9 Sustainable New Years Resolutions

From food packaging to everyday items, plastic is everywhere. And we get it: sometimes it's unavoidable. But reducing your plastic footprint is a worthwhile resolution. Resolve to bring a reusable bag when you go shopping, carry a refillable water bottle, and be a more discerning consumer when it comes to the materials used to produce and package items.

Industrial animal agriculture is a top cause of deforestation around the world. Besides its hefty environmental footprint, agricultural deforestation cuts deep into wild places that were previously inaccessible. This leads to habitat loss, land conversion, loss of ecosystem services, and more. It also increases the likelihood of additional extractive activities in the future. So give veggies a chance and get your animal products from a local farmer if you can.

This year, try to walk more and drive less. It's a great way to fit in some light exercise and get a different perspective on your daily route. Consider walking, biking, or using public transit whenever you can. Think of it as a chance to help the environment and save $ on going to the gym!

Small businesses help power local economies and, by extension, the local governments that depend on the tax dollars they generate. So the next time you have a purchase to make, shop around locally first.You’ll be putting food on a local family's table and reducing your own carbon footprint by not having items shipped from thousands of miles away.

Phantom energy can add around 10% to your home energy use and increase your carbon footprint over time. So invest in smart strips or unplug your electronics when they’re not in use, turn off the lights when you leave a room, and keep your thermostat below 68°F when you’re awake (and lower when you’re asleep or away from home). These simple changes will add up for the planet and your wallet.

Organic farmers must adhere to strict standards for pest control. They also generally use fewer resources, have less resource-intensive farming practices, protect bees, don’t pollute the air + groundwater, and promote local biodiversity. And choosing chemical-free, unprocessed food is one of the things we can control when it comes to chemical exposure.

If going completely zero-waste feels overwhelming, try to focus on one part of your home, like the kitchen or bathroom. Minimize plastic, create DIY cleaning and body care products, and swap out the unnecessary items like plastic wrap and paper towels. 

If reading more books is one of your resolutions, add some awesome climate and environment books to the list. A few of our favorites includeThe Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben, Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer, and The Overstory by Richard Powers. Looking for more options? Check out our list of 24 Best Books About Nature and Trees!

Trees help clean the air we breathe, filter the water we drink, provide habitat to over 80% of the world's terrestrial biodiversity, and so much more. So consider taking direct action to foster the future you want for the next generations. This can mean planting trees with us, or becoming tree ambassador to spread the word throughout your community.