The New Year symbolises a fresh start, and often inspires new commitments like hitting the gym, learning the piano, or spending more time with family. But beyond these personal aspirations, there's a growing awareness of our role in environmental preservation, and what we can do to help.

This year, why not kick it off with a resolution that embraces a more sustainable lifestyle? It may seem like a big change, but there are many different steps that can reduce your environmental footprint. Here are some suggestions:

1. Think waste avoidance

A simple way to start your sustainable lifestyle is to avoid waste where possible. Plan ahead when shopping and consider the environmental and social impacts of what you are buying. In your choices, limit the potential for wasted food, unwanted gifts, single-use products and excess packaging.

2. Embrace active transportation

Australia's transport system isn't very energy efficient (PDF, 2.8MB), ranking second worst worldwide. It's the third-largest source of greenhouse gases here and it's getting worse. To cut down on your carbon footprint, try walking or biking for short trips.

If you take the bus or train to work, think about biking to the station instead of driving. And if you live close to your kid's school, walking to pick them up is an easy way to be more environmentally friendly.

3. Start recycling

Recycling is one of the easiest and most effective ways you can reduce your home’s carbon footprint. You might even be able to get a little extra money in your pocket!

When getting started, first learn what can be recycled in your local government area. The types of items that can be processed are determined by your local council’s recycling capabilities, but they typically accept these 5 materials: paper/cardboard, glass, hard plastics, steel and aluminium.

If you’re unsure whether an item is recyclable, look for the Australasian Recycling Label. It provides clear information about how to correctly dispose of each component of the item. Keep in mind recycling capabilities vary by council. It’s important to check with them to ensure which materials are accepted. Find your Queensland local government council.

Something to keep in mind when recycling is to always keep your recyclables loose in the bin - they do not need a bin liner or plastic bag. Bagging recyclables creates problems during processing, potentially leading to your recyclables being sent to landfill.

4. Plant natives in your garden

Native Australian plants make for perfect home growing. They can typically survive on rainwater alone, and rarely need fertilisers or pesticides. Our native plants also provide habitat, food and shelter for local wildlife such as birds, bees, small mammals and lizards.

There are plenty of native options that grow well indoors as well, such as the kentia palm, kangaroo fern and wax vine. Some councils even have a free native plants program that offers a range of plants.

5. Throw away less food

Aussies throw away over 10% of the food we buy. The amount of greenhouse gases this causes puts a massive strain on the environment. That’s why it’s so important to minimise what we put in the bin. A simple way to reduce food waste is to ensure your fruits and vegetables are stored properly. This will help them stay fresh longer, providing a larger window for you to enjoy them.

When you've got leftovers, check out Love Food Hate Waste's collection of recipes designed specifically for the ingredients you have in excess. Even if there is some food you need to throw away, composting allows it to decompose naturally, without harming the environment. You can also check out the Saveful app , which we created in conjunction with the Federal Government to help Australians cut down on food waste, save money and contribute to a greener future.

6. Compost your organic food waste

When food scraps are thrown in the bin, they end up in landfill releasing methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Composting your food scraps reduces these emissions, all while making great soil for your garden and plants!

Starting composting can be quite simple. Firstly, you need to select a compost bin that fits your space. Plastic enclosed ones usually work best. Some Queensland councils, like Brisbane City and Logan City, even have composting rebates, where you can get cash incentives for purchasing composting equipment. Check with your local council to see if your area has a similar program.

7. Consume less energy at home

About 20% of Australia's carbon footprint comes from household emissions. Lowering this impact is not only great for the environment but can also reduce your energy bill.

Start with simple actions like turning off lights and draught-proofing your home. Then, look to tackle the two largest energy consumers in Queensland households (PDF, 811KB) – hot water and heating/cooling.

Water heating is the primary source of greenhouse gas emissions in an average Australian home, accounting for 25% (PDF, 811KB) of the average Queenslander’s power bill. Aim to limit hot showers to 4 minutes and fix any dripping taps.

When you do turn on your heating or cooling, look at setting your heating thermostat to 18 to 20°C in winter and to 25 to 27°C in summer. Energy use will increase by about 5% to 10% for each degree you raise your heater or cooler.

Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances is another impactful consideration, as well as exploring solar options for your home.

8. Give new life to old items

Upcycling is an enriching way to unleash creativity, save money, and breathe fresh life into forgotten items. Before throwing away those clothes or that sauce jar, consider their potential for a new purpose - you might be surprised with your innovation.

It's crucial to always explore ways to rejuvenate an item before it gets thrown out. You could get of use for the rest of your life!

9. Eliminate single-use plastics

The most environmentally friendly thing you can do with soft plastics (especially single-use plastics) is reduce your consumption of them. Simple changes like carrying a reusable water bottle or coffee cup can significantly cut down plastic waste. You could also opt for reusable shopping bags and choose products with minimal or no plastic packaging.

The more you show corporations that single-use plastics aren't your preference, the less likely they'll include them in products.

In Queensland, in addition to banning harmful single-use items like plastic bags and straws, we have also recently banned the act of releasing lighter-than-air balloons into the sky. Fortunately, there are plenty of more sustainable ways to celebrate your next special occasion.

10. Spend more time in nature

Reduced blood pressure, lowered mortality from cardiovascular disease, and an improved mood are just some of the health benefits nature can provide. If people spent just half an hour in their local park each week, cases of depression could decrease by 7%.

Use 'Find a Park' to get an idea of the National Parks and Forests closest to you. If you live far away from a park or don’t have much time, try incorporating nature into your daily life at home by creating a green space, such as a garden or plant wall.

There are plenty of simple, cost-free ways you can contribute to a more sustainable planet. It doesn’t matter whether you decide to take on something personally, like investing in a reusable coffee cup, or as a household through planting a native tree or composting. No matter how small the habit may seem, it compounds over time into something hugely beneficial. By adopting these resolutions, you’ll be aligning your personal growth with environmental responsibility, and contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.