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It’s 2025. New year. New resolutions. Here are 12 easy-to-follow tips from the UN for sustainable living from Jan. to Dec.
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New year. Same you. It’s 2025, and while the internet might be abuzz with declarations about being a better version of ourselves, how many of us will actually follow through? Because let’s face it, when it comes to new year resolutions no one wants to follow strict regimens or overhauls we won’t keep up with in the long run. We want easy-to-follow tips that slightly alter and improve our lives. When it comes to climate change, the United Nations (UN) gets it. They’ve released a “Lazy Person’s Guide To Sustainable Living,” with a new tip we can adopt into our day-to-day monthly to become a better, more sustainable version of ourselves.
It’s been years since the alarm bells have been going off about the climate emergency. According to the UN, millions of lives are at risk due to rising temperatures, extreme weather, and climate change related diseases. If we want to avert these and other negative impacts, governments, businesses, and consumers must all act urgently.
The UN has laid out frameworks and goals to guide global efforts in environmental protection. For consumers, these twelve tips provide simple yet effective ways to contribute to a healthier planet. Each small step counts to reduce emissions, pollution, waste, and conserve our resources so we can create a more sustainable future. So, embrace these actions and a new you today.
Reducing Your Carbon Footprint at Home
Switch to Renewable Energy Sources
Homes and commercial buildings are one of the largest contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions. Burning fossil fuels for electricity to heat, cool, and light buildings accounts for 35% of global emissions.
Solar and wind energy are rapidly gaining popularity as an alternative to fossil fuels. In 2020, renewable energy sources generated nearly 30% of the world’s electricity. Governments worldwide offer incentives—like tax credits and rebates—to encourage this shift.
Actionable tip: Research solar panel installation options or switch to a green energy provider for your home. When heating and cooling your home, keep the thermostat lower and higher respectively to conserve energy.
Minimize Waste
Landfills are overflowing. In the U.S. alone, about 292.4 million tons of trash are created annually. Mindful consumption, reusing, recycling and composting are all ways we can significantly reduce waste.
Actionable tip: Start a home composting system to prevent food scraps from becoming landfill waste. Also, cut back on single-use plastics by using reusable items like a shopping bag, water bottle, or cutlery.
Conserve Water
To date, a staggering 2 billion people don’t have access to safe drinking water. This number will increase as climate change exacerbates water scarcity and quality and hazards such as droughts and floods.The UN suggests simple changes homeowners and renters can take to help conserve this resource in our homes.
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Actionable tip: Install low-flow showerheads and toilets. Check and fix any leaks right away. Take shorter showers and wash only full loads of laundry to further conserve water. If you have a garden, consider planting native plants that don’t require as much water or working with a firm to design a water-smart landscape that won’t require frequent waterings.
Sustainable Transportation Choices
Embrace Public Transport & Cycling
Cars are major polluters of CO2, contributing to poor air quality and climate change. Public transportation and cycling provide health benefits and reduce your carbon footprint.
Actionable tip: Use public transport, walk, or ride a bike for your daily commute when possible.
Invest in Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles produce fewer emissions than traditional cars. Countries like Norway have seen significant increases in EV adoption, significantly lowering urban pollution.
Actionable tip: Consider buying or leasing an electric or hybrid vehicle for your next car.
Reduce Air Travel: Opt for Alternatives When Possible
Air travel is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, producing around 2.5% of the world’s total. For shorter trips, consider trains or buses as eco-friendly alternatives.
Actionable tip: Look for train tickets instead of plane fares. If you must fly, consider offsetting your carbon footprint.
Sustainable Food Choices
Embrace Plant-Based Meals
The livestock industry accounts for an estimated 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. It also contributes to deforestation since millions of acres of land are cleared for animals raised for meat. “Switching to a plant-based diet can reduce an individual’s annual carbon footprint by up to 2.1 tons with a vegan diet or up to 1.5 tons for vegetarians,” according to the UN.
Actionable tip: Try to include more plant-based meals in your weekly menu. Substitute plant-based proteins like chickpeas or black beans for beef, chicken, or fish. Or, try hemp and tofu instead.
Support Local & Sustainable Agriculture
Buying local not only helps the economy but also reduces carbon emissions from transportation. Studies show that over the last 50 years food has traveled farther and farther, reaching an average of 1,500 miles traveled from farms to supermarkets today. This contributes to CO2 and greenhouse gas emissions.
Actionable tip: Visit local farmers’ markets to find fresh produce and support sustainable farming. Farmers’ markets and community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs ensure that your food has traveled a shorter distance from farm to plate.
Reduce Food Waste: Plan Meals & Store Properly
A staggering one-third of all food produced globally is wasted. This waste contributes to greenhouse gas emissions throughout the supply chain.
Actionable tip: Plan meals carefully, store food properly, and compost excess scraps.
Advocacy & Engagement
Support Sustainable Businesses & Policies
Choose to shop at companies committed to sustainability. Your purchasing power can influence businesses to adopt eco-friendly practices.
Actionable tip: Back brands with robust sustainability commitments and vote for leaders who prioritize environmental policies.
Spread Awareness: Educate Others
Inform friends and family about sustainability raises awareness. Conversations can inspire positive changes in your community.
Actionable tip: Share information about sustainable practices on social media and engage in discussions. Use resources from the UN or non-profit organizations focused on fighting against climate change.
Volunteer Your Time
Volunteering with local environmental groups can make a tangible difference. Many organizations organize cleanups and conservation efforts.
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Actionable tip: Look for volunteer opportunities with local environmental organizations or participate in community events focused on causes that are the most important to you. For instance if you’re passionate about marine life, sign up for a clean-up at your local beach or riverfront.