Ah, a new year and a new opportunity for absolute change. Time to reinvent yourself. Forgive and forget all those times you skipped the gym, ate too much pizza or, let’s face it, bought a ton of clothes you really didn’t need. Those times are behind us. 2019 is gone. Don’t worry, she can’t hurt you anymore. It’s only up from here! So, get drunk off that optimism (and maybe a few other things). Happy New Year!

With the slate clean and last years’ memories, stress and judgement in hindsight, follow these 50 tips to make 2020 the most sustainable version of yourself yet. Let’s do this thing!

1. Ditch plastic straws, opt for a reusable metal one
2. Write to your local government or local member of parliament about pushing green agendas
3. Ditch styrofoam for good
4. Gain a minimalist mindset
5. If you’re not walking or cycling, make public transportation your new best friend
6. When traveling, book eco-friendly hotels and take part in eco-tourism
7. Get on the computer for business! Try and become as paperless as you can
8. Stop blow drying and let your hair be natural
9. Use reusable containers for all your food- no more plastic wrap
10. Shop at a farmer's market for fresh, organic food
11. Always choose cold water over warm water when you can
12. Have a reusable water bottle with you at all times
13. Burn soy wax candles
14. Plant more trees and herbs for your very own edible garden
15. Shop vintage, upcycled and recycled clothes only
16. Stop picking up plastic utensils when you get carry out
17. Buy an electric vehicle
18. Bring your own bag when shopping for groceries
19. Quit meat- the industry is the number one source of climate change
20. Carpool to work!
21. Open a window for cooler air in your home
22. No more elevator- use the stairs
23. Wear your clothes at least 5 times before washing
24. Go antiquing
25. Ditch makeup wipes and opt for a reusable washcloth
26. Shop one-in-one-out and only buy things when you’ve run out of the product
27. Buy a bamboo toothbrush
28. Pick up as much trash as you can next time you’re at your local park
29. Unplug all your electronics whenever you leave the house
30. Recycle, recycle, recycle!
31. Get better at mending your clothes instead of buying new
32. Use solar energy for all technology
33. Install a water-saving showerhead
34. Start using half-flush instead of full-flush more often
35. Save glass jars for decoration, storage or dining
36. Eat at home more
37. Invest in rechargeable batteries
38. Replace your light bulbs with pollution reducing fluorescent ones
39. Adjust the thermostat lower and lower
40. Start composting!
41. Buy less than you think you need- it will always be more than enough
42. Vacation closer to come and cut the travel emissions
43. Work from home a few days a week!
44. Hang your clothes to dry
45. Start saying no to freebies and cheap handouts
46. Choose loose leaf tea- tea bags contain plastic!
47. Eat seasonally
48. Support companies that share the same mission as you
49. Wait 30 days before making a purchase to make sure you really need it
50. Continue reading about all the ways you can be more sustainable then share that knowledge with the ones you love!