Could you set yourself a climate-focused resolution across 2025?

Let’s look at what small but meaningful changes we can make in our everyday lives to reduce our personal carbon footprint.

The beginning of the year is a great time to set yourself a realistic challenge to live more sustainably. The following is a suggestion of what you could focus on for 2-month durations across the year.

January and February - Only buy what you actually need

“Challenge yourself to a month of no new purchases. Repair, borrow, or make do with what you have. The consumer economy drives emissions, from manufacturing to transportation. Taking a break from buying reduces your impact and encourages mindfulness about material goods”  (Ref 1)

March and April - Learn about climate issues

It can often be hard to properly learn about climate issues, and instead we rely on sensationalist and often depressing headings in the News about extreme weather events.

Across these two months, you can upskill and try to understand some of the most pressing issues of our time. Read articles and books or watch explainer videos/documentaries about climate issues.

This could be in any area of sustainability: fast fashion, plastic pollution, e-waste, biodiversity.

May and June - Eliminate single-use items  

“Commit to phasing out single-use plastics and disposables. Start small: carry reusables e.g. cups, bottles and invest in long-lasting alternatives. The global production of plastics accounts for 1.8bn metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually and reducing demand can help stem this tide.” (Ref 1) 

July and August -Think sustainable travel  

Re-think how you travel – both on everyday journeys like work commutes (opt for walking, biking or public transport) and also any trips/holidays. Tourism has a massive carbon footprint, so considering what trips you can make via bus or train rather than flying could have a big impact. 

Locally, replace short car trips with biking or walking. Not only is this much better for the planet, but also far better for your health. (Ref 1, 6) 

September and October - Reduce your energy use  

Switch off lights, change lights to LEDs, turn down the thermostat, wash clothes on 30degrees, spend less time in the shower… all these tips and more have been shown to reduce energy usage. Pick a few to try (Ref 1, 5). 

November and December - Think about sustainable food choices 

Eat less meat and dairy and plan your meals to avoid food waste at home. Food waste accounts for 8-10% of all greenhouse gas emissions.  

Red meat and dairy consumption have an outsized emissions impact, so you don’t need to be entirely plant-based, but just reducing how much you eat of these food groups will make a difference. (Ref 3, 4) 

And for all the above: Talk to others about the changes you’re making!

According to research published in the journal Ecopsychology, solution-focused stories are more effective than catastrophic warnings in motivating pro-environmental intentions. Tell your friends about what you’re doing and see if you can bring them on the journey with you. (Ref 1,2)

References:

• Ref 1: The Guardian: 12 Climate Resolutions
• Ref 2: Mary Ann Liebert, Inc: Solution focused stories
• Ref 3: Forbes: Got Beef? Here's what your hamburger is doing to the climate
• Ref 4: United Nations Climate Change: Food loss and waste account for 8-10% of annual global greenhouse gas emissions
• Ref 5: LSE Estates Energy-Saving Tips to Get you Through Winter
• Ref 6: Our World In Data, Travel Carbon Footprint