7 Easy Resolutions for a Greener Lifestyle for Beginners

How are your resolutions coming along? The new year is a great time to set goals that benefit us, our community, and even the planet! It’s perfect to begin or continue a journey towards a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Here are seven inspiring new year’s resolutions that not only benefit the planet but also contribute to your well-being! 

Track and reduce your carbon footprint 

Download Tree Canada’s new Carbon Tracker app to better understand your carbon footprint based on daily habits like energy usage, travel, and lifestyle choices. Set yourself the simple goal of reducing your average emissions by 2-3 tonnes of CO2 per year. Learn from the tips provided in the app, join friendly competitions, and plant trees to compensate for your remaining carbon emissions. The app also connects you with a community of like-minded individuals that can support you on your journey.  

Make one single-use item swap for the year 

Pay attention to the items you toss in the trash for the next couple of days, then say goodbye to one of them for the year! Ditching a lot of coffee cups? Invest in a reusable travel mug and receive discounts from your local coffee shop! You can even take on a bigger challenge like using your own utensils for takeout orders, bringing reusable cotton bags for groceries, or switching to glass containers to store your leftovers.  

Grow your own green 

Start your very own mini garden by growing one fruit, vegetable, or herb on your balcony, windowsill, or in your backyard. You’ll feel a sense of accomplishment having nurtured your own fresh, organic produce. Think about the environmental impact of food transportation, and how much was saved by growing food yourself. If food isn’t your thing, you can contribute to biodiversity by growing flora that’s beneficial to local wildlife! 

Plan one alternative transport for a regular trip 

Pick one trip that you make regularly, even if it’s once a month. Replace your car for that trip with more sustainable transportation, such as walking, cycling, carpooling, or public transportation. At the end of the year, think about how easy or difficult it was to make the switch and see if you’re interested in challenging yourself with another replacement next year! 

Swap one item of clothing or accessory every month 

An item that’s older to you might be a refreshing change for a friend, and vice versa! If it’s not significantly damaged it can be exchanged. This is a great way to begin building a sustainable wardrobe. With an exchange you won’t feel as if you’ve lost something, because you will be receiving something in return. If this seems too easy, you can plan bigger group clothing swaps once a month! 

Take on one energy-efficient habit 

Conserve energy by adopting one simple habit like turning off lights or unplugging electronics when you’re not using them. These practices not only contribute to a lower energy bill but also decrease your overall carbon footprint. If taking on one habit seems too easy, try two, or more! 

Embrace plant-based once a month 

An easy way to start is to set a goal for one plant-based meal a month – that’s only a commitment of 12 plant-based meals in a year! Sounds too easy? Bring it up to once a week. Whatever the goal, schedule it in your calendar so you don’t forget. Explore plant-based recipes and discover delicious new flavours! 

Think big, start small. Make 2024 the year you make a tangible impact on the environment!