Are you interested in finding ways to live a more sustainable lifestyle? Did you know that living a sustainable lifestyle can also save you a lot of money?
There are many ways that you can make a difference in the environment and in your community. It might seem intimidating to find ways to live a more sustainable lifestyle, but it’s easy once you start.
Wherever you start, every small choice makes a big difference.
If you are feeling overwhelmed about starting to live sustainably, don’t worry. There are several simple steps that anyone can take to live more sustainably. Here are 100 easy ways to live a more sustainable lifestyle.
1. Reduce Water Usage
Reducing your daily water usage is a great way to live a more sustainable lifestyle. Some practical ways to do this include taking shorter showers and turning off the water when you don’t need it.
2. Use Energy-Efficient Appliances
Some types of appliances take up much more energy than others. Make the switch to more energy-efficient appliances instead of standard models.
3. Start Using Public Transportation
Driving a personal vehicle emits carbon monoxide into the environment and takes up fuel. Consider using public transportation instead to live a more sustainable lifestyle.
4. Carpool or Rideshare
Another way to reduce your negative environmental impact is by carpooling with friends, family, or coworkers. Plus, you’ll be saving on gas money!
5. Walk or Bike for Short Trips
Headed to a store that’s only a couple of miles away? Why not walk or bike instead of hopping in the car?
6. Install Solar Panels
Solar panels work by converting sunlight into electric energy, making them an eco-friendly and cost-efficient choice.
7. Compost Organic Waste
Not everything belongs in the trash! Start a compost bin or pile for any organic waste, such as food and vegetable scraps.
8. Reduce Meat Consumption
Eating less meat can help you live a more sustainable lifestyle by lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
9. Buy Locally-Produced Food
Buying locally produced food gives back to the local economy and is often richer in nutrients than alternatively sourced food.
10. Plant a Garden
Grow your own food at home, and enjoy the many benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables.
11. Use Reusable Shopping Bags
Using reusable shopping bags reduces paper and plastic waste and is cheaper in some parts of the world.
12. Reduce Plastic Use
Reducing your plastic use is one of the best ways to live a more sustainable lifestyle. There are many ways you can do this, from buying less plastic to reusing more household items.
13. Recycle Paper and Cardboard
Many people aren’t actually recycling items when they can be! Paper and cardboard are both recyclable, in addition to plastics.
14. Use LED Light Bulbs
LED light bulbs are more energy efficient than traditional lighting and are longer-lasting. So switching to LED light bulbs are not only more sustainable but wills save you money.
15. Lower the Thermostat in Winter
Lowering the thermostat during colder weather is a good way to prevent heat loss and save energy.
16. Increase the Thermostat in Summer
Increasing the thermostat during warmer weather is a proven way to reduce your overall energy consumption. Experts recommend setting your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re away for maximum effect.
17. Insulate Your Home
Insulating your home reduces its overall energy use, helping you live a more sustainable lifestyle.
18. Repair and Maintain Items
Instead of buying new products every time something breaks, try maintaining and repairing your belongings instead.
19. Buy Secondhand or Vintage
Try going to secondhand or vintage stores for your clothes and household shopping. Not only does this reduce eventual landfill waste, but it’s also cheaper!
20. Purchase Eco-Friendly Products
Many products have “green” or eco-friendly alternatives; look for and purchase these next time you go shopping!
21. Use a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat helps you maintain temperatures and reduce energy use even when you’re not at home.
22. Invest in Energy-Efficient Windows
Energy-efficient windows prevent heat (or cool air) from escaping your home. This minimizes the use of AC and heating units, helping save energy!
23. Support Renewable Energy
Support renewable energy initiatives that are local. You’ll be giving back to your community and the planet.
24. Minimize Food Waste
Minimize your personal food waste by meal planning, reusing leftovers, and only making reasonable portions.
25. Reduce Single-Use Plastics
Cut out single-use plastics and move towards reusable items instead.
26. Limit Air Travel
Flying might be quick and convenient, but it’s not great for the planet. Limiting your air travel when you can is a good way to live a more sustainable lifestyle.
27. Use a Reusable Water Bottle
Use a reusable water bottle and fill it up at home or at reusable water stations.
28. Buy In Bulk
When you buy items in bulk, you help to reduce unneeded packaging waste.
29. Choose Sustainable Seafood
Many people love eating seafood – but unfortunately, not all seafood is caught ethically. Choosing sustainably sourced seafood is a great option, rather than completely cutting seafood out of your diet.
30. Use a Clothesline Instead of a Dryer
Dryers use up large amounts of energy – why not use the old-fashioned clothesline method instead?
31. Reduce Fast Fashion Consumption
Fast fashion is unethical and leads to a huge amount of landfill waste. Try shopping for your clothes more ethically, whether through thrifting or through environmentally conscious brands.
32. Repair Clothing
Dealing with a missing button or a ripped sleeve? Instead of going out and buying new clothes, why not try repairing them first? All you need are some basic sewing skills, thread, and a needle!
33. Opt for Natural Cleaning Products
Avoid unhealthy chemicals and use natural products for all your cleaning needs.
