It has been a long and hard 12 months, but in just a few short days, the year 2020 will be behind us. As we transition into this new year, you may be looking to go green for the first time or improve upon an already-sustainable lifestyle. Either way, you’re in the right place.

Traditional ways of going green — though important — may seem boring. Finding creative ways to go green makes sustainability fun and impactful.

Here’s how you can up your sustainability game in the new year!

Set S.M.A.R.T. Sustainability Goals

Even the most genuine and motivated goals struggle without a well-laid plan. In most cases, the S.M.A.R.T. criteria make any goal achievable, so if you want to go green in the new year, your goal had better be S.M.A.R.T.

S.M.A.R.T. goals have five parts. According to Success Magazine, goals must be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-sensitive.

• Specific. Goals should never be vague; know exactly what you want to accomplish.
• Measurable. Always be able to objectively measure your progress with numbers.
• Attainable. Challenge yourself. A goal shouldn’t be easy, but it has to be doable.
• Realistic. Can you realistically achieve this goal given your time and resources?
• Time-Sensitive. Set a deadline by which you’ll achieve your goal.

Together these criteria will make you and your goals nearly unstoppable. However, if your goal doesn’t meet all of the S.M.A.R.T. criteria, go back and rethink your strategy. There’s always a way to make your goal specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-sensitive!

Creatively Go Green in the New Year

Time and time again we’ve touted the benefits of traditional ways to go green. That being said, we’ve also revealed several creative ways to live sustainably. Without further ado, here are five ways to go green in the new year!

Embrace Green Mobile Apps

In 2021, the use of mobile devices is expected to exceed four hours per day. With so much time spent on our phones, we can afford to dedicate just some of it to sustainability.

From gardening to green fashion and from sustainable search engines to eco-friendly competitions, there’s a green app for every lifestyle.

Upgrade to Eco-Friendly Cookware

In the kitchen, scores of plain ingredients come together to create culinary masterpieces. However, the kitchen is also a place to easily go green. For starters, eco-friendly cookware reduces the environmental impact of every meal.

Furthermore, other green kitchen essentials — like reusable sandwich bags or bamboo cutting boards — can make your meals even more sustainable!

Eat In-Season Fruits & Veggies

Eating seasonally is an all-around way to support yourself, the community, and the planet. For example, shopping at a farmers’ market reduces food mileage and the use of preservatives. It also supports local farmers and gets you great tasting produce.

Additionally, growing produce in your garden allows you to eat in-season as well. Biting into something you’ve grown yourself is always more delicious than food you bought.

Switch to Bamboo Toilet Paper & Recycled Paper Towels

Of course, we can’t talk about fun ways to go green without mentioning making the sustainable switch! Bamboo toilet paper and recycled paper towels are made from the strongest, softest, and most absorbent materials out there.

Moreover, bamboo is the fastest growing plant once it’s harvested, the stalks grow back again in no time.

Get Outside & Appreciate Nature

Finally, go green this year by getting outside and appreciating nature. We spend so much time protecting it and working to live sustainably that we often forget why we do what we do.

Reconnecting with nature is a great way to reduce stress and remind yourself why you fight so hard for Mother Earth.

Go Green & Succeed in the New Year

Accomplishing your goals is not an easy task, but the S.M.A.R.T. criteria make any achievement possible. A sustainable S.M.A.R.T. goal will certainly have a positive and lasting impact on the world.

This upcoming year will be an important one for the future of our planet. Whether you choose a traditional route to sustainability or you opt for a creative approach, make it count.

How will you make this your greenest year yet? Leave a comment and let us know!