Sustainability will be at the top of many people’s list of resolutions, and for good reason; it not only helps out the planet but can also reduce annoying bills
Woman sewing stock photo(Image: Getty Images)
Many people will be heading into 2026 with a long list of resolutions that they may or may not keep up with throughout the year, but perhaps living a more sustainable lifestyle should be at the top of your list.
Choosing to adopt certain sustainable practices can have a positive impact not only on the planet but also on your wallet, so it’s definitely worth exploring green alternatives.
If you are new to the idea and determined to go greener in the new year, there are a few handy methods you can try to implement in your daily routine that won’t throw things off balance. These changes can also reduce your overall expenses in a time when the cost-of-living crisis seems to always be lurking in the background.
Don’t get too influenced by sales
At the moment, it feels like every shop you poke your head into is overrun with big red SALE signs, and it can be hard to resist what seems like, at first glance, a bargain.
If you have been eyeing a winter coat that has been slashed to half off and you know you’ll be wearing it every winter for the next few years, then go for it. However, avoid buying things just because they are cheap.
January sales originated back in the 1800s as a way for department stores to flog their wares that had not sold the rest of the year, and anyone who has been in to a Stephen’s Day sale can surely attest to the tat that is unearthed among the rails and shelves, adorned with red tags and stickers.
A sequin blouse might seem like a steal for a tenner, but if it barely gets worn and just ends up in the bin, then you’re a tenner poorer, and that’s more plastic for the planet.
Add all that up across multiple shops or websites, and you could be looking at a steep bill of “bargains” that all add up.
Be mindful when you shop, and actually save a few quid by coming to the sales armed with the knowledge of what you need to avoid impulse purchases.
Use your electricity wisely
Heating is often the biggest and most feared bill in the wintertime, but luckily, some of the most practical heat-saving hacks are sustainable.
Electricity can be a big expense in winter, too. Some top tips for making houses warmer in the cold months and saving you a few bob on your energy bills are:
When your appliances need replacing, opt for energy-efficient onesRun washing machines and dishwashers on energy-saving cyclesClean behind your fridge and freezerBleed your radiatorsTake short showers, save baths for special occasionsUse lined curtains to preserve heat
Of course, switching to sustainable sources of energy is an excellent way to save money in the long run and contribute to a cleaner planet, but it’s not always a realistic option due to the initial costs.
If you are interested, you can explore reducing some of the costs through the Solar Electricity Grant from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). You don’t need planning permission to install solar panels at your home as long as you meet certain conditions, but check out Citizens Information for more details.
Repair and reuse
It seems that some people have become accustomed to quickly using up their belongings and then discarding them if they become damaged. Instead of immediately buying a replacement, it might be a good idea to explore how we can mend or repurpose them.
When it comes to clothing, there are plenty of issues that can be resolved with a simple needle and thread.
The cost of a small sewing kit is far outweighed by the cost of buying a new t-shirt every time you get a little rip in the underarm, or replacing a coat whose down is escaping through a tear, rather than stitching it back up.
Sewing is also a great craft for the mind, offering a creative but practical exercise that can help calm a busy headspace.
For things like furniture, bringing them to a local repairman for a diagnosis and fix can be cheaper than buying new, and keeps your beloved pieces in use for much longer.
Things like kitchenware or other objects that get tons of use can be tough to repair – after all, how are you going to fix a pot that is burnt beyond belief? But plenty of cookware can be repurposed for the garden, such as using old cooking pots as plant pots, or removing the handle of old pans to place under plants to collect excess water.
You can also use old cups and glasses to grow seedlings and small sprouts. This saves you money at the garden centre and gives your old pieces a new lease of life. What’s not to love?
