Start Fresh: Turning Holiday Stress into Sustainable Goals for 2026

A New Year, A New Approach

The holidays are over, and if you're like many of us, you might be feeling a mix of relief and overwhelm. Between the gift-giving, the gatherings, and the general hustle, it's easy to feel like you've lost sight of your values—especially when it comes to sustainability.

But here's the good news: January is the perfect time to reset. Not with rigid resolutions that fade by February, but with small, intentional changes that align with your eco-friendly goals. Research shows that it takes an average of 66 days to form a new habit, so starting now gives you plenty of time to make sustainable practices stick.

Reflect on What Worked (and What Didn't)

Before you dive into new goals, take a moment to reflect on the past year. What sustainable habits did you stick with? Maybe you brought your reusable bags to the grocery store more often, or you finally switched to a refillable cleaning system. Celebrate those wins!

On the flip side, what didn't work? Maybe you bought too many single-use items during the holiday rush, or you forgot to compost as often as you'd planned. That's okay—awareness is the first step to change. According to UN Environment Programme, we produce over 400 million tonnes of plastic waste globally each year, with single-use plastics accounting for a significant portion.

Set Small, Achievable Goals

The key to lasting change is starting small. Instead of overhauling your entire lifestyle overnight, pick one or two areas to focus on this year. Here are a few ideas:

• Reduce plastic waste: Switch to plastic-free dental floss like our bamboo charcoal floss refills. Traditional dental floss is made from nylon or Teflon, which are non-biodegradable plastics that can persist in landfills for hundreds of years.
• Shop smarter: Before buying something new, ask yourself if you really need it—or if you can borrow, buy secondhand, or make do with what you have. Buying secondhand helps to reduce carbon emissions compared to buying new.
• Support local and sustainable brands: Make a list of eco-friendly businesses (like us!) that align with your values, and prioritize them when shopping.
• Compost more: If you're not already composting, start with just food scraps. If you are, challenge yourself to compost more consistently. Here in Toronto, the City's Green Bin program collects organic material and diverts it from landfill, helping reduce methane emissions through anaerobic digestion and composting. By composting your vegetable scraps, you're directly contributing to reducing the city's carbon footprint. The City of Toronto is actively working towards reducing waste through its TransformTO climate action strategy, and every household that participates makes a difference.

Make It Easy on Yourself

Sustainability doesn't have to be hard. In fact, the easier you make it, the more likely you are to stick with it. Here are a few tips:

• Keep reusables handy: Stash reusable bags in your car, a water bottle in your bag, and a set of utensils at your desk.
• Automate where you can: Set up a subscription for eco-friendly products you use regularly, like refillable cleaning supplies or compostable dog waste bags.
• Find your community: Surround yourself with like-minded people who inspire you to keep going. Whether it's an online group or a local sustainability meetup, having support makes all the difference.
• Get expert help: The Green Jar is available for consultation in your home or office to help you reduce waste, eliminate plastic where possible, and switch to VOC-free, plant-based alternatives for care and cleaning products. Sometimes having a personalized plan makes all the difference.

Remember: Progress Over Perfection

Here's the truth: you're not going to be perfect, and that's okay. Sustainability is a journey, not a destination. Some days you'll forget your reusable bag. Some weeks you'll be too busy to compost. And that's fine.

What matters is that you keep showing up. Every small choice you make—whether it's choosing a refillable product, saying no to single-use plastic, or supporting a sustainable brand—adds up over time. Research from Nature Sustainability shows that household consumption changes can reduce carbon footprints by 25-27% when sustained over time.

Let's Make 2026 Your Most Sustainable Year Yet

At The Green Jar, we're here to support you every step of the way. Whether you're just starting your sustainability journey or you're looking to take it to the next level, we've got the products, tips, and community to help you succeed.

So here's to a fresh start. Here's to small changes that make a big impact. And here's to a 2026 that's kinder to you—and to the planet.

Ready to get started? Shop our collection of eco-friendly products and take the first step toward a more sustainable year. Or reach out for a consultation to create a customized waste-reduction plan for your space.