5 Low-Cost Outdoor Habits To Try in The New Year
Many of us set lofty New Year's resolutions around fitness, productivity, and personal growth. Unfortunately, the pressure of goal-setting can quickly lead to burnout. This year, try embracing small changes that are not only good for your health but also bring joy and fulfillment, particularly without the hefty price tag.
The key is to start simple, find low-cost, sustainable habits that fit into your routine, without requiring you to create a whole new one. Whether it's taking a brisk walk, rediscovering the joys of reading, or trying yoga in the park, small habits can make a profound impact on your well-being. In this article, we'll explore five low-cost new habits to try in the new year.
Habit #1 - Gardening
Starting a garden or volunteering at your community garden is a fantastic, low-cost habit to embrace in the new year. Gardening requires minimal upfront investment - just seeds, soil, and basic tools. It also can be done in small spaces, which makes it accessible to almost anyone. The benefits are abundant; not only does it provide physical exercise, but also offers mental health perks. Spending time outdoors nurturing plants has been shown to reduce stress and improve one's mood. Additionally, growing your own food or contributing to a community garden, can foster a sense of accomplishment and connection, whether you're sharing fresh produce with friends and family, or watching your plants thrive.
Community Garden (Photo by Tyria Zanders)
Tyria Zanders (Photo by: Vanessa Christabel)
While researching community gardens in my area, I connected with Tyria Zanders, a PhD candidate in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at North Carolina State University. Tyria has been passionate about community gardening since childhood, as her parents always had a vegetable and herb garden. She later served as a Campus Garden leader at Wake Forest University and as a community garden manager in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Through her experiences, Tyria gained a deeper understanding of how gardening intersects with access to clean air, water, and food. She realized that “Food grown nearby doesn’t have to be sprayed with hormones and chemicals, shipped long distances, or frozen and processed before reaching grocery store shelves.”
Not everyone has the privilege of getting involved in gardening at an early age, which is why I asked Tyria for advice on how to get started. Whether someone wants to make gardening a full-fledged hobby or just volunteer occasionally, her advice is simple: “Just try it! Wear shoes you don’t mind getting dirty and have fun. And don’t be afraid to reach out, most small-scale community gardens are always looking for help.” Whether it’s turning compost, pulling weeds, or tending to chickens, gardening in any form is a rewarding habit to pick up in the new year.
Winston-Salem Community Garden (Photos by: Tyria Zanders)
Habit #2 - Join a Local Meetup
Want to start a new hobby or find others around you to do it with? Join a local group! Finding local groups is an exciting and low-cost way to kickstart a healthier, more social new year. The search is simple as well, all you need to input in Google or social media is the name of your city, the activity you are looking to do, and the word “group” or “club” at the end. The best part is that most local groups have free meetups or at least affordable membership fees, making it an accessible way to engage in the hobby. There is also minimal commitment required. I once tried a local run club and found out right then and there that I hate running in groups. I was never to be seen again by them and that was perfectly fine! No one came tracking me down or pestering me to come back. They understood that it was not quite for me and so my search for a local group continued.
Plan on traveling for a little bit and want to try an activity with the locals there? Look for a local group, even if you're on the go! I recently took a trip to London and ended up attending a Wanderers of Colour climbing meetup. I do not live in London nor do I plan on moving there, but I wanted to connect with other people of color who love climbing and the outdoors. I had a chance to meet the founder of the group, Ife Akinroyeje, and learn more about her attempt to create an inclusive and diverse space to enjoy the outdoors in the United Kingdom. Wanderers of Colour organizes a wide range of events and outdoor activities from local hikes to international ski trips. Despite these activities sounding pricey, the group has been able to make events more financially accessible through donations. Not only do they help with administrative costs, but they provide free or heavily subsidized places for those with a low income. This proves that regardless of where you are financially or geographically in life, you should still check out a local group.
Habit #3 - Look for Used Gear
Another habit that is worth getting into is checking used merchandise platforms like Facebook Marketplace, REI Re/Supply, or even local gear swaps. These resources offer an array of gently used or discounted equipment, allowing you to find gear at a fraction of the retail price. Whether you're getting into camping, cycling, or climbing, purchasing secondhand or discounted gear can save you a ton of money while still allowing you to start a new hobby. This is especially helpful if you're unsure about fully committing to it and want to test it out without making a large-scale investment. It also promotes sustainability by giving equipment a second life, reducing waste, and supporting local communities. By regularly browsing these sites, you can score great deals, build up your gear collection, and enjoy the process of discovering new hobbies.
Habit #4 - Visit your Local Lake
Salem Lake (Photo by: Silver Byrd)
Visiting your local lake is another simple and easy habit to adopt in the new year. It can offer you relaxation and recreation without breaking the bank. Many public lakes offer rentals for activities like fishing, kayaking, or paddleboarding, often at a fraction of the cost of private rentals. While you may need to pay extra to obtain a fishing license, the activity can be a peaceful and meditative way to spend time outdoors, and it’s a great way to unwind while connecting with nature. Renting a kayak or canoe allows you to explore the area and enjoy a full-body workout. Not much planning needs to be involved in these activities as well. Most of the time you can just show up during the day, rent the gear you need, or simply enjoy the lake's natural beauty.
Habit #5 - Check out Workaway or WWOOF
My Workaway in Costa Rica (Photo by Silver Byrd)
Planning on traveling in the new year but want to keep costs low? Think about signing up for platforms like WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) or Workaway, which offer unique and affordable ways to explore new places while giving back to local communities. These platforms connect travelers with families, farms, or organizations around the world. In exchange for a few hours of work each day, usually in areas like agriculture, hospitality, or community service, you receive free accommodation. Depending on the place, you may even receive a few free meals as well.
I personally experienced the joy of sustainable travel through a Workaway stint in Costa Rica. I had paid $40 for a yearly membership and through the platform was able to connect with a local animal rescue center. In exchange for my work, I received free housing and at least one meal a day. It was an incredible opportunity to immerse myself in the local culture, contribute to a meaningful cause, and save money on accommodation, which can be one of the biggest expenses of travel. Whether you're looking to travel cheaply, help out locals, or simply have a more meaningful travel experience, WWOOF and Workaway offer a fantastic, low-cost habit for anyone seeking adventure and a chance to learn new skills.
We know purchasing expensive outdoor gear has been at the very bottom of your to-do list, so, here’s a guide to help you acquire gear on the cheap, from one broke person to another.