Your 2026 Resolutions, Minus the Guilt Spiral

In the (rough) words of Bob Wiley, there are two types of people: those who love New Year’s Resolutions and those who would rather eat a compostable solo cup. We’re not here to judge. But we are bringing back Finch’s monthly resolutions so you can dip a toe—or do a full cannonball—into bite-sized sustainability goals. No pressure, no guilt. Just a few ideas to help you kick off 2026 with more intention (and maybe less plastic). We ran similar ones in 2021, so consider this a Finch Facelift from days of yore…

Here are a few ways to kick-off your sustainability resolutions.

1. Keep a record. One of the most helpful things to do every month is jot down a quick note about your starting point. We all have different strengths and weaknesses, so it helps to have clarity about what your personal baseline is. Over the course of the month, we also like to make note of what our biggest challenges are and where we’re excelling the most, so that we have some good guidelines to refer back to the next time. It’s also super fulfilling to look back at the end of the month to see how far we’ve come.
2. Be kind to yourself. What do we always say? Sustainability is all about progress, not perfection. We have no expectation that every person on the planet will be a Net Zero vegan that makes homemade soap (although, if you’re already there, AMAZING!). Take it step-by-step. If you slip up, it doesn’t mean that your whole month is ruined or that you’re not a “real” environmentalist. We’re all human.
3. Find a buddy. Challenges are always more fun with a partner. Plus, finding someone who is willing to do this challenge with you means you have someone to help keep you honest on the tough days and celebrate with you on the awesome days. We like scheduling check-ins with our buddies at least once per week.

JANUARY’S RESOLUTION

Cut Back on Energy Use

January 10th was National Cut Your Energy Costs Day. Whether you’re living with your parents, just moved into an apartment with your significant other, or are traveling around the country in your converted camper van, let’s all try to find one or two hacks to cut our energy costs (and emissions!). Since our day of inspiration falls on January 10th, let’s each shoot for a 10% reduction.

FEBRUARY’S RESOLUTION

Wait 24 Hours Before Buying Something New

Who hasn’t ordered a sushi-making kit at 1 AM from an Instagram ad after one too many White Claws and regretted it immediately the next day? It’s not just me, is it? Well…our February resolution is all about reducing that impulse control to help your environmental footprint and your budget. This month, we’re implementing a 24-hour waiting period before buying something new (food & other necessities don’t count...please continue to eat and make sure you have toothpaste. In fact, if you want the inside scoop on which toothpaste to scoop, we’ve made this handy-dandy guide).

Here’s how it works: Browse for things you need or want online or in the store (or those that target you…damn you, brilliant algorithm!), but don’t spring for it until 24 hours later after you’ve had time to really think about it. If you still want it, proudly hit that purchase button. If not, you’ve possibly saved yourself more money than you would have by switching to Geico.

February’s the ultimate “nesting” month and, frankly, there just isn’t a lot we need!  

MARCH’S RESOLUTION

Go Vegan

Finch is all about not having to compromise the things we love because we know how important that is. So, this goal may seem a bit out of left field. Here’s the thing…the entire food production industry accounts for about 35% of all global emissions and over half of that is specifically meat production. With so many amazing new cookbooks and plant-based alternatives, being a vegan has become easier and more enjoyable than it has ever been before. The superbowl is over, memorial day cookouts are months away, so use this month to get creative in the kitchen and realize you don’t actually miss that parmesan on your pasta or bacon on your sandwich as much as you thought you did. And, if you decide you DO miss those things, well then you’ve only given them up for a month, seems like a win-win.

APRIL’S RESOLUTION

Spring Cleaning is here!

It’s that time of year to get rid of things that don’t serve us. Let’s channel Marie Kondo and “minimize.” Here are some ideas:

• If you haven’t gone through your closet recently, try finding at least 5 articles of clothing or accessories to sell or give away so that someone else can take advantage of your impeccable style.
• Purge the medicine cabinet. For any expired medicine, creams, or cosmetics, ensure they’re recycled properly (check out our blog on medicine, order a bag from Pact Collective for old cosmetics, and make sure all bottles are emptied, washed out, and recycled according to your local guidelines.
• Swap out your cleaning supplies. We generally encourage people to use the rest of whatever you already have (as opposed to throwing away a lightly used bathroom cleaner only to buy a new sustainable one), so when you’re ready, try a brand like Blueland, CleanCult, or find one at a local refillable store. One of the best ways to avoid falling into old habits is to plan ahead and know exactly what you’re going to get before the moment comes.

MAY’S RESOLUTION

Fight That Eco-Anxiety

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Life can be stressful no matter what life stage we’re in, and that stress is exacerbated by the impending doom that the world is catching on fire and we’re not doing enough to stop it. Eco-anxiety, which is defined by the American Psychological Association as “the chronic fear of environmental cataclysm that comes from observing the seemingly irrevocable impact of climate change and the associated concern for one's future and that of next generations,” affects many of us. We’d like to focus May on fighting a little of that anxiety in the ways we know best:

• Write in a journal and give gratitude to at least one thing in the natural world each day.  
• Get outside! Try to add 30 minutes to your usual time spent outside. In other words, if you generally are outside for an hour a day, make it 1:30. If you’re normally stuck inside in an office from 8-6, try to spend at least 30 minutes outside. We love this app that helps track your time.

