What better time to start making changes than with a fresh new year? When I first began shifting my habits to be more eco-friendly, it often felt like many of those changes were so small they seemed almost insignificant.
But now, looking back, I can see how just how much those small habit shifts have added up. Every change we make—whether it’s swapping plastic out for reusable alternatives or buying more second-hand clothing—has a positive impact on both us and the planet.
By adopting a few eco-conscious resolutions, we’re not just helping the environment; we’re also building a life that feels more considered and less cluttered. I've realised it's not about perfection—it’s about progress, and there are plenty of small, meaningful steps we can take to make a big difference.
Sustainable Resolutions for Fashion, Living, and Travel
Simple Living Resolutions
Let’s start with simple living resolutions that can help make your daily habits simpler, more mindful, and eco-friendly. Living simply is all about focusing on what truly matters—creating space, time, and energy for the things that bring you joy and happiness. By making small, intentional habit shifts, you can streamline your routines, reduce clutter, and make more sustainable choices every day.
1. Embrace the Seasons
Living by the seasons is the perfect New Year’s resolution if you want to create more balance and harmony in your life. From eating with the seasons to embracing seasonal activities, aligning your daily life with the natural rhythms of the changing seasons has a grounding effect that can bring a sense of balance and harmony to your life.
Ways to live by the seasons:
- Eat seasonally
- Decorate to reflect the season
- Participate in seasonal activities
- Adjust your daily routine with the weather
- Create a seasonal capsule wardrobe
- Create a beauty routine to suit the season
2. Declutter with Purpose
If want a more peaceful, organised life, decluttering is the resolution to make this year. It’s not just about creating more space in your home—it’s about freeing up space in your mind too. By sorting through your belongings and letting go of the things that no longer serve you, you’re creating a calmer, less chaotic environment. The result? A home that feels lighter, more intentional, and much more comfortable to live in.
How to declutter your home:
- Start with one room at a time
- Sort items into categories
- Declutter your wardrobe
- Clear out storage spaces
- Clean kitchen cupboards and countertops
- Organise books and magazines
- Tidy up paperwork
- Digitally declutter
3. Simplify Your Home
Simplifying your home is a great resolution for the new year because it’s all about surrounding yourself with fewer, more meaningful possessions that add real value to your life. When every item you own is either beautiful or has a purpose—or both!—your home becomes a calm, intentional place, rather than a cluttered, overwhelming one.
Ways to simplify your home:
- Simplify your décor
- Opt for multi-purpose items
- Create designated spaces so each item has a place
- Streamline your wardrobe
- Invest in functional storage
- Keep surfaces clear
- Declutter regularly
4. Practice Mindful Consumption
Mindful consumption is a powerful New Year’s resolution that not only saves you money but also supports a more intentional, clutter-free home. Before making any purchase, pause and ask yourself: Do I really need this? By resisting impulse buys and using up what you already own, you'll create a home that’s both meaningful and sustainable—filled with only the things that truly add value to your life.
How to practice mindful consumption:
- Avoid impulse buying
- Use up what you have
- Buy experiences, not things
- Choose quality over quantity
- Prioritise sustainable options
- Shop second-hand
- Practice the ‘one in, one out’ rule
- Support small, local businesses
5. Embrace Eco-Friendly Habits
Sustainability starts right at home, making it the ideal resolution for helping you live a more sustainable life while making a real difference for the planet. Taking small steps toward reducing your waste can have a big impact—not just on the planet, but on your overall well-being. Set achievable goals for reducing household waste this year and take action on them, one step at a time.
Eco-friendly habits to try:
- Eat more plant-based foods
- Use public transport
- Start composting
- Recycle regularly
- Shop second-hand
- Switch to eco-friendly products
- eplace disposables with reusable items
- Choose packaging-free products
- Reduce energy consumption
- Support sustainable brands
- Practice mindful water usage
- Maintain and repair items
- Plant a garden
Sustainable Fashion Resolutions
When it comes to sustainable fashion, New Year’s resolutions can help you make mindful choices that not only benefit your wardrobe but also the planet. These resolutions will help you create a wardrobe that’s more intentional, better quality, and reflective of your personal style—while also reducing your environmental impact.
1. Commit to Less Fast Fashion
One of the best changes you can make this year is to stop shopping from fast fashion brands. These companies not only contribute massively to environmental damage, but they also churn out clothes that barely last a season. Instead, focus on adding intentional, higher-quality pieces to your wardrobe—ones that will stand the test of time. Not only will you reduce waste, but you'll also build a collection of clothes you truly love and can wear for years to come.
How to quit fast fashion:
- Understand the impact
- Research ethical brands
- Commit to conscious shopping
- Invest in quality, not quantity
- Prioritise buying second-hand
- Wear what you have
- Don't follow trends
2. Build a Capsule Wardrobe
If you want to simplify your wardrobe and make it more sustainable, building a capsule wardrobe is a great place to start. Start by curating a collection of versatile pieces in neutral colours that can be mixed and matched easily. It’s all about making sure each item has a purpose and works well with everything else. Try a ‘No Buy’ Challenge for a set period—this will help you make the most of what you already own and truly appreciate the pieces in your wardrobe.
