2026
Sustainable Resolutions

As we approach the new year, many people are looking for ways to make a positive impact on the environment through their daily choices. Setting sustainable resolutions can be a meaningful way to contribute to a healthier planet while also benefiting your own well-being.

Here are some Sustainable Resolutions to consider:

Refuse plastic shopping bags: The more we learn about plastic, we know that we need to slow down on plastic consumption. An easy way to reduce our plastic use is to start using reusable shopping bags. So this year could be the year you swap out those plastic bags for paper or, even better, reusable bags.

Thrift More: Buy less, choose secondhand, and repair clothes before adding more textiles to landfill. Refusing unnecessary purchases reduces waste down the road.

Compost & Reduce Food Waste: Maybe 2026 is the year you start composting. Starting simple by composting your potato peels or apple cores may show you are able to do even more. Before you know it you will be producing the perfect soil for your flowers.

Recycle Right: 75% of solid waste is able to be recycled yet only about 30% is actually put in the recycle bin. Then 25% of the waste in recycle bins ends up thrown in the garbage due to contamination. In 2026 make it your resolution to understand what can be recycled and what needs thrown away. Make sure you rinse and dry your recycling before putting it in the bin to avoid contamination. And remember, never bag your recycling.

Recycle your Household Hazardous Waste: There are several household items that are toxic to our landfills and cause dangerous situations for our trash collectors. Kosciusko Solid Waste Management District strives to make it is simple to recycle these items. So make sure to bring your old paint, batteries, chemicals, electronics, and more. So as you plan your new year let’s all focus on the "Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Recycle" hierarchy, and make our year sustainable for now and the future.