70+ Ways to Easily Reach Your Sustainable Living Goals
There’s a powerful tool you have access to every single day. The power to choose. Every decision you make, from what you're eating to where you shop, has an impact.
When it comes to sustainable living, almost every decision you take creates a ripple effect. Where you spend your money matters. What you eat matters. What you wear matters.
As consumers, we can demand better products, fair wages, and sustainable practices from the businesses we buy from. But to live a more sustainable lifestyle, we need to understand what sustainable living is.
What is Sustainable Living?
There is no universal definition of sustainable living. But in essence, sustainable living is the practice of reducing one’s carbon footprint. This means adopting a lifestyle that complies with the 3 R’s—reduce, reuse, and recycle.
The ultimate goal of living sustainably is to reduce the impact your actions have on the environment by taking positive actions. A great way to start is by changing your habits.
In an unsustainable world, practicing sustainability can be hard. But it’s not impossible.
In America, 77% of people want to learn how to live a sustainable lifestyle. And 84.4% have already started to change their habits. 1
This is shifting the way consumers shop. It’s impacting their decision-making. Consumers are looking for more eco-friendly options that align with their values.
If you are one of them, there are many actions you can take to reduce your carbon footprint. Some are radical changes, and some you’ll barely notice. Whatever you’re able to do is a step forward.
It doesn’t matter if you already practice sustainable living, or if this is the beginning of your journey. If you are wondering how to start living sustainably, here are some ideas to help you reach your goals.
70+ Ways to Practice Sustainable Living
Sustainable Living at Home
Grow your own herbs/veggies
Eat plant-based at least once a day
Cook more meals from scratch
Bring your containers when getting take out
Switch to eco-friendly cleaning supplies
Take 5-minute/shorter showers
Compost your food scraps
Reduce food waste
Recycle
Turn off lights when you exit rooms
Swap paper-towels for reusable kitchen cloths
Switch to vegetable milk (oat milk, almond milk, etc)
Don’t buy/use paper plates
Make your own snacks
Unplug anything your not using
Switch to clean energy
Unsubscribe from junk mail and email
Buy appliance/electronics with a certification by Energy Star
Switch to LED lights
Turn your water heater down to 120 °F (48.89 °C)
Install a low flow shower head
Seal air leaks in your home
Run your dishwasher only when is at full capacity
Turn down your thermostat
Fix leaky faucets
Hang your clothes instead of using a dryer
Re-purpose your glass jars
Ditch your dish sponge, use a silicone one instead
Wrap gifts with newspaper/recycled paper
Close the faucet when doing dishes and brushing your teeth
Get rid of things you don’t need or use
Actions for a Sustainable Lifestyle
Carry a reusable bottle of water
Carry a reusable coffee thermos
Avoid all single-use plastic
Don’t buy bottled water, get a filter instead
Order your ice cream on a cone
Make your own coffee
Use natural/clean cosmetics
Ride your bike to work
Use public transport
Practice slow fashion
Offset carbon emissions when you travel
Travel with your own bathroom kit
Vote for ecologically responsible candidates
Don’t litter
Order less stuff online
Switch to bar shampoo and soap
Tell your friends about sustainable living
Recycle your clothes
Spend more time in nature
Use a menstrual cup
Eat less meat
Join your local co-op
Refuse plastic cutlery and napkins
Carry a handkerchief, instead of tissues
Make your own face and body scrubs
Skip the elevator, use the stairs
Shopping and Sustainable Living
Read labels, avoid harmful chemicals
Bring your own bags
Think before you bag, avoid unnecessary plastic
Buy products with compostable/biodegradable wrapping
Buy fresh bread from bakeries
Go shopping at local farmers markets
Don’t buy animal skin/fur products
Buy bulk
Buy fair trade products
Buy tea in bulk
Avoid products that contain microplastics (like toothpaste and facial cleansers)
Don’t buy from fast fashion brands
Buy local and organic
Buy less stuff
Be a wise consumer, buy from brands who practice sustainability
When you fly, book coach
Think twice when shopping, if you don’t need it—don't buy it
How to Start Building a Sustainable Lifestyle
The first step to sustainable living is simply being aware. Don’t feel guilty or overwhelmed. Do what you can with what you have. And then, improve it.
My journey to sustainable living started years ago. It’s not perfect, but it’s always improving. Take it one habit at a time. It becomes easier over time and even the smallest habit change, has a positive impact.
Find support from friends and family whose values align with yours. Hold each other accountable and celebrate victories.
We are all responsible for protecting our planet, and together, we can do more.
And remember, the most impactful thing you can do to help our planet is vote for candidates who care. Speak up. Tell your representatives to support legislation that helps climate change.
Get involved in local or national movements that seek a common good, which is to protect our planet. Every single person living on this planet will benefit.
If you can, donate to nonprofit organizations seeing for our planet.
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