How to build a capsule wardrobe:
- Evaluate what you already have
- Start with versatile basics
- Choose timeless styles
- Focus on function
- Stick to a neutral colour palette
- Add statement pieces sparingly
- Limit the number of items to between 30-40
- Rotate seasonally
3. Prioritise Buying Second-Hand Clothing
One of the easiest and most rewarding New Year’s resolutions you can make is to prioritise shopping second-hand. Not only does buying pre-loved clothing help reduce your environmental impact, it’s also a fantastic way to save money. Plus, you’ll find unique pieces that can make your wardrobe truly one-of-a-kind.
How to shop secondhand:
- Know what you need
- Shop local thrift stores
- Explore online marketplaces
- Join or host a clothing swap
- Set a budget
- Check quality
- Be patient
4. Document Outfits
An excellent New Year’s resolution to make is to start documenting your outfits. By creating a wardrobe inventory and tracking the cost per wear of each item, you’ll get a better sense of the true value of your clothes. This practice helps you appreciate the pieces you already own, encouraging you to wear them more often. It's a great way to keep your style fresh without the constant need for new purchases.
How to document your outfits:
- Set style goals
- Create a wardrobe inventory
- Experiment with combinations
- Photograph or video your looks
- Calculate cost per wear
- Reflect on your style and patterns
5. Support Ethical Brands
This year, make it a resolution to support more ethical brands. When you choose companies that prioritise fair wages, ethical production, and sustainable materials, you’re not just adding new pieces to your wardrobe—you’re voting with your wallet for a better, more conscious fashion industry. There are many ways to show your support, from buying their products to leaving a positive review, or even joining their newsletter to stay connected and informed—it all helps!
Ways to support ethical brands:
- Support local businesses
- Choose slow fashion and sustainable materials
- Research brand values and certifications
- Look for transparent sustainability policies
- Follow ethical brands on social media
- Subscribe to newsletters and leave reviews
Slow Travel Resolutions
If you want to explore the world in 2025, these slow travel resolutions are for you. Travel doesn’t have to mean rushing from one place to another; these resolutions will help you to slow down and immerse yourself in the local culture and surrounding nature, of the places you visit.
1. Choose Eco-Friendly Transport
One of the most impactful changes you can make is to opt for eco-friendly transport whenever possible. That means choosing to travel by bus, train, or even bike over flying. For road trips, consider renting electric or hybrid vehicles. These modes of transportation often have a much lower carbon footprint, providing a more eco-friendly way to explore that's kinder to the planet and provide a more eco-friendly way to explore.
Eco-friendly ways to travel:
- Fly less
- Travel by train, bus, or coach
- Use electric or hybrid vehicles
- Explore by bike, e-bike, or electric scooter
- Walk when possible
- Carpool or share rides
2. Support Sustainable Tourism:
Making sustainable tourism part of your New Year's commitments allows you to travel while also making a positive impact on the planet. Whether it’s planning a staycation and rediscovering the beauty of your local area, or travelling further afield to explore hidden locations, the goal is to embrace travel that respects both people and the planet. It not only helps reduce your carbon footprint, but also offers a more meaningful travel experience.
Ways to support sustainable tourism:
- Plan a staycation or explore local destinations
- Travel less often, but for longer stays
- Choose eco-friendly accommodations
- Support local, independent businesses
- Avoid animal exploitation (zoos, animal rides)
- Seek experiences that benefit local communities (cultural tours, conservation projects)
- Prioritise destinations focused on environmental preservation
- Practice leave-no-trace principles
3. Travel Off-Season
One of the best ways to embrace slow travel this year is by planning trips during the off-season.
When you spend more time in fewer destinations, you’re able to enjoy the places you visit in a more immersive way. Off-season travel means fewer crowds, creating a more peaceful and enjoyable adventure.
The benefits of travelling off-season:
- Reduced environmental impact with less mass tourism
- Fewer crowds for a peaceful experience
- Lower prices on flights, stays, and activities
- More authentic, crowd-free local experiences
- Easier access to popular spots
- More time for relaxation
4. Support Local Businesses While Traveling
Supporting local businesses is a great resolution to make if you want to leave a positive impact on the places you visit. By choosing to dine at locally owned restaurants, shop with artisans, and book tours with local guides, you're directly supporting the local community and economy. Avoiding the tourist trap run by large corporations makes sure your travel choices directly benefit the people working hard to preserve the area’s culture and environment.
Ways to support local businesses while travelling:
- Avoid chain stores and tourist traps
- Stay at locally owned accommodations
- Dine at local restaurants and cafes
- Shop at artisan markets and independent stores
- Book tours with local guides or small companies
- Attend local events, like markets and festivals
- Support community-run initiatives
- Choose locally made souvenirs
5. Practice Minimalist Packing
Making packing light a New Year’s resolution will transform your travel experience. Adopting a minimalist approach to packing encourages smart choices and prevents overpacking. It not only makes your journey more comfortable and stress-free, it also helps reduce your environmental footprint. By packing only what you really need, you'll lighten your load and your impact—and it’s easier than you might think!
Ways to pack light:
- Plan outfits
- Make a capsule wardrobe
- Choose lightweight fabrics
- Avoid unnecessary toiletries
- Pack multi-use items
- Use packing cubes
- Limit shoes
- Go digital
- Travel with one bag