How easy is it to live a sustainable life? The good news is that small, incremental changes add up to make a big difference. So rather than feeling overwhelmed by attempting to rearrange your entire lifestyle, begin with a few tiny alterations.
Many of us are eager to do our part to help save the planet, but finding practical and affordable ways to make a difference can sometimes feel beyond our reach. Fortunately, there are numerous easy, painless, and inexpensive actions you can take that have a significant positive impact on the environment. Whether it’s simple changes in your daily habits or participating in community efforts, every small step counts. Here are a few dozen actionable tips to help you live more sustainably and contribute to a healthier planet.
1. Switch to LED Bulbs: According to the US Department of Energy, LED bulbs use up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last much longer. Making this simple switch can not only significantly reduce your carbon footprint, but also saves money on energy bills, while providing way more aesthetic options like dimmable and multicolored lights.
2. Use Reusable Shopping Bags: Say goodbye to single-use plastic bags by keeping a stash of reusable shopping bags in your car or by the front door. Want a no-cost solution? Just collect a few of the plastic bags you already have laying around the house and keep in your car for future use.
3. Support Local Farmers’ Markets: Buying locally grown produce reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting food over long distances. Plus, it supports local farmers and provides you with more nutritious and flavorful fresh, seasonal produce. It’s also a great way to get in a little walking exercise and enjoy the outdoors.
4. Love Your Leftovers: Food waste is a huge problem in the US. According to the EPA, 96% of wasted food gets thrown into landfills, incinerated, or ends up in our sewer systems. Help reduce food waste by being conscious about your food purchases. We’ve all had veggies that we thought would last for weeks but turned to mush in the fridge. To help reign in the waste, focus on purchasing just a few fresh items and plan your meals around the foods that will spoil the fastest (berries, bananas, fresh meat, and broccoli only last a few days!). Get used to thinking of an empty fridge as a win at the end of the week and avoid the urge to overstock. You’ll notice the savings in your wallet as well!
5. Use a Refillable Water Bottle: Ditch the plastic water bottles for a reusable one. Not only will this save you money on your grocery bill, but this small change can significantly reduce plastic waste. Look for bottles made from stainless steel or BPA-free materials for a healthier option.
6. Plant a Tree: Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, helping to combat climate change. Planting a tree in your yard or participating in local tree-planting initiatives is a wonderful way to give back to the environment. Although any non-invasive tree is a good start, there are some trees that outperform when it comes to growth speed and their ability to remove carbon from the air. The Silver Maple for example is one fast growing tree, rising as much as seven feet in just one year! Maples, oaks, sweetgum, and pines are all good choices for helping to clean the air.
7. Compost Your Kitchen Scraps: Composting is an easy way to reduce the amount of waste you send to landfills. Use your kitchen scraps to create nutrient-rich compost for your garden. There are many compact and odor-free composting bins available that are perfect for home use. Not only will you reduce waste, but you’ll create a free, nutrient-rich compost your garden will love.
8. When you eat out, BYOC. What’s BYOC? Bring your own container! If you’re a foodie who loves dining out, you probably have thrown away your share of take-out containers, many of which feel like they are sturdy enough to become family heirlooms. Sadly most of these plastic and styrofoam take-home bins last less than a day in most homes. Purchase a few metal or glass containers to store in the trunk of your car. Bonus point – you’ll skip the need to wait around to ask your server for a box.
9. Opt for Public Transportation or Carpooling: Reduce your carbon footprint by using public transportation, biking, or carpooling. These options not only save you money on gas but also reduce traffic congestion and air pollution.
10. Unplug Devices When Not in Use: Many electronics consume energy even when they're turned off. Unplugging devices or using a power strip to turn them off completely can reduce your energy usage and lower your electricity bill.
11. Switch to Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products: Traditional cleaning products often contain harmful chemicals that can pollute waterways and harm wildlife. Opt for eco-friendly alternatives made from natural ingredients. They’re just as effective and much safer for the environment.
12. Use Wool Dryer Balls: Replace disposable dryer sheets with reusable wool dryer balls. They help reduce drying time, save energy, and soften clothes naturally without the need for chemical-laden products.
13. Install a Rain Barrel: Collect rainwater from your roof and use it to water your garden. This reduces your dependence on municipal water supplies and is better for your plants since rainwater is naturally soft and free of chlorine.
14. Choose Renewable Energy: Did you know that many utility companies offer the option to purchase energy from renewable sources like wind or solar. Switching to green energy plans can help reduce your carbon footprint without any change in your daily routine.
15. Donate or Recycle Old Electronics: Instead of throwing away old electronics, find a local e-waste recycling program or donate usable items to charity. This keeps hazardous materials out of landfills and allows valuable components to be reused.
16. Use Digital Receipts: EcologyCenter completed a study that found toxic chemicals in the thermal paper most retailers use to print out store receipts. It’s easy these days to opt for digital receipts instead of paper ones. Not only will you be helping to reduce the use of these chemicals, but you’ll be protecting you and your family from exposure to these potentially toxic substances..
17. Support Eco-Friendly Brands: Put your money where your values are by supporting brands that prioritize sustainability. Look for companies that use recycled materials, have fair labor practices, and are transparent about their environmental impact. Be wary of “greenwashing” efforts that use catchy “eco” marketing words like “green” and “earth-friendly” but which aren’t backed by facts or figures.
18. Grow a Pollinator Garden: Plant a garden with flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Help support biodiversity by avoiding the use of pesticides.
19. Use Cloth Napkins: Switch from paper napkins to cloth ones. They’re reusable, more durable, and add a touch of elegance to your meals. Plus, they’re easy to clean and reduce paper waste.
20. Host a Clothing Swap: Organize a clothing swap with friends or neighbors to refresh your wardrobe without buying new clothes. It’s a fun, social way to recycle clothes and reduce the environmental impact of fashion.
21. Use Swedish Dishcloths: These trendy, reusable cloths are super absorbent, biodegradable, and can replace up to 17 rolls of paper towels. They’re perfect for cleaning up spills and wiping down surfaces, reducing your reliance on single-use paper products.
22. Try a Bamboo Toothbrush: Bamboo toothbrushes are a sustainable alternative to plastic ones. Bamboo is fast-growing and biodegradable, making it a much more eco-friendly option. Plus, they often come in plastic-free packaging.
23. Experiment with Meatless Mondays: Reduce your carbon footprint by incorporating more plant-based meals into your diet. Participating in Meatless Mondays is an easy way to start, and you might discover some delicious new recipes along the way.
24. Use a Safety Razor: Switch from disposable razors to a reusable safety razor. Safety razors are made of durable materials and use replaceable metal blades, which are recyclable. This switch can reduce plastic waste and save money in the long run.
25. Unsubscribe from Junk Mail: Reduce paper waste by opting out of unwanted mail and catalogs. Use services like DMAchoice or CatalogChoice to remove your name from mailing lists. Also be cognizant of your digital “junk mail” which has a less apparent carbon footprint.
Living sustainably doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. By incorporating these easy and cost-effective tips into your daily routine, you can make a meaningful contribution to protecting our planet. Small actions, from reducing waste to conserving energy, add up over time and inspire others to follow suit.
Remember, every small action counts. Just a single step towards a greener lifestyle means less damage to the environment, which can have a strikingly powerful ripple effect, locally and globally. From inspiring others around you to supporting sustainable businesses making widespread change in a variety of industries, you are a force that makes a difference. It all begins with small actions for big change to occur.
Photo by @rdne on Pexels.