels but I never realized the extent to which plastic waste has infiltrated our <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/oceans" target="_self">oceans</a> until 2018. Solving this <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/oceans-plastic-pollution-2554131906.html" target="_self">crisis</a> requires world-scale efforts, of course, but I started food shopping with reusable canvas bags instead of just accepting plastic ones. I also received a handy gift of <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/eco-friendly-drinking-straw-alternatives-2571689759.html" target="_self">reusable metal straws</a> to carry to restaurants in an organic cotton case.<br><strong>2019 Green Resolution: Cook at Home More<br></strong>Growing more food and doing more cooking is a priority for 2019. I'm especially looking forward to expanding within my vegetarian diet to include more Indian cuisine and try new dishes. Cooking up batches of food to last two or three days will also save time and energy.</p><p><em>Lorraine Chow, freelance reporter<br></em><strong>2018 Green Change: Compost Regularly<br></strong>Since I've lived in apartments my whole adult life, it's always been difficult to consistently compost. But this year, my boyfriend's workplace installed a tumbler and now I'm a composting fiend. Even though our freezer is always stuffed with food scraps, I'm happy about generating less <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/food-waste">waste</a> and lowering my methane footprint.<br><strong>2019 Green Resolution: Drive Less<br></strong>I live in a town with no reliable public transit, so my car is basically the only way to get around. However, for short and medium trips, I'm really considering an electric bike. I love the idea of spending more time outside, all while benefiting my health and the environment's health.</p><p><em>Jordan Simmons, social media manager<br></em><strong>2018 Green Change: Raise Awareness About #PointlessPlastic<br></strong>2018 was the year of plastic pollution awareness—it's also the year I began using a firm, "No, thank you" whenever offered <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/pointlessplastic?src=hash" target="_blank">#pointlessplastic</a>. I've planted countless seeds of awareness by refusing plastic straws at restaurants and plastic bags in grocery stores, and I've been questioned about my choices, which allowed me to educate others on why we must take action for the planet now.<br><strong>2019 Green Resolution: Live a Zero-Waste Lifestyle<br></strong>My green resolution for 2019 is to live a zero-waste lifestyle. This lifestyle will not be easy as it includes shopping only in bulk and refusing to-go items whenever I don't have my own containers. But it's a dream I've had for years, so why not make this vision a reality in the new year?</p><p><em>Tara Bracco, managing editor<br></em><strong>2018 Green Change: Stop Using Plastic Straws<br></strong>We reported a lot on the ban on <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/plastic-straws" target="_self">plastic straws</a> in 2018 and reading those stories changed my habits. I no longer reach for a plastic straw after ordering an iced tea from my local coffee shop and saying, "No straw, please" at restaurants became a common practice.<br><strong>2019 Green Resolution: Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products<br></strong>I've been using a couple of Seventh Generation products in my home, but I didn't realize how much more I could be doing until Meredith Rosenberg wrote her article for EcoWatch about <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/green-cleaning-products-eco-friendly-2619694774.html" target="_self">green cleaning products</a>. In the new year, I want to use her tips for evaluating eco-friendly products and clean with less toxic chemicals and less guilt.</p><p><em>Irma Omerhodzic, associate editor<br></em><strong>2018 Green Change: Buy Locally<br></strong>I've been a <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/vegetarian" target="_self">vegetarian</a> for nearly a decade, following a vegan diet for some of the time, but eggs are difficult for me to give up altogether. So, I made the choice to always stick to buying locally sourced eggs from an organic farm.<br><strong>2019 Green Resolution: Use Organic Cotton Produce Bags<br></strong>In 2019, I really want to cut down on unnecessary plastic waste. Using cotton produce bags is an easy step to kick another bad plastic consumption habit!</p><p><em>Need ideas for your own green resolution in 2019? Read how you can </em><a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/sustainably-sourced-products-2617388522.html" target="_self"><em>ditch the disposables</em></a><em> and </em><a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/reduce-your-carbon-footprint-2615358557.html" target="_self"><em>reduce your carbon footprint </em></a><em>in the new year.</em></p>
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</p><div id="79bb8" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="b0faf65a1fa07b97c74e202a8f4d8182"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1059626548997820417" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">16 New #Vegan #Cookbooks We Can't Wait to Read in 2019 https://t.co/vlZnCUCq3R @peta @YourDailyVegan @FollowTheVegan</div> — EcoWatch (@EcoWatch)<a href="https://twitter.com/EcoWatch/statuses/1059626548997820417">1541469630.0</a></blockquote></div>
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