2025: The Year of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle….and Resolutions

2025: The Year of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle….and Resolutions

As we ring in the new year, it’s a great time to reflect on our habits and set goals for personal growth. Like most successful New Year’s resolutions, keeping things small, simple, and sustainable is key because over the course of a year, small lifestyle changes can add up to make a big difference.

One of the most impactful resolutions you can make this year is to reduce your environmental footprint—specifically, by cutting down on waste and considering the 3R’s: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle..

Here are some practical and achievable waste reduction New Year’s resolution ideas with a few of the 3R’s sprinkled throughout to help you live more sustainably in 2025:

1. Reduce: Minimize Single-Use Plastics
Millions of  single use plastics -- from plastic bottles and bags to straws and packaging -- become waste each year. This year, challenge yourself to reduce your plastic consumption.
Resolution Ideas:

● Invest in a high-quality reusable water bottle, coffee cup, and shopping bags.
● Choose products with minimal or recyclable packaging.
● Switch to alternatives like beeswax wraps instead of plastic wrap, or glass containers instead of plastic ones.
● Support businesses and brands that use eco-friendly packaging.


2. Reduce: Buy Less, Choose Quality Over Quantity
The new year often brings an urge to declutter and update your wardrobe or home. This year, resolve to make mindful purchases.
Resolution Ideas:
● Practice mindful shopping: think carefully before buying new items and ask yourself if you truly need them.
● Invest in higher-quality, long-lasting products that will serve you for years, rather than opting for disposable alternatives.
● Consider buying second-hand items from thrift stores or online resale platforms.
● When purchasing new clothing, choose brands with transparent sustainability practices.

3. Support Local and Sustainable Brands
The products we buy have a huge impact on the environment, from production to packaging to transportation. Supporting local businesses and sustainable brands can help reduce waste and lessen the environmental impact of our consumption.
Resolution Ideas:
● Choose locally-produced food to cut down on packaging waste and reduce your carbon footprint.
● Seek out brands that prioritize ethical sourcing, fair trade, and sustainable materials.
● Use your purchasing power to support businesses that focus on circular economies, offering products that can be reused, repaired, or recycled.

4. Reduce: Implement a "No New Stuff" Challenge
If you’re looking for a way to minimize waste and save money, try the "No New Stuff" challenge. This resolution focuses on avoiding the purchase of new items for a set period, whether it’s a month, three months, or a full year.
Resolution Ideas:
● Buy only what’s essential and repair or repurpose items you already own.
● If you need something, consider borrowing it from a friend or buying second-hand.
● Sell or donate items you no longer need, giving them a second life in someone else’s home.

5. Reduce: Limit Your E-Waste
In our increasingly digital world, electronic waste (e-waste) is growing rapidly.
Resolution Ideas:
● Recycle old electronics responsibly at certified e-waste recycling centers like the ones listed on our SK Waste Reduction Hub.
● Repair broken electronics instead of replacing them.
● Consider buying refurbished electronics or trade in your old devices for upgrades.
● Opt for longer-lasting tech products, such as phones with replaceable batteries or high-quality laptops that are designed to last.

6. Reduce: Be Mindful of Food Waste
In addition to composting, minimizing food waste is a powerful way to reduce your environmental impact. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), one-third of the food produced globally is wasted, contributing to unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions.
Resolution Ideas:
● Plan meals ahead of time to reduce food spoilage.
● Use leftovers creatively to prevent them from going to waste.
● Store food properly to extend its shelf life.
● Share excess food with friends or donate it to local food banks or community organizations.

7. Recycle: Compost Your Kitchen Scraps & Yard Waste
If you do happen to have food or yard waste, composting is a simple, effective way to divert organic waste from landfills and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden or plants.
Resolution Ideas:
● Set up a compost bin in your backyard or start a worm composting system indoors if you live in an apartment.
● Read the Compost Bins: How-To Guide.
● Watch SWRC's Composting in 60 Seconds video series.
● Access information on the SWRC’s composting page.
● Participate in your community's composting program. Check your community's website or visit our Waste Reduction Hub for compost options around SK.

8. Participate in Clean-Up Initiatives
Engaging in local clean-up efforts can be a rewarding way to contribute to waste reduction in your community. Not only does it keep public spaces clean, but it also raises awareness about the importance of reducing litter and waste.
Resolution Ideas:
● Join or organize neighbourhood clean-ups, park clean-ups, or river/lake clean-ups
● Volunteer or attend events with local environmental organizations that focus on waste reduction and sustainability such as:

● Encourage friends and family to join you in taking action.

9. Educate Yourself and Others
The more we understand about the environmental impact of our waste, the more empowered we become to make positive changes. In the new year, commit to learning more about waste reduction practices and sharing that knowledge with others.
Resolution Ideas:
● Read up on some of our previous education blogs to refresh your knowledge on the 3R’s such as Why relying so heavily on recycling isn’t the answer, Reducing Waste in the Workplace, and Let’s Chat Repair Culture.
● Share your knowledge with friends, family, and coworkers to inspire collective action.
● Educate yourself on how to reduce waste in every aspect of life—from home cleaning to fashion to travel.

By setting these waste-reduction resolutions, you’re not only contributing to the health of the planet but also inspiring others to think critically about their own consumption and waste habits. Every small change can have a ripple effect, and collectively, we can work toward a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future. Here’s to a more mindful and waste-conscious 2025!