34. Turn off Lights When Not in Use
Turning off lights when you’re not using them is simple and good for the planet! Plus, you’ll save on electrical bills.
35. Reduce Screen Brightness
When your screens are at full brightness, they use more energy and drain your battery faster. Turn your brightness down when you can to avoid this!
36. Unplug Chargers When Not in Use
Unplug unused chargers and charging blocks from the wall to save energy!
37. Take Shorter Showers
Taking shorter showers is one of the best ways to limit your water usage on a regular basis. Plus, you’ll have more free time afterward.
38. Use Low-Flow Faucets and Showerheads
Low-flow faucets and showerheads use less water than traditional showerheads, which minimizes unnecessary water consumption.
39. Drive a Fuel-Efficient Vehicle
Not all vehicles are created equally! Consider choosing a fuel-efficient vehicle next time you’re in the market for a new car.
40. Keep Tires Properly Inflated
Properly inflated tires use up less fuel while driving, polluting the environment less and saving you gas. Many tire shops will inflate your tires free of charge, or you can do it yourself at many gas stations.
41. Use a Push Mower
Push mowers are the most eco-friendly model of lawn mower out there since they aren’t battery-powered or gas-powered.
42. Reduce Lawn Size
Consider reducing the size of your lawn and planting flowers or other plant life instead. This will help improve biodiversity, as well as minimize energy spent on lawn maintenance.
43. Install a Rain Barrel
Rain barrels capture rainwater that you can use later in place of a less natural water source.
44. Repair Small Appliances at Home
Before you rush to buy a new coffee pot or blender, why not try repairing it at home? Most appliances come with a manual that contains troubleshooting information you can use.
45. Participate in Tree Planting
Several organizations regularly organize tree-planting events that anyone can join. Try your hand at community service, get out there, and plant some trees!
46. Use Cloth Diapers
Cloth diapers are reusable diapers that you can wash and dry at home instead of always buying disposable ones.
47. Avoid Disposable Diapers
Avoiding disposable diapers reduces landfill and packaging waste and saves you money!
48. Cut Out Napkins and Paper Towels
Tired of constantly throwing away napkins and paper towels and having to buy more? A sustainable alternative is using washcloths or rags that you can reuse!
49. Choose Sustainable Building Materials
If you do any building or home repairs, you likely have the ability to choose your own building materials. Opt for sustainable materials that are low-impact, such as stone, mass timber, or bamboo.
50. Fix Leaks in Your Home
Fix any small leaks in your home before they cause further damage that will eventually need to be redone or replaced!
51. Support Local Farmers’ Markets
Give back to your community and support local farmers’ markets. From food to decor, there’s bound to be something for everyone.
52. Eat Seasonally
Seasonal eating is when you eat food that’s naturally growing at the time. This food typically doesn’t travel as far, which is great for the environment.
53. Use a Reusable Coffee Cup
If you’re one of the many who’s always going out for your morning cup of coffee, you’re not alone. Don’t miss the chance to seriously reduce waste by bringing a reusable cup with you!
54. Reduce Junk Mail
You can reduce your junk mail by opting out of consumers’ lists online or by refusing and returning unwanted mail.
55. Use Rechargeable Batteries
If you’ve never used rechargeable batteries before, let this be your sign to start. They work just as well as standard batteries but can be recharged and used for much longer.
56. Practice Minimalism
Minimalism is the practice of removing clutter from your life and only keeping what holds true value to you. Practicing minimalism goes hand in hand with reduced waste and excess.
57. Share or Borrow Tools and Equipment
If you’re working on a project and need a specific tool, don’t rush to the store to buy it. Instead, ask around with friends and neighbors. Maybe one of them has it and will let you borrow it!
58. Repair Electronic Devices
It can be very disheartening when your electronic devices start breaking, and many people rush to purchase a new one. Instead, see if you can get it repaired. It will save you lots of money in the long run!
59. Recycle Electronics
Recycle unused or old electronics instead of tossing them in the trash.
60. Opt for a Hybrid or Electric Vehicle
Electric vehicles, smart cars, and hybrids emit much less carbon monoxide than traditional cars do. This makes them a reliable choice for anyone looking to live a more sustainable lifestyle.
61. Buy Products With Minimal Packaging
Choose products with minimal packaging, as opposed to excessive packaging waste.
62. Support Green Businesses
Supporting green businesses is a great way to make a difference in your day-to-day life!
63. Reduce Paper Plate Use
Paper plates and bowls might be convenient, but they’re not a very eco-friendly choice. Using reusable dishes instead is a great way to reduce waste and save money.
64. Use a Reusable Lunch Container
Use a reusable lunch container and wash it when you need it instead of contributing to unneeded waste.
65. Use a Reusable Straw
Bring your own reusable straw to restaurants or coffee shops to reduce plastic waste!
66. Reduce Food Packaging Waste
Reduce food packaging waste when you can while shopping. One example is avoiding pre-packaged fruits and vegetables and buying them without packaging instead.
67. Invest in a Bike
Invest in a bike that you can use to ride around town instead of driving a car.
