As the winter holiday season comes to a close, my thoughts turn to New Year’s resolutions and the promise of new beginnings, a mix of inspiration and overwhelm. While big goals can be motivating, they can also feel daunting, making it feel harder to even begin.
One goal I set for myself every year is “to be more sustainable.” It’s a great intention, but it’s also broad. When sustainability starts to feel like an “all-or-nothing” lifestyle, it’s easy to get stuck or discouraged, but it doesn’t have to be that way. The reality is that progress is built through small, intentional choices. I often refer back to Green Life’s motto, a quote by Zero Waste Chef Anne Marie Bonneau, which has also become my own: “We don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly.”
This year, I’m focusing on tangible changes that actually fit into everyday life. Sustainability doesn’t mean perfection – it’s all about the small steps.
Small Sustainable Habits To Build 2026
Bring Your Own
Before heading out the door, toss a reusable bag into your pocket or keep one in your car or bike bag. Bring your own coffee cup or travel mug in case you stop for a warm drink during these cold winter months. Building these habits into your daily routines can help to reduce single-waste over time.
Extra Tip: Keep a “reusables station” by your door with bags, cups, and utensils so they’re easy to grab on your way out.
Reuse What You Already Have
If something you own is worn down, like a favorite sweater with a few small holes or missing buttons, consider repairing it instead of throwing it away. A simple mend can extend the life of your clothes and keep them out of landfills. At home, reuse glass jars from pasta sauce, jams, or spices instead of buying new storage containers. These jars are perfect for pantry items, bulk goods, leftovers, or refilling home and body products at your local refill shop.
Be Mindful to Conserve Energy
Turning off lights when you leave a room is a low-effort way to reduce energy use and your electricity bill. Unplug electronics when not in use, especially chargers and appliances that still draw power when turned off.
Extra Tip: When possible, switch to LED light bulbs, which use less energy and last much longer than traditional light bulbs.
Save Water at Home
Taking slightly shorter showers is a simple way to conserve water without drastically changing your routine. Even cutting your shower time by one or two minutes over time will make a difference. Extra Tip: Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or washing dishes, and only run the dishwasher or washing machine when you have a full load.
Make Small Kitchen Swaps
Gradually replace your paper towels with reusable cloths or rags for everyday cleaning, and swap disposable napkins for cloth ones.
Shop Secondhand First
Before buying something new, check a thrift store, second-hand shop, or local “buy-nothing” group. Shopping secondhand reduces demand for new production and keeps items in use longer. You would be surprised how many treasures can be found at your local thrift shop! Extra Tip: Borrow items you only need once or twice (like tools) from friends or neighbors.
Support Local and Sustainable Businesses
Choose to shop locally and support businesses that prioritize sustainability to help strengthen your community while reducing environmental impact. We recently made a guide of all the “green” local spots on Willy Street that you can find here (will add a link once the post is up on Instagram this week!).
These tips remind me of one of my favorite short poems– one that captures resourcefulness and the quiet power of small, meaningful acts:
“Popcorn-can cover
screwed to the wall
over a hole
so the cold
can’t mouse in”
– Lorine Niedecker
Sustainability isn’t about perfection. It’s about doing what you can, when you can, and building habits that feel meaningful and doable over time.
