The Green Review

This September, we started the semester off with our new campaign, Sustainably Me, focused on our individual sustainability journeys. As 2023 draws to a close, we may be reminded of the goals we’ve set and resolutions we made around this time last year or the year before. The following are our tips to making resolutions that are more sustainable for the planet and for yourself:

1. Be kind to yourself: When making resolutions, it is important to do so in a way that helps you meet your goals, with a feasible level of challenge. While it may be tempting to aim high and make many changes in your life, you run the risk of burning out or giving up if you struggle to maintain those changes. A bit of progress is better than no progress, and sticking to a manageable resolution may help make it into a habit.
2. Determine feasibility: Decide on a few things in your life which you would like to change, and make manageable, measurable goals in small, but not too small, increments. Picture your year meeting that goal; can you realistically envision success? Decide what degrees of flexibility you will allow yourself when you are defining your resolution and give yourself ample time to meet your goals.
3. Pick a goal that inspires you: Sustainability is inherently tied to our vision for the future; what does the ideal future look like to you? How can you reflect that reality in your actions? As they say; be the change you want to see in the world.

Here are some ideas for resolutions to set for yourself

• Resolve to remove one form of waste from your life. Try bringing a container from home in your bag when you go to restaurants to pack up your leftovers, starting a compost pile, or not using coffee pods.
• Decide on limits to what you purchase. Try only buying second-hand when possible, removing beef or products with palm oil from your shopping list, or not adding anything new to your wardrobe.
• Contribute to your community. Determine an amount of money to donate to charity throughout the year, aim for a certain number of volunteer hours, or go on a regular litter-collecting walk.
• Set goals for self-improvement. Better your understanding by reading a book from a marginalized perspective each month, learn to mend and repair items, or strengthen yourself through walking, biking and taking the stairs whenever you can.

  4. Stay motivated: Talk to your friends and family about what you want to accomplish in the new year. Sharing goals and supporting one another is a great source of motivation and ideas. Having someone hold you accountable is another way to keep yourself reminded to stick to your resolutions. Include your goals on your calendar, to-do list, bulletin board, or anywhere else you keep your reminders.

  5. Thrive: Remember to not sacrifice your health and well-being to meet a resolution. Your safety and happiness are an important priority. Let yourself feel accomplished, even if your goals seem small to you. You are making progress. And don’t forget; years are a social construct. You can make or adjust a resolution any time you need.