5 Resolutions for a More Eco-Friendly 2025

Happy New Year! As we step into 2025, let’s embrace this fresh start with hope and purpose. While the challenges of the climate crisis can feel so overwhelming, they also remind us of the incredible potential we have as individuals to make a difference. Every conscious decision we make has the power to contribute to a brighter, more sustainable future. To kick off the year, here are 5 resolution ideas to help you turn hope into action and create positive change for our planet.

1. Reduce Waste

Reducing waste is one of the simplest yet most impactful ways to live more sustainably. Everything we consume draws from Earth’s finite resources, so it’s vital to be mindful of how much we take and discard.

• Recycling: Learn which materials are recyclable in your area, including hard plastics, paper/cardboard, and aluminum. Many regions also require you to clean recyclables before disposal, so double-check your local guidelines.

• Composting: Composting is a personal favorite of mine. It transforms food and garden waste into nutrient-rich soil, keeping valuable material out of landfills. Whether you build a backyard compost, contribute to a community compost, or use your green bin (depending on where you live as well), composting reduces greenhouse gas emissions while enriching the soil.

• And Beyond: Services like Ridwell and TerraCycle make it easier to recycle hard-to-recycle items like plastic film, corks, textiles, and even hazardous waste like batteries and lightbulbs. While this service comes with a fee, the environmental benefits are worth it.

Goals for 2025:

• Reduce landfill contributions by setting a specific waste target.

• Start composting to close the loop on biodegradable waste.

2. Eat Sustainably

What you eat has a profound impact on the environment.

• Go Plant-Based: Transitioning to a plant-based diet—even partially—can significantly reduce water use, greenhouse gas emissions, and biodiversity loss. If going fully vegan feels daunting, aim to swap out one meal or day per week with plant-based options.

• Choose Organic and Ethical: For both plant-based and animal products, prioritize organic, pasture-raised, and ethically sourced options. Organic farming avoids harmful pesticides that damage ecosystems and human health, while pasture-raised ensures better treatment of animals.

Goals for 2025:

• Incorporate at least one plant-based meal daily or commit to a fully plant-based day each week.

• Purchase only organic and ethically sourced products.

3. Shop Intentionally

Adopting mindful consumption habits can drastically reduce your carbon footprint.

• Buy Less, Choose Well: In fashion, aim to buy no more than five new items of clothing per year to align with global warming goals. Extend this mindset to other non-essential items like beauty products, home decor, and electronics. Repair, mend, or shop secondhand whenever possible.

• Support Small, Local, and Sustainable Brands: Before buying, ask questions: Where was this made? Who made it, and were they paid fairly? What materials were used? Where is it shipping from? These considerations ensure your purchases support ethical practices and lower your environmental impact.

Goals for 2025:

• Limit non-essential new purchases to five items.

• Evaluate the “who, what, where, and how” of every purchase.

4. Connect and Protect

Spending time in nature fosters a deeper appreciation for the planet and strengthens our commitment to protecting it.

• Engage with the Outdoors: Go for hikes, visit the beach, or tend to a garden. Bonus points for picking up litter during your outings! These activities not only reconnect us with the Earth but also highlight why environmental protection matters so deeply.

Goal for 2025:

• Spend time outdoors at least once a month to connect with and appreciate nature.

5. Educate Yourself on Environmental Policies and News

One of the best ways to engage with the sustainability movement is by staying informed about environmental news and policies. You might be surprised by the initiatives—both positive and negative—happening in your own community.

Keeping up with these developments can inspire you to take action on causes that matter to you while connecting you with like-minded individuals who are equally passionate about sustainability. My personal favorite sources are the New York Times climate newsletter and, for fellow Angelenos, the LA Times Boiling Point newsletter. You’ll not only stay informed but also discover practical tips and resources to green your lifestyle.

Goal for 2025:

• Read at least one article a week on sustainability or climate change.

These resolutions are simple steps toward a more eco-friendly lifestyle. By adopting even one, you’ll be contributing to a healthier planet—and inspiring others to do the same. Let’s make 2025 the year of sustainable living!