As you reflect on how to be an even better planet protector in the new year, here are four doable new years resolutions for aspiring environmentalists. Collectively, small changes can be a powerful force to heal our climate.
With 2024 coming to a close, there is so much to reflect on and consider for the new year to come. While it may not have been easy, we commend you for giving this year your best self—you did great! Every act to make the world a better place counts, especially when it comes to caring for our planet. Now is the season of “New Year’s Resolutions” where we can really start to plot out what will make 2025 even better, and for some of us it’s centered around being a better environmentalist.
So if you’re looking to enhance your support for climate action around the world, here are four simple new year’s resolutions you should explore:
In 2025, living sustainably starts with small, meaningful steps that make a big impact. One simple change is reducing meat consumption by participating in initiatives like Meatless Mondays. Supporting local farmers by buying fresh, seasonal produce helps cut transportation emissions. Reducing waste—by composting, recycling, or choosing products with less packaging—is another simple but powerful step. By making these choices part of daily life, we can all contribute to a more sustainable world in 2025.
Most investment funds include stocks in major fossil fuel companies, which means that even for the most climate conscious, your retirement fund may be contributing to the climate crisis.
That’s why a growing trend in the climate movement is being more intentional in your retirement strategy and putting your dollars to work through planet-friendly investments.
Depending on your investment portfolio, this can take some work. But that’s why it makes for a great new year’s goal: You have a whole year to do it, and can break it into small steps to get there over the next 12 months.
From neighborhood cleanups to animal shelters, there are lots of ways to use your time to make an impact. You can start small by picking up litter on your walks around your neighborhood.
Or if you’ve already made a habit of these small things, consider making a bigger commitment to volunteer for an animal welfare organization near you. These commitments generally only require a few hours a month, but make a huge impact on the organization and animals you help.
Finally, you can use your voice, time, and wallet to support and promote causes that help animals and the planet. This is a valuable time to think about what is important to you. Then find projects to support that align with what you deem important. Explore current nonprofit projects for climate action and for animal welfare.
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