2020: an Olympic year in which Sport Climbing will make its big debut. Not everyone can become an Olympian, but there's nothing to stop anyone from upping their climbing game on rock or on plastic in 2020...

...Made you look! This isn't a training article. Rather than reel off tips for pulling harder in 2020 - since we've had plenty of these in our skills and technique articles this year - we thought we'd do something a bit different and suggest ways to be a 'better' climber towards the environment and others...

Happy New Year from the UKC/UKH/Rockfax Team!

1. Take fewer flights to climbing destinations

Easier said than done for many of us, but if you do your research and are willing to compromise on certain destinations there are ways to avoid flying. Look at trains, buses, and car-sharing options, or if you're really keen for an adventure, get on your bike. Explore the variety of rock climbing that the UK has to offer, which many of us overlook in favour of sunnier and more famous climes. If flying is necessary, can you tag on more activities or add a climbing trip onto a work trip? Can you spend longer periods on fewer trips, rather than darting about on numerous shorter trips abroad? Consider offsetting your carbon footprint. In our UKC Destination Articles in 2020, we will attempt to provide alternative travel options to flying.

2. Support the outdoor community

Start the year off with a good deed and donate to a climbing charity - your local Mountain Rescue, Mountain Heritage Trust, Climbers Against Cancer, ClimbAID or Urban Uprising to name but a few, or donate to your local bolt fund or the BMC's Access and Conservation Trust.

3. Introduce people to climbing

With so many New Year's Resolutions involving fitness and health goals, why not introduce a friend or family member to climbing and help them achieve a goal? Parents, kids and grandparents included! The benefits of climbing for mental and physical wellbeing and health are becoming more well-known as its profile increases. Perhaps you'll earn yourself a new climbing partner at the same time...

4. Make greener outdoor gear choices

Climbing gear and clothing - with their microplastics and in some cases ethical issues - are not generally eco-friendly. The outdoor gear market is expanding and people always want the next best thing in kit or clobber. Some questions to consider when looking at choices are: How is it made and from what? Where was it made? And by whom? The trend for lightweight apparel and equipment has led to less durable products, which inevitably means buying more stuff. Think about how long a product might last, the materials it is made from and the circumstances it was manufactured in (not always easy to track, admittedly) and how far it travelled to get to you.

5. Recycle or donate old gear

It's that time of year when unwanted old gear is getting replaced by the shiny stuff you got for Christmas, or maybe you're following the tidying, sorting and re-arranging trend. Recycle old kit at your local wall, or donate to an outdoor centre, youth group or a friend - as long as it is in safe, working order. Alternatively, if you're feeling creative, repurpose your old gear. Some ideas can be found in this UKC article.

6. Volunteer with a club or organisation

Join a climbing club and get involved in its organisation, or volunteer with Mountain Rescue. Mountain climate research groups such as CREA Mont Blanc seek volunteers to log observations and assist with projects. Become a belayer, judge or general helping hand at local kids' competitions. Find out how on the ClimbScotland or BMC website.

7. Respect the Rock

Do your best to leave things better than you find it at the crag: pick up litter, brush off those tick marks, and have a general tidy-up before you leave. Excessive chalk is unsightly and spoils the onsight challenge for others. Be considerate about toilet etiquette, too.

8. Get involved in a crag clean-up

Organise and/or take part in a clean-up operation at your local crag. Facebook groups are a useful tool for rounding up a group of respectable rubbish-pickers.

9. Ditch single-use plastic bottles

Buy a reusable water bottle or flask instead of buying single-use plastic bottles of water and energy drinks. Most climbers have a Nalgene or similar anyway, but it's worth repeating...

10. Get educated in rescue techniques and first aid

If you are unsure about or lack confidence in self-rescue techniques and first aid skills, take a course to learn or refresh your memory for your own benefit and that of others. Do you know how to call for mountain rescue at home and abroad? How would you handle an injury at the crag before help arrives? Can you carry out a crevasse or avalanche rescue if you'll be heading into the mountains? Can you self-rescue on a sea cliff? P.s.*Put knots in the ends of your ropes when abseiling!*