A New Year for a More Sustainable San Diego

01/21/26

The start of a new year is the perfect time to reset, reflect, and set goals for the months ahead. This year, consider adding sustainability to your New Year’s resolutions through small, everyday actions that contribute to a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient San Diego County. Our region is working collectively toward ambitious targets outlined in the County of San Diego’s (County’s) Climate Action Plan (CAP), including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, expanding zero-emission transportation options, lowering energy demand, increasing waste diversion, and protecting natural resources.

 

Composting

Individual actions from residents can significantly accelerate the region’s progress. Simple choices such as reducing water usage, using clean transportation, supporting local food systems, or participating in County sustainability programs can generate cumulative benefits. They also help build a culture of sustainability across neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, and community spaces.

This year offers a great chance to see how sustainability can fit into your life. Start with actions that feel doable and fun. You could begin with energy-saving habits at home, learning about native landscaping that supports local biodiversity, or joining a community clean-up with your family or friends. Every action, big or small, helps move us toward CAP goals!

Below are several simple ways to get involved and make a meaningful impact in 2026 and beyond:

  • Rent a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Sustainability Toolkit: The County’s DIY Sustainability Toolkit program allows residents in the unincorporated area to check out toolkits at no cost to save energy and water at home. Each kit includes tools you can borrow, such as thermometers, leak detectors, outlet energy meters, and more. Participants also receive giveaway items to keep, including LED light bulbs, weatherstripping, and more! These upgrades can reduce utility costs and support CAP goals to lower household energy and water use.
  • Attend a Watershed Clean-Up Event: Join I Love a Clean San Diego and help keep local watersheds clean by preventing litter from entering storm drains, rivers, and the ocean. These events are family-friendly and provide an easy way to connect with your community while directly improving local habitats.
  • Get a Compost Bin: Composting transforms food scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich soil. It also prevents organic waste from entering landfills, where it would produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Through the County’s compost bin voucher program, residents in the unincorporated area can get a discount on a backyard compost bin. Composting can support your local gardens, helps the County meet state and regional waste diversion goals, and creates healthy soil which improves water retention.
  • Visit a Certified Farmers’ Market: Buying produce from a certified farmers’ market supports local growers, reduces transportation emissions, and strengthens our regional food system. Many markets also offer seasonal fruits and vegetables grown using regenerative or organic methods. This simple weekly habit reduces your environmental footprint while keeping money within the local economy.
  • Bring Reusable Bags to the Store: Starting 2026, California’s plastic bag ban means single-use bags are no longer available, and paper bags now come with a fee. Bringing reusable bags is one of the easiest ways to save money and reduce waste. Keep a few in your car, by your front door, or in your backpack so they’re always within reach.

Stay Connected and Learn More

To explore more sustainability tips, programs, and CAP goals, visit the County’s CAP website. You can also stay connected through our monthly newsletter, and by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.