“New year, new you.” We hear it every January. Yet many of us find ourselves repeating this mantra only to abandon our resolutions come February; fear not. If you’re ready to focus on wasting less and improving your health—and the planet’s—we’re here to help you kick off goals that stick.
Why bother?
Annual waste in the US adds up to 292.4 million tons of material—and though our homes are where many of our waste habits form, they’re also where real change begins. From food scraps to cleaning products, there's so much we toss that could be reused, repurposed, or reduced. But here's the good news: you don't need to go zero waste overnight. You just need a few simple habits to make a lasting impact.
When it comes to changing your habits, research has shown that approach-oriented goals are more successful than avoidance-oriented goals. Simply put, resolving to add better habits to your life is more effective than taking things away (for example, reusing your containers rather than never getting takeout again).
One-third of all food in the US goes uneaten. In 2019, about 96% of household wasted food ended up in landfills. By wasting less food, a family of four could save up to $56 a week!
Join the seven- day challenge
Low-waste living doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. It starts with a few mindful swaps and habits. Ready to get started? Take our seven- day low- waste challenge:
Day 1: Make a plan: Planning out your meals for the week can help reduce food waste by making sure you’re using what you have. Bonus: get the family involved and save yourself some stress on busy weeknights.
Day 2: Donate or share: Before tossing anything, ask if someone else could use it. Local “Buy Nothing” groups on Facebook, neighborhood forums, and thrift stores are great places to start.
Day 3: Switch to reusable grocery bags: Plastic bags can wreak havoc on the environment, often ending up in waterways and threatening animal life. Reusing your grocery bags is one way to fight against single-use plastic.
Day 4: Recycle right: Look up your local recycling rules. Not everything with a triangle goes in the bin. Recycling properly helps the system work.
Day 5: Put veggies first: Research shows that skipping meat for just one day a week can be beneficial to the planet and to your body, boasting benefits such as weight loss and lowering blood pressure.
Day 6: Regrow from scraps: Scallions, celery, romaine, and even herbs like basil can regrow in water from the ends you usually throw away. Put them in a jar with a bit of water and place the jar on your windowsill.
Day 7: Start composting: At-home composting is easier than you think! You can even start with a small bucket on your counter filled with scraps, coffee grounds, grass clippings, and dry leaves.
Share your challenge journey on Instagram and tag us @alivehealth for a chance to be featured!
Healthy Hearts
Being good to Mother Earth and being good to yourself go hand in hand. Check out our favorite foods for promoting heart health and a healthy new year:
- Whole grains may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
- Nuts, seeds, and legumes are thought to lower inflammation that may affect the heart.
- Red yeast rice may help lower cholesterol.
- Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants that keep blood vessels healthy.
- Lean proteins like salmon offer omega-3 fatty acids that may help reduce the risk of heart disease.
Better habits = less waste
The next step? Continue to make simple and sustainable changes. A few simple swaps can make a huge difference:
Turn old into new: Stained T-shirts become rags. Candle ends can be melted down and poured into a new container. Peanut butter jars make great snack containers or DIY kits.
Swap paper towels for cloths: A stack of flour sack towels or cut-up old T-shirts can handle all the spills without sending anything to the landfill.
Ditch plastic wrap: Beeswax wraps, silicone lids, or even a plate over a bowl work just as well.
Buy in bulk: Choose bulk bins and refill stores when possible. Bring your own containers. Even if it’s just rice, oats, or beans, the packaging saved adds up fast.
Store food smarter: Learn how to store produce to make it last. For example, herbs stay fresh in a glass of water in the fridge (like flowers), and greens last longer wrapped in a damp towel.
DIY your cleaners: Making your own cleaners and products not only reduces packaging but helps avoid harsh chemicals. Check out our handy recipes for effective cleaning solutions you can feel good about.
Progress over perfection
Low-waste living isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. Every jar saved, every cloth used, and every batch of DIY cleaner is a small win that adds up over time.
Start with your kitchen. Then, try composting. Mix in some DIY. And give yourself grace to learn as you go. Letting this new year be about thoughtful shifts, not strict rules, might just be the change you need to revolutionize your resolutions.
Get connected
When it comes to doing better by the planet, there is strength in numbers! Connecting with others can keep you motivated and inspired while promoting the sharing of information and resources.
Check out your local farmers market or community garden for fresher foods and tips on composting and soil health.
Farm Aid has a useful tool for finding family farms near you. The Zero Waste Alliance can also help you find local resources.
Expert groups
The US Composting Council and the USDA Composting and Food Waste Reduction Cooperative can provide resources on composting and reducing waste at home.
Feeding America helps rescue food nationally and provides tips.
Litterless has a helpful guide on where to shop in your state to reduce trash.
Social media
Bea Johnson of @zerowastehome writes and lectures about reducing waste and sustainability.
Leah Thomas, aka @greengirlleah talks about environmentalism and equality.
Robin Greenfield, online at @robin.greenfield is an activist that raises awareness of sustainability issues.
Kathryn Kellogg of @going.zero.waste helps promote an eco-friendly lifestyle.
This article was originally published in the January-February 2026 issue of alive magazine (US edition).
Laura Bolt is a Los Angeles-based writer and editor specializing in lifestyle and culture. She lives with her cat, Osiris, and can probably be found at Moon Juice.
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