New Year, new behaviour—so let’s talk about adopting a sustainable lifestyle by dedicating each month of the year to an eco-friendly practice. While the New Year may be an exciting moment for you, it will likely present more challenges to the environment as our planet continues to struggle with air pollution, carbon emissions, deforestation, and more. It would be beneficial to prioritize eco-friendly practices to help mitigate the environmental challenges our planet faces each year.
Sustainability is no longer just a trend; it’s a necessity to mitigate climate change—a pressing global issue that threatens environmental sustainability, human health, and wildlife. With the climate crisis intensifying, adopting a sustainable lifestyle is more important now than ever. The New Year presents an opportunity for you to do better than the previous year and the best way to start is with these green resolutions for every month.
Green Resolution for Every Month
#1. January: Own a Plant
Why It Matters
For the first month of the year, you can start by owning a plant, whether it’s indoors or outdoors. Gardening has several environmental and health benefits—it improves mental, psychological, and physical health while providing fresh farm produce. A study published in the Journal of Therapeutic Community discovered that gardening activities improve therapeutic goals including social interaction, communication skills, and self-esteem.
How to Start
As a beginner, start with easy-to-maintain plants like succulents or herbs. These types of plants require minimal maintenance and can thrive indoors or in small outdoor spaces. Explore online resources for gardening tips.
Data and Impact
The best practice in gardening is growing food organically without the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. These toxic chemicals are environmentally unhealthy and can affect soil health. Gardening helps you reduce your dependency on commercial agriculture which is responsible for greenhouse gas emissions. Green America reports a properly maintained garden can effectively reduce household food waste.
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) suggests that gardening is a powerful way to connect with nature and help mitigate climate change. It’s about nurturing life and contributing to the ecosystem. Even small gardens can make a big difference in reducing your carbon footprint.”
#2. February: Walk or Use a Bike
Why It Matters
Cycling or walking is environmentally friendly and improves physical health compared to driving. Gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles contribute to global greenhouse gas emissions. According to the United Nations, fossil fuels are responsible for over 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with gasoline-powered vehicles contributing significantly.
How to Start
Walk or ride a bike to short distances instead of driving. For instance, a grocery store a few blocks away shouldn’t be that difficult to walk to. You can also invest in electric bikes for longer trips around town.
Expert Insight
Dr Carlos Perez, University of East Anglia, School of Environmental Sciences, Professor notes that “Switching to non-motorized transportation not only benefits the environment but also improves cardiovascular health. It’s a win-win situation—reducing pollution while enhancing personal well-being.”
Data and Impact
A study published in The Lancet discovered that a shift to walking or cycling in cities could prevent up to 109,000 premature deaths each year. Walking or cycling reduces global carbon emissions significantly by almost 1.5 gigatons annually if adopted on a larger scale.
Learn More: How to Achieve a Zero-Waste Kitchen: 10 Creative Strategies for Success
#3. March: Prevent Food Waste
Why It Matters
Food waste sent to landfills contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), an estimated one-third of food produced globally is discarded. The resources, energy, and efforts in the production line and distribution are also wasted.
How to Start
A well-planned shopping list is the best way to start. Shop sustainably, store food properly to extend its shelf life, and compost leftovers rather than trashing them.
Expert Insight
Dr Christian Reynolds from the Centre for Food Policy, an environmental nutritionist advises that reducing food waste is one of the most effective ways to combat climate change, as it lowers greenhouse gas emissions. Simple actions like meal planning, proper storage, and composting can significantly decrease your household’s environmental impact.”
Data and Impact
According to a study by Harvard University, reducing food waste by 15% could feed 25 million Americans annually. It’s important to note that food waste in landfills emits methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
#4. April: Reduce Single-use Plastics
Why It Matters
Our planet is choking on plastics—littered and incinerated in landfills and dumped in the ocean and other water bodies. Single-use plastics are banned in some countries, yet plastic pollution continues to harm wildlife, especially endangered marine species like the hawksbill turtle. According to a study by the Pew Charitable Trusts, if actionable steps are not taken, the volume of plastic entering the ocean will triple by 2040, increasing from 11 million metric tons to 29 million metric tons annually.
