Here are 12 climate resolutions to take with you into the new year

As we head into a new year, it’s a good idea to think about climate resolutions: what small actions can you take to reduce your carbon footprint?

From ditching disposable coffee cups to starting a community garden, our individual efforts go a long way.

Here is Change by Degrees’ handy monthly guide for making meaningful environmental change in 2025.

January: rethink your food

Start the year by focusing on what you eat. Agriculture accounts for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions so even small shifts – like cutting back on meat some days – can help. Eating local food that’s in season supports small farmers and reduces the carbon footprint of imported produce. It’s a win-win that will have an immediate and positive impact on your health and the pockets of small, organic farmers.

Also think about how you store your fresh produce and consider where your scraps end up. If global food waste were a country, it would be the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases. Composting cuts methane emissions from landfills and turns waste into nutrient-rich soil.

February: care for soil and trees

Healthy soil and thriving trees are potent allies in carbon capture. Local ecosystems absorb CO₂, support biodiversity, and protect against severe weather events like flooding. Clean up a wetland, plant native trees, or join a community garden.

March: throw a ‘what should I do?’ party

Many people don’t realise their potential to contribute. Host a “what should I do?” party to connect friends with action. Untapped talents can inspire collective change, whether lobbying, organising cleanups, or creating art. Already know your role? Use this month to plan your year of action.

April: reduce energy consumption

Take charge of your energy use. Some providers encourage load-shifting to times when renewable energy is abundant. For instance, running laundry or charging devices during the day taps into plentiful solar power. Over time, these habits lower bills and increase demand for greener energy.

If you don’t have solar panels, explore renewable energy providers. Some companies source electricity from distributed solar and reinvest profits in local communities.

May: organise local swaps or walks

Encourage community bonding and conscious consumerism by organising a clothing swap. The environmental cost of clothing production is high; swapping saves water and energy while building community. This is a particularly good idea for kid’s clothing as most kids grow out of their clothes before they are worn out.

Alternatively, start a walking group to foster environmental appreciation and promote active, low-emission lifestyles, or simply start (or join) a community project that makes sense for your skill set and interests.

June: ethical banking

Research banks or investment funds that prioritise renewable energy and divesting from fossil fuels. Ethical investments can shift industries toward sustainability, with 2020 alone seeing a surge in green investments.

July: embrace slow travel

Air travel is one of the fastest-growing contributors to global carbon emissions. A single short-haul flight (eg Sydney to Melbourne) generates around 185kg of CO₂ per passenger, while a long-haul flight (eg Sydney to London) can emit as much as 2,154kg per economy passenger (although the carbon footprint can vary widely depending on stopovers, plane models and even seating).

By skipping a flight and opting for local travel, you can drastically reduce your environmental impact. Why not holiday closer to home and explore hidden gems within driving or train distance?

August: know your reps

Write to your MPs, urging them to prioritise climate action. Personalise your messages: share why this matters to your family, include your kids’ drawings, or highlight local issues. Politicians are more likely to act when they hear directly from constituents.

September: eliminate single-use items

Commit to phasing out single-use plastics and disposables. Start small: carry reusable cutlery, refuse plastic straws, and invest in long-lasting alternatives like metal razors. The global production of plastics accounts for 1.8bn metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually and reducing demand can help stem this tide.

October: bike or hike

Replace short car trips with biking or walking. If distance or fitness is a barrier, consider an electric bike, which emits just 22g of CO₂ per kilometre compared to a car’s 271g. Beyond the climate benefits, active travel improves health, reducing pressure on healthcare systems.

November: buy nothing

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.

December: a conscious Christmas

Christmas is a time of giving, but it can also be a time of overconsumption and waste. Host events to raise money for those in need – carol singing is always a fun and simple one. And why not follow a gift-giving rule for the kids: “Something to wear, something to read, something I want, or something I need.”

By rethinking holiday traditions, you can cut waste and emphasise what matters most.

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