Sustainable Resolutions for Beginners: Simple Swaps That Actually Stick
Starting a more sustainable lifestyle doesn’t require a dramatic overhaul of your routines, and it definitely doesn’t require perfection.
For many people, the hardest part isn’t caring about the planet. It’s knowing where to begin without feeling overwhelmed, guilty, or unsure if their efforts even matter.
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
The truth is: sustainable living works best when it starts small. The habits that stick are the ones that fit naturally into your everyday life; the things you already do, just done a little differently.
This post is for beginners. Not “brand-new-to-the-idea” beginners, but real-life beginners who want to make better choices without making life harder.
If You’re Just Getting Started, This Might Sound Like You
You might be someone who:
- Wants to reduce waste but doesn’t know where to focus
- Feels overwhelmed by “doing it all”
- Has tried a few swaps before, but didn’t keep up with them
- Cares about sustainability but needs it to be practical
Good news: you don’t need 20 new habits. You need one or two small changes that quietly become part of your routine.
Let’s start there.
Why Sustainable Living Isn’t All-or-Nothing
One of the biggest myths around sustainability is that you have to change everything at once: your kitchen, your bathroom, your shopping habits, your cleaning routine.
That’s not how habits form.
Sustainable living is cumulative. Small changes repeated daily add up over time.
Fun fact: If one person switches from disposable paper towels to reusable alternatives, they can prevent over 80 rolls of paper towels from going to the landfill each year.
That’s one person. One habit.
Now imagine thousands.
Beginner-Friendly Sustainable Resolutions (That Actually Stick)
Instead of goals, think of these as simple commitments, easy upgrades you can start today.
Photo by Carola G on Pexels
Resolution #1: Replace One Disposable You Use Every Day
The best place to begin is with something you already reach for without thinking.
For many households, that’s:
- Paper towels
- Plastic bags
- Single-use cleaning wipes
Swapping just one of these for a reusable alternative creates an immediate impact without adding effort.
Why it works:
You’re not learning a new habit. You’re just changing the tool.
Try this instead:
- Swedish dishcloths for cleaning and wiping surfaces
- Beeswax wraps for covering bowls and wrapping food
Fun fact: Swedish dishcloths can replace up to 15 rolls of paper towels and are compostable at the end of their life.
Photo by Sarah Chai on Pexels
Resolution #2: Carry One Reusable Item Everywhere
Many sustainable journeys start with something simple like a reusable water bottle or tote bag.
That’s not accidental. These items work because they’re:
- Portable
- Easy to remember
- Used frequently
Why it works:
Once it becomes part of your “leave-the-house” routine, it requires almost no mental effort.
Beginner swaps to try:
- Reusable shopping bags kept in your car or by the door
- Reusable produce bags for groceries
Fun fact: The average shopper uses over 300 plastic bags per year, most for only a few minutes.
Photo by Cottonbro Studio on Pexels
Resolution #3: Make One Sustainable Bathroom Swap
Bathrooms are often overlooked, but they’re full of easy wins.
Start with one item you already replace regularly.
Good beginner options:
- Bamboo toothbrush instead of plastic
- Plastic-free deodorant
- Bar soap instead of bottled body wash
Why it works:
These swaps don’t change how you care for yourself, just the packaging and materials.
Fun fact: More than 1 billion plastic toothbrushes are thrown away every year worldwide.
Photo by Cottonbro Studio on Pexels
Resolution #4: Be More Intentional With Cleaning
Cleaning doesn’t have to involve harsh chemicals or single-use products.
A few small shifts can reduce waste and improve indoor air quality.
Beginner-friendly ideas:
- Use refillable or tablet-based cleaners
- Replace disposable sponges with compostable alternatives
- Choose reusable cloths over wipes
Why it works:
You clean the same way, but you just create less waste while doing it.
Photo by Tara Winstead on Pexels
Resolution #5: Reduce Energy Use With Simple Daily Habits
Not all sustainable changes involve buying something.
Some of the most effective habits cost nothing.
Simple actions to try:
- Turn off lights when leaving a room
- Unplug electronics when not in use
- Use natural light during the day
Fun fact: Standby power (“phantom energy”) can account for up to 10% of a household’s electricity use.
Small habits, repeated daily, make a real difference.
Start Small. Stay Consistent.
You don’t need to adopt all of these resolutions. In fact, we recommend you don’t.
Choose one or two that feel manageable. Let them become second nature. Then build from there.
Sustainable living isn’t about doing everything; it’s about doing something, consistently.
Ready to Get Started?
If reading through these ideas sparked a few “I could try that” moments, that’s a great place to begin.
Below is a short list of the products mentioned throughout this post, gathered here simply for convenience. There’s no right order and no need to do everything at once. Start with what feels easiest and most natural for your daily life.
Products mentioned in this post:
If choosing individual items feels overwhelming, curated bundles can help simplify the process. They’re designed to remove the guesswork and offer a small set of well-matched essentials that support everyday habits, not perfection.
Beginner-friendly bundles to explore:
- Kitchen Essentials Bundle: a simple introduction to low-waste kitchen swaps.
- Market & Food Storage Essentials: everyday essentials for building sustainable habits.
- Personal Care Essentials: easy swaps for daily routines.
If you’re ready to start small, we’ve curated a few essentials to support you, gently, thoughtfully, and at your own pace.
Photo by Hannah Grapp on Pexels.