How to Start
Commit to a zero-plastic lifestyle—replace single-use plastics with reusable options. Instead of using plastic bottles, cups, straws, bags, and other containers, choose durable, reusable alternatives. Additionally, support brands that produce sustainable products to replace single-use plastics.
Expert Insight
Dr Sarah-Jeanne Royer highlights in an interview that the impact of single-use plastics on marine life is devastating—it pollutes the oceans and contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. She stresses the importance of making conscious choices to reduce plastic use, so we can protect marine ecosystems and preserve biodiversity.
Data and Impact
A date by the UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission suggests that reducing plastic waste can decrease marine plastic pollution by an estimated 80%. Plastic pollution is causing irreparable harm to the environment. The economic cost of plastic pollution, including its impact on tourism and fisheries, is estimated at over $2 trillion annually.
#5. May: Eat Less Meat and Dairy Products
Why It Matters
The meat and dairy industry is responsible for deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions. It is also resource- and energy-intensive. According to the UN’s Food and Agricultural Organization, livestock agriculture accounts for about 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions. You can reduce your environmental footprint by consuming less meat and dairy products.
How to Start
Begin with small steps, like observing “Meatless Monday” to motivate yourself to reduce your meat consumption. Opt for plant-based protein sources like almond milk, lentils, and tofu. Educate yourself on the environmental importance of eating less meat and dairy products.
Expert Insight
Dr Patrick O. Brown, founder of Impossible Foods, emphasised that transitioning to a plant-based diet is one of the most effective ways to reduce your environmental impact, by minimising water usage, land degradation and greenhouse gas emissions. It’s about making small, manageable changes that can lead to significant results over time.”
Data and Impact
A study published in PLUS Climate explains that if the world adopted a plant-based diet, it could reduce global agricultural greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of 25 gigatons of CO2 annually. Opting for a plant-based diet could conserve millions of litres of water used each year in livestock agriculture.
#6. June: Adopt Sustainable Practices
Why It Matters
The sustainability trend has gained significant traction recently, and why miss out on this opportunity to play a part in mitigating climate change? Adopting a sustainable lifestyle helps conserve resources, promote biodiversity, reduce waste, conserve energy, and ensure overall environmental sustainability.
How to Start
Begin your sustainability journey by doing simple actions like reducing waste, conserving energy at home and reducing your water usage. Replace single-use plastic items in your home with reusable alternatives.
Expert Insight
Ida Bohman Steenberg, a Chief Sustainability Officer and Laura Green, a sustainability consultant emphasise the importance of adopting a sustainable lifestyle evident in our everyday choices. According to them, sustainable living is about making intentional decisions like prioritising circular principles and eco-friendly choices that benefit both you and the planet. It’s not about perfection, but about progress—every small step counts.
Data and Impact
The Global Footprint Network reports that if we all lived as sustainably as possible, we would need only one earth to support the world’s population as opposed to the 1.7 earths required.
Learn More: 10 Innovative Eco-Friendly Projects for Students to Lead a Sustainable Future
#7. July: Start Recycling
Why It Matters
Recycling is an important component of modern sustainability efforts. It’s an effective process that has kept a wide range of waste materials out of landfills and the ocean.
How to Start
Set up a recycling system at work or in your home to separate plastics, metals, paper, and glass accordingly. Dispose of these items in designated recycling bins. Always opt for recycling instead of discarding used items in the dumpster. Contact your local recycling centre to learn about the types of waste materials they accept.
Expert Insight
McKibben, a well-known environmental activist and author has emphasised that recycling is not just about managing waste; it also helps in resource conservation. Every item recycled reduces resource extraction and environmental pollution
Data and Impact
According to the MIT Technology Review, only 9% of all plastics ever produced have been recycled. By prioritizing recycling, you can make a difference in reducing solid waste, especially plastic waste polluting the environment.
#8. August: Avoid Fast Fashion
Why It Matters
Fast fashion is readily available for consumers at a very cheap price, but it’s resource-intensive, generates excess waste, and often contributes to labour exploitation. According to the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), the fashion industry accounts for 10% of global carbon emissions.
