Make sustainability your New Year’s Resolution by taking the pledge to protect the planet in 2026! Adopting simple habits can have a lasting positive impact on our environment, your health, comfort and budget.
Here are NES’s recommendations for how you can easily do your part.
Reduce Plastic Consumption
- Switch to Reusable Water Bottles: Men drink an average of 15.5 cups and women drink an average of 11.5 cups of water daily. Opt for tap water and carry a reusable bottle to avoid the single-use plastic that contributes to fossil fuel-derived waste.
- Cut Back on Consumption: Make simple product swaps that have a big impact:
- Replace paper towels (which contribute to deforestation and waste) with cotton or microfiber kitchen cloths and napkins.
- Swap plastic grocery bags for reusable bags kept in your car.
- Choose reusable utensils and straws for on-the-go sustainability.
Optimize Your Home Energy Use
- Adjust Your Thermostat: NES suggests setting your thermostat to 68°F when you’re home and lower when you’re away or asleep.
- Install a Smart Thermostat: Opting for an ENERGY STAR-certified smart thermostat can save you an average of 10-12% on heating bills and 15% on cooling bills.
- Conserve Energy During Peak Hours (4-9 p.m.): Electricity is more expensive during this prime-time window. Time your air conditioner, dishwasher, washer and dryer to run during off-peak hours to save money and maintain power grid stability.
- Replace Incandescent Bulbs with LEDs: Swapping to LED bulbs or using smart devices offers huge savings. The Department of Energy estimates this change will save nearly $3 billion on utility bills and cut global warming emissions by 222 million metric tons over the next three decades.
- Unplug “Phantom” Power: Devices still draw “standby” power even when turned off, accounting for 10% of residential energy use and costing the average U.S. household up to $100 annually.
- Unplug devices when not in use.
- Invest in power strips with on/off switches.
- Choose ENERGY STAR products.
Commute More Sustainably
- Go Car-Free When Possible: Consider walking, biking or using public transportation for shorter trips.
- Use Smarter Driving Options: If you must drive, consider carpooling, or rent a hybrid or electric vehicle.
The New Year offers a fresh perspective and an opportunity for meaningful change. By adopting these simple, purposeful habits, you’ll not only save money on your bills throughout 2026, but you’ll also be actively contributing to a more energy-conscious lifestyle and doing the planet a favor.
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