Are New Year’s Resolutions Sustainable—for Us and the Planet?

Charlie Walton looks at resolutions for the new year, and how sustainable they are for both us and the planet.

As the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, millions of people worldwide welcome the new year with celebrations, resolutions, and hopeful promises to transform their lives. In the US, nearly half (49% of young adults aged 18–29 commit to making New Year’s resolutions. These goals range from personal aspirations, like hitting the gym more often or learning something new, and even to ambitions, like saving for long-overdue adventures. But amidst the excitement, it’s worth asking: are these resolutions truly sustainable - for the individuals setting them, and for the planet we all share?

Feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of making resolutions? You're not the only one. Image Credit: Polina Kovaleva, Pexels

The Good: Goals, Growth and Progression

There’s something undeniably empowering about setting goals. New Year’s resolutions give us an opportunity to reflect on the past year and take control of the year ahead. For many, it’s a time to commit to healthier habits, with data showing in the US in 2024,  79% of people’s resolutions concern health. Others use this time to rekindle old hobbies, explore new interests or contribute to a greater cause. These goals then serve as a guide for the personal growth and progression that people hope to achieve over the coming year.  

Resolutions can also benefit the planet. Commitments to reduce single-use plastics, eat less meat, or cycling instead of driving, can all collectively drive positive environmental change. Many people also join communal movements like Veganuary or Dry January, where shared goals foster a sense of solidarity and mutual encouragement. These small, intentional acts, when adopted widely, have the potential to create a larger, ripple effect. For example, for the 350,000 people estimated to participate in Veganuary, there is estimated to be a cumulative reduction of ~35,000 tCO2e for the month or around 420,000 tCO2e per year if their diet remains permanently plant based!

Setting goals is undeniably a good thing. It provides structure, motivation, and a sense of direction. But, resolutions are just goals, not guarantees, and there’s another side to them that isn’t always as uplifting.

Remember: setting goals is an opportunity to explore new experiences, embrace challenges, and enhance personal development.

The Bad: Pressure, Perfection, and Burnout

The problem with many resolutions is they can be unrealistic and overly ambitious. Promising yourself you’ll hit the gym every single day or cut out all fast fashion overnight may sound admirable, but these “all-or-nothing” approaches are rarely durable. When they inevitably become difficult to maintain, they can lead to feelings of failure, guilt, or inadequacy.

Environmental resolutions can face similar challenges. While aiming for a zero-waste lifestyle or fully plant-based diet can be inspiring, these dramatic changes may not be achievable for everyone. Instead, such extreme goals can lead to burnout. This leaves people feeling that gradual progress isn’t enough, when in reality, every small step counts.

For some, not meeting resolutions, either personal or environmental, can trigger anxiety, or shame, making long-term change even harder. In the UK, 17% of New Year's Resolutions fail by February, and only 11% last until the end of the year. The reality is that most people don’t stick to their resolution and that’s okay! Just because you’ve set a goal doesn’t mean you have to follow it perfectly.

Remember: stop looking at what you haven’t achieved and start looking at what you have!

A Better Way: Building Sustainable Change Anytime

The truth is, we don’t need the start of a new year to make meaningful, sustainable changes in our lives or for the planet. Growth can happen at any time, and sustainable change is more about mindset than rigid timelines! It’s crucial to understand why you’re making these changes and what they truly mean to you. As highlighted in an article by Harvard Health, identifying the deeper purpose behind your goals can make them far more impactful and achievable. If a goal doesn’t resonate with you or align with your values, there’s no obligation to pursue it.

Instead of setting unobtainable and pressure-filled resolutions, try creating flexible and achievable goals. For example:

• Instead of: “I’ll go to the gym every day.”

  • Try: “I’ll exercise more and do more activities I enjoy .”

• Instead of: “I’ll go zero waste.”

  • Try: “I’ll reduce my plastic use and switch to reusable alternatives where I can.”

• Instead of: “I’ll stop drinking ”

  • Try: “I’ll reduce the amount of alcohol I drink and choose alternatives more often.”

These goals are not only kinder to ourselves but also more effective in creating lasting change. They allow room for growth, learning, and—most importantly—imperfection. 

These approaches are kinder to yourself and more sustainable in the long run. They allow room for growth, adaptation, and, most importantly, imperfection. Sustainable change is about progress, not perfection. 

It's always a good idea to aim to drink more water. But are you making sure your resolution is sustainable, and achievable everyday? Image Credit: Thiago Matos, Pexels.

Sustainability applies both to how we care for the planet and how we care for ourselves. So, resolutions that feel overwhelming or unattainable are rarely sustainable, leading to no real lasting change. Instead, setting thoughtful intentions and taking small, meaningful steps can create significant, long-lasting progress that people are happy with.  

As you approach the new year, remember: change doesn’t have to start on January 1st. Every day offers a fresh opportunity to begin living in a way that’s kind to both you and the planet.

So, why not dust off those knitting needles, crack open that cookbook, or finally join that club you’ve always wanted to? Whatever you choose, approach your goals with grace, prioritize progress over perfection, and celebrate the little victories along the way.

Sustainable change—whether it’s for your personal growth or the health of the Earth—isn’t about one grand resolution. It’s about embracing the journey, one step at a time.

About the Author:

Charlie Walton is Zoology Masters student at the University of Sheffield, and Wilds lifestyle editor.  With an interest in conservation and educational outreach, she aspires to protect and connect people with the natural world.