10 sustainable New Year's resolutions you can start right at home
Here at Country Living, we know that small, thoughtful changes can make a world of difference when it comes to living sustainably.
It can feel overwhelming, but there's no better place to start green habits than your own surroundings. The key is to start small with action-led habits that can easily be kept up and repeated throughout the year.
Whether cutting back on waste, growing herbs, or rethinking how you shop, there are so many ways to 'go green' around the home in 2025.
Below, we’ve put together 10 simple, expert-led resolutions to help inspire and get you started…
1. Commit to small, impactful kitchen swaps
Reducing waste in the kitchen can begin with simple, effective swaps. For example, beeswax wraps are an easy alternative to cling film. They're reusable and compostable, perfect for wrapping sandwiches or covering leftovers. For those feeling creative, they're also easy to make at home by coating pieces of cotton fabric with melted beeswax.
Other small changes include switching to loose-leaf tea to avoid the microplastics in many teabags, using compostable dishcloths, and replacing single-use sponges with wooden dish brushes. Solid dish soap blocks are another fantastic way to reduce plastic and are just as effective as their liquid counterparts.
2. Reduce food waste with careful planning planning
Food waste is one of the most pressing environmental challenges today. In the UK alone, households contribute 6.5 million tonnes of food waste annually (about 100kg per person!) - and around one-third of food produced globally goes uneaten.
"To reduce food waste at home, start by creating a weekly or monthly meal plan," says Dr Elliot Woolley, Reader in Sustainable Production and Consumption at Loughborough University.
"Buying only the ingredients you need prevents over-purchasing and reduces the stress of deciding what to cook. You can keep flexibility by freezing unused ingredients or batch-cooking meals."
Dr Woolley also recommends extra care when shopping, noting that 'bargains' encourage impulse buying.
"Avoid multi-buy offers and always shop with a list to prevent impulse purchases. Proper storage is equally important. Refrigerate fruits like apples and oranges to extend their life, while onions and pineapples are best kept at room temperature."
Leftovers should be stored in sealable containers and used creatively in future meals to ensure nothing goes to waste.
3. Switch to greener cleaning habits
It's surprisingly simple to swap harsh chemicals and disposable products in favour of natural, reusable solutions.
"Many store-bought cleaners are packed with chemicals you don't need," advises holistic author Janey Lee Grace. "Bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar are brilliant multi-taskers. Use them to tackle tough stains, polish chrome, and even deodorise and freshen up carpets."
For any areas needing a natural antibacterial boost, she suggests creating a simple spray: "Add tea tree or lavender oils to water in a spray bottle. They're effective, chemical-free, and leave a fresh scent."
Another simple way to keep your cleaning routine eco-friendly is to replace disposable paper towels with reusable microfibre cloths or bamboo alternatives.
Brabantia Microfibre Dish Cloths, Set of 2
4. Declutter with purpose
Decluttering can be a cathartic way to start the New Year, but when it comes to making more sustainable choices, reduction should always come before recycling.
Remember: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Instead of discarding items, consider how they could be repurposed or given a second life. A wooden chest, for example, can be transformed into a planter or storage box with a little creativity, while old furniture often just needs a coat of paint or minor repairs to regain its charm.
Clothing swaps with friends are a fun way to refresh your wardrobe without buying new pieces. Donating items to charity shops or freecycle platforms helps others while keeping usable goods out of landfills. According to Wrap, around £140 million worth (roughly 350,000 tonnes) of used clothing ends up in UK landfills every year.
How to declutter your home in one weekend
Step into spring with a clear home and mind
How to use the 90/90 decluttering rule
Transform your wardrobe with these fail-safe tips
What is the 'one-a-day' decluttering method?
It's a great option for those who feel overwhelmed
5. Say goodbye to plastic in your bathroom
When it comes to reducing single-use plastics, the bathroom is often overlooked, but it's one of the easiest places to make changes.
Wooden toothbrushes and nail brushes are simple swaps that last longer and look great. Shampoo and conditioner bars eliminate the need for plastic bottles entirely, while safety razors or bamboo-handled razors provide a durable, sustainable alternative to disposables.
These small changes reduce plastic waste and, as a bonus, also bring a touch of eco-friendly style to your bathroom.
