2026 Eco-Resolutions: Healthy, Sustainable Living in the DMV

by Kavitha Nallathambi

As we start the new year, we would like to offer some inspiration for you to make eco-resolutions for yourself, your communities, and the environment. To spur your thinking, we have put together some ideas and invite you to share your own eco-resolutions in the comments below.

1. Get Around Town & Stay Healthy—Walk, Bike & Take Public Transport

Support active and shared transportation to keep DC’s streets healthier and more connected. For cyclists, groups like the Washington Area Bicyclist Association offer routes, advocacy, and community.

Resource Links: wmata.com | capitalbikeshare.com | waba.org

2. Shop at Local Farmers Markets

Support local area farmers and get fresh produce by shopping at local farmers markets in the DMV area.

Resource Links: freshfarm.org | Virginia Farmers Markets | Maryland Farmers Markets 3. Thrift First & Buy Second-Hand—Great For Casual & Professional Clothing

Before buying new, check DC-area staples like Secondi, Current Boutique, or Goodwill of Greater Washington—great for casual and professional outfits.

Resource Links: secondi.com | currentboutique.com | dcgoodwill.org 

4. Implement a "Buy Nothing New" Month

For one month, avoid buying new clothes, home goods, or décor—use Buy Nothing groups, thrift, or borrow instead.

Resource Link: buynothingproject.org (search DMV neighborhoods)

5. Plant Trees, Grow Vegetables & Restore Native Habitats

Plant something this year—native plants, trees, herbs, or vegetables—in your own yard, on a balcony container, or at a community space to reduce reliance on single-use food and long supply chains.

Resource Links: commongoodcityfarm.org | caseytrees.org | Rock Creek Conservancy Weed Warriors | DC DPR Community Gardens

6. Compost—With or Without Access to an Outdoor Space

If you have access to an outdoor space, you can get a compost bin or make one; ensure that it's easy to mix and aerate (saving fall leaves helps). If you live in an apartment, use DC’s food scrap drop-off sites or a service like Compost Crew.

Resource Link: compostcrew.com

7. Volunteer Your Skills, Not Just Time

Offer your professional skills (writing, policy, comms, finance) to a local climate or environmental justice org for one discrete project.

Resource Link: idealist.org (filter by DC, Virginia or Maryland + environment)

8. Spend Time Outdoors in Gardens, Parks & On the Water

Walk, journal, or sit weekly in a green space—Rock Creek Park, the United States National Arboretum, or Kingman Island. Spend time on the water, walking along the Potomac or sailing on the Inner Harbor with the Downtown Sailing Center in Baltimore.

Resource Links: nps.gov/rocr | usna.usda.gov | citywildlife.org | downtownsailing.org

9. Support Efforts to Protect Our Rivers

Join river cleanup efforts, install a rainbarrel, and support organizations working to restore one of DC’s most impacted waterways.

Resource Links: anacostiaws.org | potomacriverkeepernetwork.org | doee.dc.gov/riversmart 

10. Advocate Locally—Take One Action Or More Every Quarter

Sign up for DC climate or environmental alerts and commit to one call, comment, or testimony per quarter—small, steady civic pressure matters.

Resource Links: doee.dc.gov | sierraclub.org/dc

These resolutions are not about achieving perfection, but about making eco-friendly choices that benefit you and align with your communities. As you work towards achieving your resolutions, let the DC EcoWomen community be a place to learn, share, and stay connected. Share your own with us in the comments below!