January's Sustainability Challenge

New Year, Greener Habits

January is a natural time to pause, reset, and look ahead. After the busy festive period, it’s also a great opportunity to make small, positive changes that support your wellbeing, your home, and the planet. This month’s challenge is all about building realistic, healthy habits that can last all year — without pressure or perfection.

We’re focusing on actions that help reduce carbon emissions, cut waste, save money, and reconnect with nature, while also making our homes more comfortable and efficient for the year ahead.

🥦 Try meat-free days (Veganuary)

Eating less meat, even just one or two days a week, can have a big environmental impact. Meat and dairy production account for a significant share of global greenhouse gas emissions. A plant-based meal once a week can save the equivalent emissions of driving a car for several miles — and it’s often cheaper and healthier too.

🚶 Build healthy, sustainable habits

This could be something simple like walking more, cooking from scratch, drinking more filtered tap water instead of bottled, or reducing screen time. Sustainability isn’t just about the environment — it’s also about wellbeing.

🧹 Reduce Christmas waste and reset your home

January is a great time to rehome unwanted gifts, decorations, clothes, or toys by donating, swapping, or selling locally. This reduces landfill waste and helps items stay in use for longer. While you’re at it, think about getting your home ready for the new year — declutter thoughtfully, reuse storage you already have, and recycle what you can.

🐦 Get closer to nature with birdwatching

Birdwatching helps people connect with local wildlife and better understand how nature changes through the seasons. Taking part in activities like the Big Garden Birdwatch or using apps such as Merlin Bird ID can help track bird populations and support conservation efforts — all from your garden or local green space.

🧵 Repair instead of replace

Pick up a new skill by learning how to sew or knit, you can make clothes/presents and even use second hand wools and fabrics. Try repairing not just clothes, but also small household items, bikes, and electricals. Look out for local repair cafés or pop-up repair events where volunteers help fix broken items. Repairing saves money, reduces waste, and keeps valuable materials in use.

🔌 Do a simple home energy check

You don’t need specialist tools to spot energy-saving opportunities:

• Check for draughts around doors and windows.
• Close curtains at dusk to reduce heat loss by 15-17% and use draught excluders to retain warmth.
• Make sure radiators aren’t blocked by furniture.
• Turn appliances fully off instead of leaving them on standby.

Three more ideas to try this month:

• Switch to washing clothes at 30°C and only run full loads.
• Plan meals for the week to cut down on food waste.
• Swap one car journey a week for walking, cycling, or public transport if possible.

Did You Know?

• Cutting meat consumption is one of the most effective ways individuals can reduce their carbon footprint.
• Turning your thermostat down by just 1°C can reduce heating energy use by around 10%. *
• The average UK household throws away around 70kg of food per person each year, much of which could be avoided.

How to Take Part:

Share your tips, photos, or stories with us below, or email them to engagement@sng.org.uk. Whether it’s a meat-free meal, a repaired item, a bird you spotted, or a home energy win, or a new healthy sustainable habit, we’d love to hear about it.

Everyone who takes part will be entered into a £20 voucher prize draw, and we’ll also choose a favourite photo or story to win a £25 voucher.

*The government suggests keeping your living areas at 18-20 degrees when you're at home (bedrooms can be a bit cooler at night). To avoid major condensation problems, the temperature shouldn’t drop below 14 degrees. We understand it's not always possible to heat your home as much as you'd like so visit our Lower household bills page for more information about sources of support and advice if you need them.