A sustainable world would be one where everyone has food to eat and the climate remains stable, and for that to occur, we need to make some small lifestyle adjustments. As an initial step, start using less plastic by ditching single-use bags and bottles, composting food scraps, and opting for reusable face wipes instead of disposable ones (muslin cloths work great).
1. Eat Organic
Opting for an organic diet is one of the easiest ways to lessen your environmental footprint. Organic foods contain fewer pesticides that pollute our waterways, soil, and air.
If you can’t afford all-organic food, prioritize those fruits and vegetables that contain the highest amount of pesticides (known as “The Dirty Dozen”) while choosing produce from The Clean Fifteen for less contamination. Meat production is one of the most environmentally destructive industries on Earth, so eating less of it will also help decrease your environmental footprint.
2. Reduce Waste
One of the best ways to live sustainably is by producing less waste. Be it plastic shopping bags, reusable water bottles, or ceramic coffee mugs—by decreasing waste production, we are helping conserve natural resources while decreasing pollution levels and greenhouse gas emissions.
Avoiding single-use items, donating any that are no longer being used, and starting a backyard compost bin are all excellent ways to reduce waste. Furthermore, purchasing secondhand clothing, forgoing disposable cosmetics, and cutting back on red meat consumption (overfarming of cattle produces billions of tons of carbon dioxide annually) are all simple lifestyle changes you can implement immediately.
Food waste is one of the primary components of household trash, but this can be reduced with careful planning (e.g., shopping with a list, taking inventory of your refrigerator, and eating leftovers) and by composting (even apartments have space). Also avoid purchasing unnecessary decorations or gift wrap that could end up in landfills.
3. Support Renewable Energy
Energy conservation and renewable energy promotion are integral parts of sustainability. By turning towards renewable sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectricity, we can reduce fossil fuel usage that harms the environment and contributes to climate change.
Reduce packaging waste by shopping at zero-waste stores with your own containers, using reusable nappies or menstrual cups, recycling paper waste, and going paperless where possible. Support sustainable living initiatives through green debit cards or by opting for energy-efficient appliances and insulation.
Vote for politicians that prioritize renewable energy and waste reduction. Electing such politicians could increase investments in clean, renewable, and sustainable forms of energy that benefit both our planet and economy.
4. Buy Secondhand
Every product you buy leaves an environmental footprint ranging from materials used to pollution created. One way to mitigate your impact is through buying secondhand at thrift stores, garage sales, or online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace.
Reduce waste by using reusable containers such as mason jars for food storage, avoiding impulse purchases, and opting for experiences rather than stuff. Furthermore, boycott products that use fossil fuels or harm wildlife—this includes purchasing meat from endangered species lists or bamboo-based materials, which might threaten endangered plants or animals habitats.
5. Shop Locally
While purchasing locally may not be practical for everyone, small changes can have a lasting impact. By supporting local artists and vendors, carbon emissions from purchases will decrease, while locally made goods tend to be of higher quality and last longer, so it may well be worth investing extra money into purchasing locally produced items.
By buying local products, not only are you helping the environment, but you are supporting economic growth as well. And with websites connecting consumers directly to local businesses they support and allowing easy ordering and delivery services, shopping locally has never been simpler or more accessible!
6. Support Sustainable Fisheries
Sustainable living encompasses many activities. Individuals can recycle materials, use energy-efficient appliances, and even make homemade cleaning products that reduce chemical exposure and pollution.
Support sustainable fisheries as another key action. Overfishing poses a grave threat to marine life, leading to populations declining significantly. Consumers can support sustainable seafood by purchasing only those caught responsibly. Reduce red meat consumption, as overfarming of cattle contributes to climate change and forest destruction, and decrease food waste by planning meals ahead, using leftovers, and not purchasing unnecessary items at the grocery store.
7. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Producing “stuff” consumes energy, as does transporting it. Reducing air travel by choosing direct routes is one way to help lessen your carbon footprint. Growing your own food, using reusable nappies, and switching to eco-friendly cleaning products are all ways of making an impactful difference in water usage. Hanging up laundry rather than using the dryer also reduces wasteful water usage.
Going meat-free, especially beef, can help lessen your impact. Raising cattle creates enormous quantities of methane gas—an extremely potent greenhouse gas—so selecting plant-based proteins instead is better for our planet.
8. Support Local Businesses
Your local economy thrives thanks to thriving small businesses that employ, source, and reinvest in your community—adding its unique character along the way. Support local businesses by purchasing their goods and services—shop at your neighborhood boutique, visit farmers markets, or drop into a coffee shop near you.
Sharing, commenting, and tagging local businesses on social media posts are also great ways to assist. Wear and buy their merch, such as T-shirts, hats, or mugs, as you volunteer to promote them! If they offer gardening or plant nursery services, purchase seeds and plants there—you could even go one step further by growing your own herbs, fruits, and veggies!
9. Reduce Your Water Consumption
Sustainable living requires cutting water consumption. Recognizing areas of your home that use water excessively, like your bathroom and kitchen, can help focus your conservation efforts and implement simple water-saving habits to save precious water resources. Implementing smart tools or changing habits to conserve can make an enormous, impactful difference to sustainability efforts.
Reducing waste is another key part of sustainable living, so making an effort to forgo single-use plastic like water bottles, to-go cups, and cutlery is an effective first step. Consider carrying around a reusable water bottle when shopping and purchasing items in bulk in order to minimize packaging waste. Living sustainably goes well beyond tree hugging and living in a yurt, yet it is an ideal that everyone should strive towards regardless of where they reside. Even small changes can have significant benefits for our environment and its people.
