A new year is the perfect excuse to hit the reset button and make a few simple changes that feel and do good. If you’re trying to live a little lighter on the planet, choosing some eco-friendly or plastic-free resolutions is a great place to start. No pressure, no perfection, just small swaps and mindful habits that add up over time!
Here are 10 simple ideas to help you embrace a greener lifestyle this year.
1. Try a “Reuse First” Habit
Before buying something new, pause for a second and think: Do I already have something that works?
From reusing jars to bringing your own bags, cups, or containers, this one small mindset shift can seriously cut down on waste without costing anything.
2. Swap Out Everyday Plastics
Pick a couple of plastic-heavy items you use all the time and try switching to reusable or plastic-free versions.
Some painless swaps:
- A refillable water bottle – our Life’s a Beach insulated water bottles are amazing at keeping water cold for 24 hours and are inexpensive! Plus, sales supports our work cleaning up British beaches 💙
- Shampoo and conditioner bars
- Reusable produce bags
- Beeswax wraps for leftovers
3. Shop With Less Waste in Mind
Try choosing products with minimal packaging or visiting places like farmers’ markets, refill stores, or bulk food sections. It’s not about being perfect, just being a bit more intentional when you can. Buying your fruit and vegetables loose instead of in multi packs can make a huge difference across a whole year!
4. Cut Down on Food Waste
Food waste has a bigger environmental impact than most people realize. Easy ways to reduce it include:
- Planning simple weekly meals
- Freezing leftovers
- Storing fruit and veggies properly
- Making a quick homemade stock from veggie scraps
You’ll save money too, which is always a win.
5. Slow Down Your Fashion Buying
Instead of impulse-buying clothes, try shopping secondhand first, borrowing for special events, or investing in better-quality pieces. Even mending something you already love can feel surprisingly satisfying.
6. Make Your Daily Routine a Little Greener
Small changes really do stack up. Think:
- Turning off lights when you leave a room
- Washing clothes on cold
- Air-drying laundry when possible
- Choosing eco-friendly cleaning products
Tiny tweaks = big impact over time.
7. Try a Plastic-Free Month
Give yourself a fun challenge like going as plastic-free as possible for one month. Treat it as an experiment, not a rulebook. You’ll discover new products, new habits, and maybe even a new favourite local refill shop.
8. Support Sustainable Brands (When You Need Something New)
When you do buy something, try supporting companies that put real effort into reducing waste, choosing better materials, or treating workers fairly. Your wallet is a powerful vote.
9. Spend More Time Outdoors
Want to stay motivated to live greener? Go outside more. Walks, hikes, gardening, beach cleanups (we can help with that – hello@lifesabeach.org) anything that helps you reconnect with nature makes sustainable habits feel more meaningful.
10. Pick One Bigger Eco Project
Choose a “big goal” to work toward throughout the year, like:
- Starting a compost system
- Growing herbs on your windowsill
- Switching to eco-friendly energy
- Cutting your household waste in half
You don’t need to achieve it overnight – just enjoy the process!
The big thing to remember? You don’t have to overhaul your entire life to make a difference. Start small, stay curious, and celebrate the wins along the way. Here’s to a greener, more mindful year -one swap at a time!
