Our Goals for a Sustainable 2026
PLANNING & lIFESTYLE
JAN '26
Blog written by Lieske
Last year I posted “Our Guide To A Sustainable 2025”- and this blog is similar, but with a slight twist. Below you will find some of my sustainability goals for this upcoming year alongside some home swaps I am making to make sustainable choices easier.
Additionally, check out our 2025 Sustainable New Year's Guide
.01 Changing the Way I Shop
Shopping the Bulk Section- Consider shopping at stores with bulk sections, which can help reduce packaging waste. My personal favorites are PCC Natural Market and Mimi’s Zero Waste Market, both of which offer household cleaners in their bulk sections.
Using Bamboo Paper Products- Opting for bamboo products can significantly reduce water usage in production. For example, a roll of toilet paper made from bamboo requires less than 1 gallon of water to produce, while a roll made from wood-based paper takes approximately 37 gallons.
Utilizing Good On You- To simplify researching the sustainability practices of clothing companies, I recommend the website Good On You. It makes it easier to find information about the sustainability efforts of various brands.
Purchasing Energy Star Products- When buying larger appliances for your home, look for those that are Energy Star Certified. These products are designed to be more energy-efficient, helping you save on utility bills.
Renting Instead of Buying- Before purchasing items that you might only use once or twice a year, consider renting. You may be surprised at how many things are available for rent, which can save you money and reduce clutter.
Repairing Instead of Replacing- Before purchasing something new, look into local shops that can help you repair your pieces (i.e. cobblers, seamstresses, professional cleaning services, etc.)
.02 Reducing my Energy, Gas and Water Usage
Carbon Offsetting Flights and Long Roadtrips- Most airlines are already giving you this option- but if not there are plenty of companies where you can donate to offset your travel.
Landscaping Differently- Cutting down on our water consumption doesn't need to be challenging; often, it involves making choices that demand less effort in return. For instance, choosing to plant native species or replacing grass with ground cover can significantly reduce both your water usage and the time required for garden upkeep.
Lowering Your Energy Consumption- Simple swaps like using smart plugs and LED lighting are easy ways to reduce your energy usage. Additionally, you can improve your home's heating and cooling (thus reducing your energy use) by regularly cleaning your HVAC filters, taking advantage of natural airflow, using shades during the summer, and lowering the thermostat in the winter.
You can check out our blog on energy efficient lighting here.
.03 Changing My Habits
Planning Out My Meals- ensuring that I have time to cook meals with scratch ingredients- reduces my food waste and plastic usage.
Recycling Broken Down Fabrics- Many large counties have fabric recycling programs where you can recycle so much more than clothes- thus saving items that are too broken down to be donated from the landfill. This includes items like single socks, broken down shoes, bed and table linens, fabric scraps and so forth. You can check out the full list here.
Growing Your Own Spices- If full gardening isn't your thing, you can still grow some spices easily in the Pacific Northwest (PNW). Herbs like mint, sage, rosemary, thyme, chives, and juniper are among the simplest to cultivate here, even for those without a green thumb.
