Tips and lists
Every January we promise ourselves a better version of us: fitter, greener, more organised, less… us. And every February, reality taps us on the shoulder with leftover chocolate and a dead gym membership. Turns out, it’s not a lack of willpower. It’s science. But fear not, we came up with 10 resolutions you can actually keep.
Let’s start with the uncomfortable truth: most New Year’s resolutions don’t survive the winter. Research consistently shows that around 80% of resolutions are abandoned within the first month. Not because people are lazy, but because our brains are wired to resist sudden, sweeping change. According to behavioural psychologists, vague goals (‘be healthier’, ‘live sustainably’) offer little immediate reward, while demanding maximum effort upfront. A recipe for burnout rather than habit formation.
Long-term studies on behaviour change show that small, specific, and repeatable actions are far more likely to stick than ambitious life overhauls. The same applies to sustainability: perfection is the enemy of progress. So instead of ‘saving the planet’ (no pressure), here are 10 sustainable resolutions that work with your brain, not against it.
Not: ‘I’ll exercise more.’ But: ‘I’ll walk instead of driving once a day.’
Walking is a low-friction habit: no equipment, no subscription and no fancy Lycra required. Even replacing short car trips with walking cuts emissions, improves cardiovascular health, and boosts your mood (which, in January, is hardly a luxury).
Crucially, it’s specific and achievable, which behavioural science shows makes it far more likely to become routine.
Food waste is one of the most under-discussed climate problems. Instead of vowing to “never waste food again’ (good luck), try this: once a week, share a leftover meal with a neighbour, colleague, or friend.
You reduce waste, build social connection, and turn sustainability into something communal, which research shows increases motivation and follow-through.
Overconsumption doesn’t happen in dramatic moments but sneaks in via forgotten drawers and impulse buys. Set a recurring reminder: 10 minutes, once a month, to identify one item you don’t need anymore. Sell it, donate it, swap it, or gift it.
This habit builds awareness without triggering deprivation, another key principle in sustainable behaviour change.
You don’t need to go vegan overnight to make a difference. Research shows that even reducing meat consumption once or twice a week significantly lowers your carbon footprint.
Choose one fixed day, give it a name (our suggestions: Tofu Tuesday, or Green Day, with bonus soundtrack) and make it enjoyable.
This one’s indirect, but powerful. Set one evening per week where screens go off an hour before bed. Better sleep improves impulse control, emotional regulation, and decision-making – all of which affect how consistently we maintain sustainable habits.
Fun fact, right? Better rested humans make better planet choices.
Fast consumption thrives on convenience and repair interrupts that cycle. So once a month, fix something: a torn seam, a wobbly chair, a bike tyre. Join a repair café or make it a solo ritual.
Repair culture reduces waste, saves resources, and reconnects us with the value of what we already own. And it saves you a shit ton of money.
If a fully car-free commute isn’t realistic, don’t force it. Behavioral science shows that partial change beats all-or-nothing thinking. Instead of ditching the car entirely, try parking one stop earlier and walking or cycling the last stretch, or consider taking the train for part of the trip instead of driving the whole way. Small changes compound over time and, crucially, they don’t trigger resistance.
Water conservation doesn’t need martyrdom. Just shave one minute off your shower time. That’s measurable, trackable, and genuinely impactful. Pair it with a playlist and let the music be your timer. Good habits work best when they feel like a game, not a sacrifice.
Books, clothes, games: once a month, swap instead of shop.
Books are perhaps the most tangible example. You write your name inside, pass them on, and let them travel from hand to hand. Each book carries a trace of its readers, turning private consumption into a shared experience. You end up reading more, buying less, and constantly receiving something new in return.
This is the circular economy at its most human scale. It reduces demand for new production while creating moments of connection, a proven driver of habit longevity.
Pick one topic per month: composting, low-impact cleaning, sustainable fashion. Learn about it. Then share it with someone else.
Teaching reinforces behaviour change and builds intrinsic motivation which is one of the strongest predictors of long-term habit success.
Sustainable resolutions don’t need a halo, a complicated spreadsheet, or a guilt complex. It needs humans doing what humans are good at: small actions, repeated often, together. One last piece of advice: pick one resolution, not all ten. Make it realistic, make it manageable, and give it time to stick. Happy New Year!
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