9 Sustainable New Years Resolutions

From food safety to packaged goods, plastic is everywhere. And we get it: sometimes it's unavoidable. But reducing your plastic footprint is a worthwhile resolution, and seemingly small actions can add up to huge impact over time. So bring a reusable bag when you go  shopping, carry a refillable water bottle, and consider bringing a sustainable straw + your own to-go containers when you go out to eat.

Industrial agriculture is a top cause of deforestation around the world. Besides its hefty environmental footprint, agricultural deforestation brings us deep into wild places that were previously inaccessible. This  dramatically increases the risk of coming into contact with new diseases. So give veggies a chance + 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 get some light exercise, get a different perspective on your daily route, andget to where you need to go. Consider walking, biking, or (when it’s safe to do so) taking public transit whenever you can. Every mile you don’t drive reduces your carbon footprint by about 1 lb. Think of it as a chance to 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 + reducing your own carbon footprint by not having items shipped from thousands of miles away.

Phantom energy can add an estimated 10% to your monthly electric bill + dramatically 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 just one way we can take control of our health. 

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 (according to the EPA, paper is the #1 item going into the landfill). 

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 Treesby Peter Wohlleben, Eating Animalsby Jonathan Safran Foer, and The Overstoryby 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 create a positive impact that will last for generations to come. This can mean planting a tree with us, getting to a planting event, or even becoming a tree ambassador to spread the word throughout your community.