6. Start a year-round herb garden
A herb garden is practical and adds greenery and fragrance to your home. "Growing your own herbs is one of the most rewarding ways to connect with nature and reduce food waste," adds Lucy Rhead, Gardening Enthusiast at Gtech. "Parsley, thyme, and mint are resilient herbs that thrive year-round in the UK. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil, or opt for container gardening on a windowsill or balcony if space is limited."
Companion planting is another way to help your garden flourish. "Basil and rosemary grow beautifully together," Lucy advises, "but mint should be kept separate as it tends to spread aggressively."
7. Upcycle your garden furniture
Your garden is the perfect place to experiment with upcycling. "Wooden pallets can be turned into benches, tables, or even vertical planters with a little creativity," says Luke Dejahang, CEO of Crown Pavilions.
Luke also recommends multi-purpose furniture: "A bench that doubles as storage is practical and reduces clutter. Upcycling is not only sustainable but also allows you to personalise your garden space. You can create something unique and functional from items that might otherwise be discarded."
8. Make your outside space pollinator-friendly
Even a small patch of pollinator-friendly flowers can make a big difference in supporting biodiversity. Pollinators like bees and butterflies are vital for healthy ecosystems, but their habitats are increasingly under threat. You can create a haven for these essential creatures by adding specific plants to your outdoor space.
"Incorporating flowering plants like marigolds, borage, and nasturtiums into your vegetable beds attracts bees and other pollinators," advises Stacy Cronly-Dillon, who runs Sunnyfields Apiaries.
"They boost crop yields while also deterring pests naturally and add vibrant colour and fragrance to your garden."
Stacy also recommends planting in clusters: "Grouping flowers makes it easier for pollinators to find and gather nectar efficiently. And don't forget to stagger blooming times throughout the year to ensure food is available for them across the seasons."
9. Give your scraps a second life with composting
Composting is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce household waste. It consists of food and plants that decompose over several months before turning into 'humus' (nutrient-rich soil).
Compost is great for the environment and ideal for families with high food waste. For those new to composting, starting with a small compost bin or wormery is a great way to keep things manageable. These compact solutions fit neatly into smaller spaces, making them ideal for beginners or those with limited outdoor areas.
Kitchen scraps like vegetable peelings, eggshells, and coffee grounds can be transformed into nutrient-rich compost that nourishes your garden soil. Adding garden waste like grass clippings and dried leaves creates a healthy mix for optimal composting.
Over time, you’ll notice a significant reduction in what goes into your general waste bin while giving back to your garden with organic, sustainable fertiliser.
10. Preserve more, waste less
Preserving seasonal produce is a practical way to reduce waste and enjoy fresh flavours year-round. "Freezing blanched vegetables like beans or peas ensures they're ready to use whenever you need them," Dr Elliot Woolley continues.
He also encourages trying canning or pickling for surplus produce: "Turn excess fruits into jams or chutneys that will last for months. Batch cooking and freezing meals are other great ways to save time and reduce waste."
Aromatherapy Therapeutic Pulse Point Rollerball
£10.50 at Country Living Marketplace
Sleep Rattan Reed Diffuser
£24.50 at Country Living Marketplace
Lavender and Chamomile Eye Pillow
£26.00 at Country Living Marketplace
Restful Slumber Handmade Soap
£6.50 at Country Living Marketplace
Confetti Long Sleeve Top and Trousers Pyjama Set
£75.00 at Country Living Marketplace
Luxury Ayurvedic Gift Set For Her
£36.00 at Country Living Marketplace
Wellbeing Gift Box
£38.00 at Country Living Marketplace
Revive Body Brush with Coir Handle
£18.90 at Country Living Marketplace
Eco Hair Care Gift Set
£28.00 at Country Living Marketplace
Here at Country Living, we know that small, thoughtful changes can make a world of difference when it comes to living sustainably. It can feel overwhelming, but there’s no better place to start green habits than your own surroundings. The key is to start small with action-led habits that can easily be kept up and repeated throughout the year. Whether cutting back on waste, growing herbs, or rethinking how you shop, there are so many ways to ‘go green’ around the home in 2025. Below, we’ve put together 10 simple, expert-led resolutions to help inspire and get you started…
You Might Also Like
