New Year’s Resolutions for a Healthier Future
With 2026 right around the corner, we all ask the big question: What are our New Year’s resolutions? For Antarctic Ambassadors, the answer is shaped by the ways we can act for Antarctica and the planet in 2026.
Acts of ambassadorship can be woven into our daily lives through small, achievable choices that add up - and make us proud throughout the year. From self-improvement to eco-conscious habits, you can choose a New Year’s Resolution that benefits you and Antarctica. With this in mind, let’s explore specific actions we can all take as ambassadors next year.
Cut Household Waste
Households worldwide generate significant amounts of waste, but we can reduce ours substantially with a few small changes. Start by making simple swaps from single-use items to reusables. You can streamline your grocery shopping process by skipping the plastic bags and using reusable ones instead. A few sturdy tote bags can go a long way!
Switching to shampoo and conditioner bars instead of bottled versions can save money over time while also reducing plastic waste. This could also be a great time to try composting food scraps or making your own cleaning supplies. With these simple, fun, and high-impact changes, you can significantly reduce your household waste. Now that we’ve addressed household habits, let’s look at resolutions supporting health and well-being.
Embrace Healthy Habits
Many resolutions support personal health and benefit the planet. Try walking or biking to local destinations to cut unnecessary emissions while improving your well-being.
Similarly, everyone is trying to reduce their screen time, whether that be on their cell phones, televisions, or computers. As you look for healthier choices, remember that turning off digital devices, when possible, throughout the day, not only benefits your mental and physical well-being but also the environment by using less electricity and data.
Shop Locally
Shopping at small businesses can benefit you, your community, and the planet. Local produce and food stores support responsible farming, cut greenhouse gas emissions and ensure healthier animal care — and thus, healthier food on your plate.
Buying local can also shorten transportation distances and support more ethical production of the goods you purchase. With this in mind, the next time you are shopping for a trinket for your kitchen or a gift for a friend, try to support the community and the environment by shopping small and locally made!
Commit to Your Ambassadorship Challenge Card
If you need a kickstart to these habit changes, you can always make it your goal to dive into the Antarctic Ambassadorship Challenge Card first! There are many tasks in the card that can help break down eco-friendly actions into small, achievable steps, like “take one less car journey per week,” so you can build momentum without feeling overwhelmed.
The card also includes creative challenges that encourage reflection and learning, such as reducing single-use plastics, tracking your energy/water usage, or getting your local community involved in polar protection. Completing these tasks not only benefits the environment but also helps you develop a deeper connection with other Antarctic Ambassadors and the White Continent. As the new year approaches, let’s remember the lasting impact of every mindful decision.
Our resolutions do not need to be grand gestures to make an impact. Small, thoughtful choices like choosing reusable items or supporting conservation groups can add up and ripple all the way to Antarctica. By implementing climate-friendly habits, each of us can help shape a healthier, more earth-conscious future. These actions may seem simple, but together they form a commitment to protecting the environments we care about most. This year, let’s choose specific resolutions – such as minimising single-use plastics or advocating for the environment — that not only better our own lives but help safeguard Antarctica, one mindful step at a time.
