Five climate friendly New Year’s resolutions you can actually stick to

New Year’s resolutions do not have to be about punishment or perfection. They can be joyful, satisfying and quietly powerful. Climate action at an individual level is exactly like that. Small changes add up, especially when lots of us do them together. Here are five feel good resolutions that help the planet and make everyday life a little better too.

1. Eat more beans, seriously

Let this be the year of the bean. Chickpeas, lentils, butter beans, black beans, all of them. Beans are brilliant for the planet because they need far less land and water than meat, and they produce a fraction of the emissions. They are also cheap, filling and endlessly flexible. Think warming stews, punchy salads, creamy dips and proper comfort food. You do not have to go fully plant based to make a difference. Swapping a few meals a week for bean based ones is a win for the climate and your wallet.

Beanspo here: find the best recipes

2. Get a bus pass and actually use it

If you are over 60 or under 22, this one is a gift. A bus pass means freedom, savings and lower carbon travel all rolled into one. Even if you only use it for a couple of journeys a week, that is fewer car trips and less pollution. Buses are one of the easiest ways to cut emissions without cutting joy. Put the pass in your wallet, plan a few easy trips and enjoy watching the world go by.

Apply for or renew your bus pass

3. Buy less and love what you have

Fast buying is out, thoughtful living is in. Make this the year you pause before purchasing and ask, do I really need this. Repair, borrow, swap or buy second hand where you can. When you do buy something new, choose quality and plan to keep it. This reduces waste, saves resources and often feels surprisingly liberating.

Check Stirling Reuse Hub first

Babes in the Wood for children’s items

4. Power down the boring stuff

Turning things off is not glamorous but it works. Switch off lights, avoid standby mode, and wash clothes at lower temperatures. These habits barely take any effort and they cut energy use straight away. Set yourself a quiet challenge to notice how often you can save a little power.

We can help! Find out about our free energy advice service today

5. Talk about it, kindly

Climate action spreads through conversation. Share recipes, bus routes, good second hand finds and small wins. Keep it positive and practical. When climate action feels normal and friendly, more people join in. Volunteer, or simply start a conversation.

Join our membership and find like-minded climate folk

Here is to a New Year full of beans, bus rides and brilliant small changes.