It’s the new year, which means it’s time to reflect on how far we’ve come and set goals for what we want to accomplish in the year to come.

Here are a few actions, large and small, that you can take to make yourself, your family and your wallet healthier and happier in 2025. The great news is, many of these steps are great for our environment, too.

Shop smart

Save up to buy high quality, locally made products that will last longer than cheaper alternatives found online. If you opt for a high quality item that lasts many years, you’ll end up spending less than if you purchase a cheaper brand each year.

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Even better, buy things used. Abandoned but almost brand new, name brand clothing and outdoor gear abound in Steamboat. A quick browsing of LiftUp, Boomerang Sports, Annie’s Home Consignments, Deja Vu or Facebook Marketplace could save you hundreds of dollars.

Feed your family locally produced, organic foods

The types of foods you and your family eat have a massive impact on your health and happiness. By adding locally produced, organic foods to your diet when you can, you’re cutting down on your consumption of chemicals that cause a range of health problems. Locally produced foods are also denser in important nutrients, like vitamin C and magnesium, that are important for your wellbeing.

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LiftUp is making local foods more accessible by offering them to clients at its food bank, and individuals who buy locally produced foods support Routt County’s agricultural community. Plus, a meal full of the added flavor from high quality meats and veggies purchased from a local market like Yampa Valley Foods is sure to impress your dinner party guests.

Consider transitioning your home to clean energy

Switching out your old gas boiler for a more efficient heat pump can help you cut down on your monthly energy bills, saving you money.

Transitioning your gas energy sources to electric and renewable sources can also help you rest easy, knowing you won’t have to worry about a gas or carbon monoxide leak in your home. If you opt for renewable energy in your home, you could also benefit from added resiliency to power outages.

Not ready for a big change? Sign up for an energy assessment with Yampa Valley Sustainability Council, where an expert will come to your home and provide suggestions on how to make energy-saving quick fixes like installing weather stripping or switching out your light bulbs. Or, consider signing up for Yampa Valley Electric Association’s Green Choice Program.

Support policies that protect what you love

Local government policies that ensure our land, water and air stay clean and cared for help the outdoor recreation industry stay afloat (pun intended), and help you and your family continue doing the activities you love, like skiing, biking and fishing.

Policies that support initiatives like technical training or job creation for renewable energy workers can help boost the local economy, making our community a more vibrant place to live.

Keep up with the local news, and if you hear of policies being considered by your local government that protect our environment, voice your support by making a public comment or emailing your local representatives to express your view.

Visit yvsc.org/event/legislative-session-updates to sign up for a community meeting Jan. 15 to learn more about Colorado’s 2025 legislative session.

Abby Vander Graaff is Yampa Valley Sustainability Council’s communications manager & strategist.