As we step into 2025, it's a perfect time to embrace small but meaningful changes. Whether your goals involve personal health, supporting local businesses, or living sustainably, small steps can lead to big impacts. Vancouver offers countless ways to make those goals achievable while supporting our vibrant community. Let’s make 2025 the year of progress through simple actions.
Get Active & Enjoy the Outdoors
Getting healthier and spending time outdoors is easy in Vancouver, with 191 area parks to explore. Whether you’re hiking, running, or just taking in the fresh air, there’s something for everyone. If you're ready for a challenge, The Source Climbing Center offers climbing experiences for all skill levels, while Wild Camp Goods provides durable, high-quality gear to support your outdoor adventures.
Support Local & Live Sustainably
Supporting local businesses and sustainable living go hand in hand. Vancouver is home to small businesses like Kindred, offering eco-friendly, artisan goods. As Anne Marie Bonneau says, "We don’t need a million people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly." So why not start now? Supporting local markets, like the Vancouver Farmers Market, is a great way to reduce waste, discover unique treasures, and contribute to a greener future.
Thrifting is another impactful way to live sustainably. Stores like House of Vintage, Urban Eccentric, and Eras Vintage not only help reduce waste but also bolster the local economy.
Vancouver also boasts a vibrant network of independent bookstores, which offer unique finds and reinvest in the community. By supporting these shops, you promote literacy and local culture. Don’t forget to visit Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries, a wonderful resource for books, events, and community engagement.
Shopping small and embracing sustainability not only benefits the environment but also strengthens Vancouver’s economy and sense of community, making it a win-win for everyone.
Make Time for You
Self-care is another popular goal, and Vancouver has you covered. Whether it's unwinding at a local spa-like Connected Wellness, or taking a leisurely stroll through The Vancouver Waterfront, there are plenty of places to relax and de-stress. At the AC Hotel by Marriott on the Waterfront, you can find the Vancouver Wellness Studio’s Waterfront Spa, a full-service spa curated by a team of licensed healthcare professionals with services founded in integrative, restorative, and regenerative medicine.
Building Relationships
The new year is the perfect time to focus on strengthening relationships—whether with friends, family, or your community. Consider giving back by exploring volunteer opportunities with organizations like Janus Youth, Council for the Homeless, or Clark County Food Bank. Supporting your local community doesn’t always require significant donations; sometimes, it’s as simple as attending a local event, spending quality time with loved ones, or lending a helping hand to a neighbor. For more ways to get involved, check out our list of volunteer opportunities and start building connections that make a difference!
The start of a new year is a chance to embrace progress. Whether you're exploring Vancouver's parks, shopping local, or giving back to the community, every action contributes to a brighter, more connected future. So, let’s toast to 2025, a year of growth, gratitude, and making a difference right here in our city. Cheers!