New Year’s Resolutions for a More Sustainable 2026

New year, fresh start. As we step into 2026, many of us are making resolutions to eat healthier, exercise more, or improve our finances. But this year, why not go one step further and make resolutions that benefit both you and the planet?

Sustainability doesn’t have to mean big lifestyle overhauls. It starts with small, practical changes—the kind that save money, reduce waste, and create a better future for all of us.

Here are some simple, meaningful sustainability goals you can set for 2026—and how to actually stick to them.

🌱 1. Start Composting Your Food Waste

If you do just one thing this year, let it be this. Food waste is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gases, and composting is one of the simplest ways to stop it from going to landfill.

✅ Compost at home with a bin, worm farm, or Bokashi

✅ Or join a local composting service like The Compost Kitchen

✅ Use the compost to grow your own herbs or nourish your plants

💡 Impact: Just one household composting can divert over 150 kg of food waste a year from landfills!

🛍️ 2. Reduce Single-Use Plastics

Plastic-free living doesn’t mean doing everything perfectly. Start small:

✅ Carry a reusable shopping bag, coffee cup, and water bottle

✅ Swap clingwrap for beeswax wraps or containers

✅ Say no to straws and plastic cutlery when eating out

💡 Resolution hack: Keep reusable items in your bag or car so they’re always with you.

🧺 3. Switch to Greener Home Habits

Your household can become more eco-friendly one product at a time.

✅ Switch to eco-cleaners and refillable products

✅ Use cold water for most laundry loads

✅ Air dry clothes instead of using a tumble dryer

✅ Fix small leaks and drips to save water

💡 Challenge: Choose one swap each month—e.g. this month: vinegar + bicarb instead of chemical sprays.

🌿 4. Grow Something You Can Eat

You don’t need a big garden to grow food. Whether it’s basil in a windowsill jar or tomatoes in a pot on the patio, growing your own is:

✅ Rewarding

✅ Good for your health

✅ A great way to use your compost!

💡 Resolution idea: Start with 3 easy crops—spinach, spring onions, and cherry tomatoes.

🚲 5. Choose Lower-Impact Transport (When You Can)

✅ Walk, cycle, or carpool where possible

✅ Combine errands to drive less

✅ Take public transport once a week if available

💡 Every short trip walked instead of driven helps reduce carbon emissions and air pollution in your community.

💰 6. Support Local and Sustainable Businesses

The way you spend your money is a vote for the kind of world you want to live in.

✅ Buy from local farmers, markets, and eco-conscious suppliers

✅ Look for products that are plastic-free, refillable, or made to last

✅ Support composting initiatives, urban gardens, and local waste-free stores

💡 Want to go further? Shift one regular purchase (like groceries or household goods) to a local supplier in 2026.

📦 7. Declutter and Donate Instead of Dumping

Before tossing items out, ask: Can someone else use this?

✅ Donate clothing, books, or appliances

✅ Repurpose glass jars, containers, or scrap paper

✅ Join a community swap or online giveaway group

💡 Aim for zero black bags during your next clear-out—you’ll be surprised how little needs to go to landfill.

💚 8. Inspire Others to Join the Journey

Sustainability becomes a movement when we share what we’re doing.

✅ Talk to your neighbours or family about composting

✅ Host a low-waste dinner or plant swap

✅ Share your progress on social media to motivate others

💡 You don’t have to be an expert—just a visible example of what’s possible.

🎯 Keep It Realistic. Keep It Consistent.

Set clear, achievable goals you can track monthly. For example:

• “I will compost 100% of my food waste this year.”

• “I will buy no bottled water in 2026.”

• “I’ll switch to a refillable cleaning product by March.”

Progress, not perfection. Every small action adds up.

🌱 Make 2026 Your Greenest Year Yet—with The Compost Kitchen

Want help turning your resolutions into action? The Compost Kitchen makes it easy to:

✅ Compost your food waste

✅ Get high-quality compost for your garden

✅ Join a movement of South Africans living more sustainably

🎉 Start 2026 with purpose. Join The Compost Kitchen and make your waste work for the planet.