JUNE’S RESOLUTION

Minimize Your Travel Footprint

The official start to summer has arrived (YAY) and that means more weddings, college reunions, and family vacations. After two years of minimal travel, we all deserve a few getaways (we interrupt this message to also acknowledge that COVID persists, so let’s continue to be smart and safe).

Unfortunately, flying is not only expensive, but also incredibly carbon-intensive. The airline industry is responsible for 2.5% of global CO2e emissions. This month, let’s focus on traveling in the least environmentally impactful way possible. Here’s what we suggest:

• Take alternative modes of transportation, like a bus or train, whenever possible
• Bring reusable stuff when you travel (who wants to spend $6 on airport bottled water anyway?)
• Pack light. If each Delta customer cut their luggage weight by two pounds, the annual environmental footprint from reduced fuel consumption would be equivalent to taking 10,500 cars off the road. Wow.
• If you do need to fly, the one type of offset Finch loves is for travel – check out Wren or Offcents.

JULY’S RESOLUTION

No Single-Use Plastic

Let’s challenge ourselves to no single-use plastic use for the entire month. By single-use, we mean something you’ll consume and throw away within 48 hours (so, shampoo bottles and cosmetics don’t count…we’re just getting started and we can start small!). Here are some examples of things to avoid this month:

• Bottled water, soda, or gatorade (and no, it doesn’t count if you fill up your Poland Springs bottle again and again).
• Take-out containers (and disposable cutlery and straws)
• Coffee cups (most hot ones aren’t even recyclable due to their wax lining)
• Plastic grocery bags

AUGUST’S RESOLUTION

Leave No Trace

Heading to the beach in August or planning to walk in your local park? Challenge yourself to pick up litter where you see it and put it in the nearest bin, even if it’s not your waste. Take a picture and send it to us, and we’ll track who picked up the most trash during the month! When you’re walking, be sure to bring a small bag (plastic grocery bag, dog waste bag, or tote works perfectly) and a pair of gloves! Your city workers, and the planet, will thank you for your help.

SEPTEMBER’S RESOLUTION:

No Paper Towels

We know that in some cases, the paper towel/dish towel decision depends on your washing machine and a few other factors to determine whether or not paper towels are actually better than reusable options. Check out our super helpful reusable paper towel blog for more intel on this. All in all, we generally advocate for reusable options (only if we keep them in use!), so this is a helpful, at-home test to flex those reuse muscles and break the single-use habit that’s been instilled in us through decades of satisfying marketing campaigns. Let’s store our paper towels in the depths of our pantry for these 30 days and see if we can go without using them.

OCTOBER RESOLUTION:

Don’t Throw Food Away in the Trash

We’re in pumpkin season, ya’ll. That means more pumpkin spice lattes (in our reusable mugs), jack-o-lanterns, and LOTS of pumpkin guts. When creating food waste at home, in any form, challenge yourself to avoid any food heading to the landfill. Roast those scrumptious seeds from carving for an easy, more sustainable snack, or get creative with leftovers. If you really need to dump some old grub, opt for the compost over the garbage bin.

NOVEMBER RESOLUTION:

No Take-Out Food

It’s SOUP season. My favorite season of all. This is the time to make huge batches of yummy soups and casseroles that warm you up and make amazing leftovers. Once you make all the recipes in your queue, it’ll be time for Thanksgiving. Use this month to cook at home, make use of those silicone baggies and think twice before heading to that seamless app.

DECEMBER RESOLUTION:

Don’t Buy Anything For Yourself

It’s the season of giving! Aside from necessities, challenge yourself to only buy things for others - whether that’s donations to the needy or to friends and family to help celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or whatever other celebrations may come up this month. What a better way to ring out the new year than a little selfless acting?

Plus…How to Dispose of That Christmas Tree?

1. Curbside Tree Recycling ("Treecycling")

Many cities offer curbside pickup for Christmas trees in early January. These trees are typically turned into mulch or compost. Just make sure you’ve removed all decorations, tinsel, and the stand before leaving it out. This is one of the easiest and most sustainable options if your local government provides it.

2. Drop-Off Mulching Programs

If your city doesn’t offer pickup, check with local parks departments, garden centers, or waste facilities. Many run seasonal drop-off sites where trees are chipped into mulch. Some even let you take home a bag for spring gardening.

3. Backyard Use (for the DIYers among us)

If you have outdoor space, cut the branches to use as winter mulch for garden beds, or create a brush pile for birds and small animals. The trunk can be repurposed for edging, firewood (after seasoning), or as a base for a pollinator hotel. Just don’t burn it in your fireplace unless you know what you’re doing—pine sap and chimneys don’t mix well.

4. Habitat Programs

Some state wildlife agencies will sink old trees into ponds or lakes to create fish habitats. If you're near one, it’s worth looking into. It’s niche, but cool.

5. Last Resort: Landfill

If none of the above work, the least sustainable option is to toss your tree in the trash. Organic matter in landfills breaks down anaerobically, creating methane—a potent greenhouse gas. Basically: avoid if you can.

What about fake trees?

If you already own one, the most sustainable thing to do is keep using it for at least 10 years. After that, recycling is tricky—most are a mix of plastic and metal and end up in landfills. Better to hang on as long as possible.

‍