A new year, so that means we can get back to work on our good intentions. Have you already made a list? And do they include sustainable resolutions? Read on quickly, because we would like to give you some good ideas. Start the year greener and more fun with these sustainable resolutions for 2026.
Sustainable living in 2026
2025 was another troubled year. Conflicts are still going on, we are even urged to bring in emergency kits. Politics in Netherlands is unstable, with fresh elections, a caretaker government and a difficult formation. At the same time, many people are worried about other things: high healthcare costs, the housing shortage and safety on the streets. And then there was the climate summit in Brazil at the end of 2025, which the world was looking forward to with hope. Unfortunately, little concrete came out of it. While time is pressing, binding agreements remain absent. We have to make do with that for the time being. In such a world, it is understandable that sustainability is not always given top priority. Yet we also see something else happening. Especially in uncertain times, the need for grip, simplicity and meaning is growing. And that creates a new form of sustainability: local, social and achievable. People join clothing swap groups, start a repair café or join a circular community action. Not out of activism, but because it feels good to do something together. Living more sustainably doesn't have to be perfect. Small choices can make a difference, for yourself and for the world around you. And often also for your wallet. In this article, we therefore list a number of achievable, sustainable resolutions that will make you start 2026 green, practical and feeling good.
Find out more about the sustainable lifestyle trends of 2026 here.
As far as we are concerned, these are the best sustainable good intentions for 2026
- Eat in season and discover all the forgotten vegetables waiting for you. Dutch-grown fruit and vegetables are not only a great sustainable choice, they are often a lot cheaper and you will discover something new on your plate. We have listed the seasonal fruits and vegetables by month for you.
- Take up a challenge and don't buy new stuff (or new clothes) for a year. Second-hand is of course allowed! The rules of the game are up to you!
- Go swap clothes with neighbours and sign up for The Clothing Loop.
- Change your outlook on fashion and join the 100 Day Dress Challenge by Wooland. Yes, you read that right: an international challenge all about minimalism and creativity. The task: 100 days in one dress where you can prove to yourself that even then you don't have to look the same every day. The dress can be easily washed and dried, making the challenge really achievable. A number of followers of thegreenlist.nl have already gone before you!
- Buy or borrow a litter pick and go for a round of litter-picking in the neighbourhood every day (together?). The deposit is on the street! Trash picking is also very good for your mood and nervous system.
- Go clean up well (check out our tidying tips here), say goodbye to stuff for good and find out where you can sustainably hand in your stuff for reuse, recycling or sell it! This good intention can even make money if you manage to sell stuff well. We have sales tips for that too, both for Vinted, the flea market, Marketplace as for old books.
- Learn more about nutrition and start a vegetable or herb garden, if necessary on the balcony or in your windowsill if you don't have space. Ideas for the cutest herb garden We have already listed them for you earlier, so you can start right away!
- Go tile hopping in your garden or neighbourhood and plant organic plants, seeds and bulbs to green things up. Why you really organic plants and bulbs should buy, we have already figured out for you. So go, go, go!
- Get started on a vegetarian(er) diet. Eating less meat and dairy is not only better for the planet, but also for your health, according to research by the Health Council.
- Rediscover the charm of forgotten crafts. Learn fermentation, repair clothing and making your own sourdough bread. See if there's a fun workshop nearby or get started yourself. Our articles and YouTube will take you very far!
- Clean up your digital clutter: your photo and video cloud, your WhatsApp history and your overflowing mailbox. All that content is stored in the cloud. And for that cloud, data centres are hard at work providing a lot of energy and use water. Sweep through your digital home. We'll get you started with digital tidying tips as you've come to expect from us. You can also make this tidying chore more fun by making it a challenge.
- Get out into nature more often! Even more fun: go on organised outings with a guide and learn all about nature, native animals and plants and our landscape. A great tip is a wildflower walk or go out with the volunteers of the Wadden Association when you are on the islands. Check out our Terschelling tips!
- Make a happiness jar or gratitude jar: collect small moments of happiness for a year and read them back at the end of the year. All you need is a jar, pen and paper. Read more about a happiness pot here.
Need inspiration for good intentions for 2026? Get started with your own organic herb garden! That way you won't have to buy packaged herbs every time. And say it yourself, fresh herbs are much tastier, aren't they? Another good habit for the new year is to delve into forgotten crafts and eat more with the seasons. Not only is this healthier and more sustainable, you'll probably save money too. Vegetables from nearby are often cheaper.
Need help with your sustainable good intentions for 2026?
Would you like to live a little greener, but not sure where to start? Then check out the book NIKS NIEUWS once! In this book, I take you on a surprisingly fun and achievable route to a more sustainable life. Per lifestyle theme, I explain what is going on in the world, how we approach it at home and - the most fun - I share original tips from our community. Because with the largest sustainable Instagram community in the Netherlands, there is a clever solution for every problem. You'll find them all in this book. Fancy a read? You can order it from my webshop here!
Good luck with your good sustainable resolutions! Make it a greener year!
Photo credits: thegreenlist.nl & Janny Brouwer (sourdough).
