Sustainability has always been close to my heart. I believe that small, conscious choices in our daily lives can add up to a significant impact. Living more sustainably doesn’t have to mean drastic changes- it’s about making mindful decisions that benefit both the planet and our well-being.
Here are twelve simple ways to incorporate sustainability into your everyday routine.
1. Drink tap water instead of bottled water
Skip single-use plastic bottles and drink tap water instead. This reduces plastic waste and lowers emissions from bottled water transportation. If you’re on the go, invest in a reusable water bottle.
2. Use solid shampoo instead of liquid shampoo
Switching to shampoo bars or hair soap can help cut down on plastic packaging. Many solid shampoos are also made with natural ingredients, reducing chemical waste in water systems.
3. Store bread in a beeswax wrap or a bread box
Instead of using plastic bags, keep your bread fresh in a beeswax wrap or a wooden bread box. Beeswax wraps are reusable and biodegradable, making them a great eco-friendly alternative.
4. Use a reusable bamboo razor instead of disposable plastic razors
Disposable razors create a lot of waste, while a bamboo razor with replaceable blades is a sustainable and stylish alternative.
5. Switch to hard contact lenses
If you wear contact lenses, consider switching to rigid gas-permeable lenses. They last much longer than soft lenses, reducing plastic waste.
6. Choose a compost bin made from sustainable materials
Instead of buying a plastic compost bin, look for options made from wood or recycled metal. Composting reduces food waste and enriches soil naturally.
7. Turn off the lights when leaving a room
This simple habit saves energy and lowers electricity costs. Consider using energy-efficient LED bulbs for additional savings.
8. Drive a small car instead of a large one
If you need a car, choose a smaller, fuel-efficient model. It uses less fuel, reduces CO₂ emissions, and is often cheaper to run.
9. Unsubscribe from unnecessary emails and delete old messages
Did you know that storing emails requires energy? Reducing digital clutter helps lower the carbon footprint of data centers.
10. Use a manual lawn mower instead of an electric or gas-powered one
A push mower doesn’t use electricity or fuel, making it the most eco-friendly choice. Plus, it’s a great workout!
11. Collect rainwater for garden watering
A rain barrel allows you to use natural water for your plants, reducing the need for treated tap water.
12. Use an extra blanket instead of turning on the heater at night
Layering up with warm blankets can help keep heating costs and energy consumption low during colder months.