Dear Green American,

I’m going to say something that might sound a little controversial.

New Years resolutions don’t start in the new year.

Sounds counterintuitive, right? If resolutions don’t start in the new year, then why are they called such?

Well, I believe that any resolution built on a whim—dreamt up the 31st on the 11th hour—doesn’t have a leg to stand on. It takes reflection, analyzing, and smart predicting to turn a wish into a plan. A dream into a reality. A resolution into a habit.

If I were to say, “I want to save up thousands of dollars this year,” we’d all agree that is an admirable resolution. Thousands of dollars are thousands of possibilities for a healthy financial future. It’s a worthwhile goal. But I predict that a goal like that will end up with all the other resolutions cobbled together on wishes—in the resolution graveyard called February.

So, what makes a resolution successful? Reflect on 2025 and how you struggled or succeeded with a goal. How can you set yourself up for success in 2026? For example, if I want to save up money next year, I need to budget smartly. And to budget smartly, I need to reflect on my spending for 2025 so that I can set realistic goals for 2026.

If you're like me and made financial health your New Years Resolution for 2026, Green America is here to help. Start by discovering how green choices can save you money—not cost you more—with these tips below.

💸 Check out these 7 Ways to Save Money Going Green to find strategies that benefit both your wallet and the planet.

But buyer beware: not every "green" product is what it claims to be. With greenwashing on the rise, it's crucial to spend smart.

Learn about 7 Greenwashed Things You Should Never Buy Again so your hard-earned money supports genuine sustainability, not corporate spin.

🧼 Not as Green as They Seem? We’ve Got You Covered

Here's why this matters beyond your personal budget: every dollar you spend is a vote for the kind of economy we want to build. When consumers collectively demand corporations treat people and the planet with respect, reward authentic corporate responsibility, and reject greenwashing, we create market pressure that drives real change. Your financial decisions aren't just personal—they're acts of economic activism that hold companies accountable and push entire industries toward genuine sustainability.

What are your resolutions for this year? If they're related to financial health, I'd love to hear your goals and your plan to get there. Perhaps you have an idea that could help out a fellow reader!

Let's start 2026 off strong, together.

Mary Meade

Senior Managing Editor
Green America

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