Editor’s note: This is one in a series of educational columns fostering environmental stewardship and leadership coordinated by ACES – The Alliance of Climate and Environmental Stewards.
Making resolutions is traditionally a big thing at the beginning of each new year. Some folks are skeptical of making them because so many good intentions peter out by late February. But they can and do work over time and are a good thing for people to be doing. So, ACES proposes we adopt some resolutions for 2026 that will allow us to help the environment.
Resolutions are good, even if they need to be made over and over each day to become habits that will stick with us. In some ways, these daily affirmations are like a string of mini resolutions that will eventually take root.
What is the content of a resolution? First, it should have a purpose that we want to address and a specific goal that we want to achieve. It should also include a method or process for us to follow to achieve it. As environmentalists, we have access to lists of actions we can take personally to change things for the better and we can review them to choose doable New Year’s resolutions for ourselves. Here are just a few ideas to consider:
“Every day, I will learn more” about some aspect of the environment that interests me by focusing on my social media feed, podcasts, the ACES newsletter, or possibly bird-watcher reports in this paper. I will look for stories about tree plantings or new solar roofs on the affordable apartments the YWCA is christening. By learning a little more every day, you will gain the knowledge and motivation to help yourself and perhaps others.
“I will tend my garden well” by cultivating my own home and lifestyle to move toward a more sustainable lifestyle. I will adopt sustainable eating habits like eating more fruits and vegetables, while reducing my meat consumption.
I will buy only what I need and minimize wasting my money and producing piles of leftover food items. I will keep food scraps out of the trash and start composting to minimize landfill waste. Consider the composting options available in your community and maybe stop by the Newburyport Senior/Community Center to learn about their free composting arrangement as a good start.
“I will reduce my fossil fuel use” by using electric appliances like slow cookers and griddles rather than my gas stove. And replace light bulbs that burn out with energy-efficient LEDs. I will drive less and learn how to catch a ride on a MeVa bus for the fun of it.
I know we’re better off environmentally driving less, but how many of us know how to actually do it. It’s free and convenient and trying it once or twice with my kids or a neighbor will get us all started.
“I will reduce my waste” of all kinds in 2026. I will double down on recycling and reject single-use plastic containers. I will consider buying a certain percentage of things my family needs from used or vintage shops and prevent the waste of making new ones. And participate in one-time actions to help the environment by participating in community efforts to remove waste from parks, rivers and beaches.
Wherever I am volunteering or working already, I will think about how that group may add a bit of environmental shift to their efforts. Can they move away from single-use items for food and drink items for team meetings?
ACES advocates for supporting local initiatives that have health benefits for current and future generations. For example, the Towards Zero Waste 2030/50 Program being launched in multiple Greater Newburyport communities will be needing “Waste Watcher” outreach volunteers.
Defining and implementing daily resolutions can significantly contribute to safeguarding the well-being of the current and future generations. Sustainability means we each need to help create a healthier neighborhood and planet.
You all know your own reasons for wanting to help. Pick a specific goal and set up a little daily affirmation for yourself. You can do it – we can do it – to help the Earth heal from 125 years of the negative side effects of the Industrial Revolution. It will be a long road but we know we all can make a difference together. So, let’s make 2026 a big right turn in the journey toward a healthier planet.
ACES is confident we can do it together, collaboratively and in the spirit of friendship. We are resolved! Happy New Year 2026!
Meanwhile we invite you to stay updated on environmental matters by subscribing to our monthly newsletter on ACES’ website: www.aces-alliance.org/. Please consider joining our community of stewards committed to make every day Earth Day by contacting acesnewburyport@gmail.com.