attainable, sustainable, new years resolutions
with the start of the new year, perhaps you, like so many people, are setting big goals for the year to come. while i fully support dreaming big and working towards hard goals, i also think there is real power in setting small goals that stretch you but are still realistically achievable, especially when trying to build habits.
for example, if you’ve never been one to workout, instead of the resolution to workout 6X a week for an hour (which you’ll likely burn out from quickly) maybe you set the goal to do 20 minutes of movement 3 times a week. this is an easier lifestyle change that makes movement an ingrained habit and part of your regular routine. once you’re comfortable with this new habit (maybe even craving it?!) you can increase the frequency, duration, intensity, etc. of your workouts, but you’re building from an established foundation.
the same approach can be applied to sustainability habits. example: i’d highly suggest not setting a resolution to be 100% zero waste unless you’re years into a low waste lifestyle. while the goal is certainly ambitious and laudable, it will require such aggressive lifestyle changes and choices it’s more likely to burn you out or become frustrating when you can’t meet the goal. instead, smaller, more attainable and sustainable resolutions can help change your daily habits to be more eco-friendly. these eco habits can become successful lifestyle changes that last long after the new year glow and ambition has worn off.
forever resolution: more time in nature
with that, here are 5 attainable, sustainable new years resolutions. try what sounds interesting to you, leave what doesn’t. successfully added one of these into your life? maybe add another. talk to your friends and family about what you’re doing and bring them along for the ride. there is power in receiving support from the people around you and in bringing more people into the sustainability movement. bonus — all of these are no or low cost :)
try a no buy week / month. we consume SO MUCH as a society, often mindlessly. challenge yourself to not buy anything new (aside from necessities like groceries, healthcare items, etc) for a week to start. made it through a week? awesome! try a no buy month. if you really need something new, check your local buy nothing group or ask your friends and family if you can borrow it (this works great for tools, appliances, outdoor gear, etc.)
make ONE plastic free swap. this could be getting a reusable water bottle or coffee mug, or getting bulk food and veggie bags for your groceries. other items that make great swaps: bamboo toothbrush, shampoo and conditioner bars, body soap vs. body wash, or switching to concentrate for your cleaning products. try to make one swap at the start of each season.
learn something new. read a book, watch a documentary, or listen to a new podcast that focuses on climate change or sustainability. whatever medium you prefer, look to grow your knowledge around sustainability and share what you learn with those around you.
volunteer with a local organization. think about what you’re most passionate about when it comes to sustainability. is it local, health food? volunteer at a community garden. is it the beach? volunteer for beach clean ups or water quality monitoring. is it youth? volunteer for groups leading outdoor activities or education programs for kids.
donate something(s). nothing brings me joy like a full on closet/house clean out and organization day, however doing a full marie-kondo on your home can be a lot. choose one area of your home to start. this could be your coat closet, that cupboard that has all your random kitchen appliances, or that toy chest stuffed with old toys. everything that you aren’t truly using or don’t need can be donated (assuming it is in good shape). more information on donating responsibly here. set a time each season or month to do a deep clean and audit of one area of your home.
what attainable, sustainable, resolutions are you setting for this year?