68. Practice Eco-Friendly Landscaping
If you put effort into maintaining a yard, there are several steps you can take to do it more sustainably. Some examples include cultivating native plants and composting.
69. Take Advantage of Natural Lighting
Open your blinds and let the natural light in instead of keeping all the lights in the house on.
70. Use a Smart Power Strip
Smart power strips shut off unused items for you, saving electricity with little to no effort.
71. Repair and Reuse Furniture
It’s always best to repair household items when you can instead of buying new ones. Furniture can be refurbished and reused instead of discarded and replaced.
72. Install a Rain Garden
A rain garden is a landscaping depression formed on a slope that’s used to increase the reabsorption of rain runoff. Its primary purpose is to keep your landscaping watered using natural rainwater.
73. Use a Clothes Dryer Rack
A clothes dryer rack is another alternative to an electric dryer that’s cheap and easy to use!
74. Reduce Meat and Dairy Consumption
Maintaining a meat-free and dairy-free diet helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce drought-like conditions. Of course, you don’t have to completely cut out meat and dairy. Even small, occasional dietary changes help!
75. Reduce Food Delivery Packaging
Reduce food delivery packaging when ordering takeout by requesting no utensils, no napkins, etc.
76. Eliminate Disposable Razors
Toss out your disposable razors and use an electric shaver or safety razor instead.
77. Use a Safety Razor
Safety razors are an eco-friendly way to keep up with hygiene without contributing to landfill waste. Even the blades can be recycled!
78. Reduce Car Idling Time
Do you make a habit of sitting in your car for several minutes with it running? Shut off the engine instead of leaving it on to reduce toxic emissions.
79. Participate in Local Cleanup Events
Many communities hold local cleanups on a regular basis. From the beach to the highway, everywhere could use a little less trash.
80. Use Biodegradable Cleaning Products
Using biodegradable cleaning products is a great way to live a more sustainable lifestyle. These are products that break down naturally without releasing harmful chemicals into the environment.
81. Choose Sustainable Furniture
Choose sustainable furniture next time you go furniture shopping, and give back to the planet with your decor choices.
82. Support Reforestation Efforts
Support local and global reforestation efforts, whether financially or through volunteer work.
83. Use a Reusable Menstrual Product
Reusable menstrual products help reduce the waste created by disposable products.
84. Choose Sustainable Pet Products
Who said your pets can’t be sustainable, too? From pet toys to pet food, there are several eco-friendly choices for your furry friends!
85. Use a Programmable Irrigation System
A programmable irrigation system lets you control how much water you use and when you use it! It can save you time, money, and effort.
86. Buy Fair Trade Products
Fair Trade products are products that have been certified to meet international standards for ethical work and pay conditions. When you choose Fair Trade products, you know your money is going to the right place.
87. Invest in a Long-Lasting Toothbrush
It can be tempting to buy the cheapest option when shopping, but sometimes it’s not worth it. Investing in a quality toothbrush will ensure the product lasts longer, and you won’t keep buying new ones.
88. Practice Water Conservation in the Garden
Don’t overwater in your garden! Instead, practice water conservation and only water your plants as much as they need.
89. Use Reusable Produce Bags
You know those plastic bags they provide at grocery stores for produce? They might be convenient, but that’s a lot of wasted plastic. Why not bring your own reusable bags instead?
90. Reduce Bottled Water Consumption
Reduce your daily bottled water consumption by using a reusable bottle or a glass instead.
91. Opt for Digital Over Print Media
Many of us still love reading the news, but why not go digital? Going digital reduces paper waste and can be even more convenient than paper!
92. Support Eco-Conscious Fashion Brands
Many fashion brands have made it a priority to choose sustainable materials and make eco-conscious business decisions. Supporting these brands will help you look good and feel good.
93. Choose Eco-Friendly Paint
Not all paints are created equally. Do some research before starting your next big project, and choose an eco-friendly paint that suits your needs.
94. Use a Reusable Face Mask
Reusable face masks are comfier than their disposable alternatives, and they’re less likely to end up in a landfill. It’s a win-win!
95. Support Public Transportation Initiatives
Show your support for public transportation initiatives in your local community. This can help them gain more traction.
96. Reduce Screen Time
Reducing your screen time can help save energy, as well as lowering harmful emissions.
97. Reduce Food Takeout and Delivery
Food takeout and delivery are convenient, but it comes with many disadvantages. From wasteful packaging to transportation emissions, sometimes cooking at home is the most sustainable option!
98. Practice Responsible Camping
Who doesn’t love a good camping trip? It’s important to camp responsibly by picking up after yourselves and others!
99. Reduce Disposable Diaper Wipes
Diaper wipes might seem like an essential if you have a baby in the house. However, there are actually several other options. A great alternative to disposable diaper wipes is simply reusing soft washcloths.
100. Avoid Impulse Buys
Impulse buys might seem harmless and fun, but they can actually have a negative impact. This is because when you buy things impulsively, you often end up not using them! Reduce your waste by avoiding impulse buys altogether.
Read More:
- 15 Frugal Living Tips From the Great Depression
- 100 Incredible Money-Saving Hacks
- How To Live Below Your Means: Mastering the Art of Financial Discipline