How to Start
Join the sustainability movement by purchasing products from sustainable brands with reputable practices. You can also host a clothes swap event or buy second-hand clothes from thrift stores.
Expert Insight
“Fashion doesn’t have to cost the Earth. By choosing sustainable fashion, you’re voting with your wallet for a better future,” says Stella McCarthy, a fashion sustainability advocate.
Data and Impact
A report by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation explains that extending the life of clothing by an extra nine months could reduce carbon, water, and waste footprint by 20 to 30%.
#9. September: Volunteer for an Environment Organization
Why It Matters
Becoming a volunteer for an environmental organization is an effective way to promote sustainability initiatives in your community. By getting involved in local efforts, you can support eco-friendly efforts like reforestation and conservation.
In the words of an inspiring young environmental activist Greta Thunberg, “Activism is essential to drive change. By volunteering, you’re not only contributing to a cause but also inspiring others to take action.”
How to Start
Find local environmental organizations that align with your interests. Whether it’s participating in tree-planting initiatives or educating others about sustainability, you can influence others to follow in your footsteps.
Data and Impact
According to a study, volunteer-driven conservation efforts can significantly improve biodiversity and ecosystem restoration projects.
#10. October: Adopt Conscious Consumption of Energy
Why It Matters
Adopting a sustainable lifestyle involves being conscious of your energy consumption. Switching off lights and unplugging appliances are common steps to help conserve energy. Investing in energy-efficient home appliances reduces your carbon footprint and lowers utility bills.
How to Start
Your New Year’s resolution to conserve energy should start with simple tasks like switching off lights and unplugging home appliances not in use. Investing in energy-efficient appliances will conserve energy, but going off-grid by installing solar panels can take your utility bills to zero.
Expert Insight
Dr Michael Brown, an energy expert advices that “Conserving energy is about more than just saving money—it’s about reducing your impact on the planet. Every kilowatt-hour saved is a step towards a more sustainable future.”
Data and Impact
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that energy-efficient practices and technologies could reduce national energy consumption by up to 20%.
#11. November: Adopt Seasonally Local Food
Why It Matters
Eating seasonally and locally is an effective way to reduce carbon emissions associated with the production process and distribution of processed foods. Supporting local farmers boosts the local economy and lowers transpiration CO2 emissions.
How to Start
Visit local farmers’ markets to buy fresh fruits and veggies that are in season. You can also support Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs to ensure a steady supply of local and seasoned foods.
Expert Insight
Hannah Ritchie, a researcher at Our World in Data, explains that when you eat seasonally and locally, you support both your health and local farmers. It also ensures that you’re eating the freshest and most nutritious food available.”
Data and Impact
A study by Cambridge Unicersity discovered that eating locally can significantly reduce food-related greenhouse gas emissions. Your support of locally sourced foods also helps preserve agricultural land and biodiversity.
#12. December: Avoid Air Travel
Why It Matters
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), air travel is responsible for an estimated 2.5% of global carbon emissions. The aviation industry remains one of the major contributors to CO2 emissions.
How to Start
Limit air travel and opt for alternative transportation with trains and buses. However, if you must fly, consider offsetting your carbon emissions through reputable programs.
Expert Insight
Mira Kapfinger of the Stay Grounded network emphasizes the importance of reducing air travel. According to him, avoiding flights is one of the most effective ways to reduce your carbon footprint. Where possible, opt for slower, more sustainable travel options.
Data and Impact
A study in Nature suggests that aviation emissions account for about 2.5 of the global carbon emissions—this could rise to 22% by 2050. Reducing air travel could minimize global carbon emissions by 5%. Another study by the University of Oxford explains how individual actions such as walking, circling and e-biking and limiting air travel can be more effective than several government policies in combating climate change.
Conclusion
New Year’s resolutions are for positive change—to improve on what we did in the previous year. Assigning each month of 2024 to an eco-friendly practice can lead to a significant change. The New Year presents an opportunity to rewrite the wrong habits of the previous year and make a meaningful impact with sustainable practices for a greener future.