Hey there friends! Today I’m excited to share with you some simple yet effective sustainable lifestyle changes you can make today. Each day we face the devastating evidence of climate change and it’s more crucial than ever that we all do our part in reducing our carbon footprint and living a more eco-friendly lifestyle. So, let’s dive into 10 sustainable changes you can make today!
- Buy less: We live in a society where consumption is encouraged, but do we really need everything we buy? By reducing our consumption and only buying what we need, we can reduce waste (and save money).
- Buy responsibly: When you do need to shop, shopping locally from small businesses supports not only your community but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation. Buying used supports the circular economy and keeps waste out of the landfill.
- Buy nothing: Have you ever heard of the Buy Nothing Project? It’s a global movement encouraging people to give and receive items for free within their community. By participating in this project, you can reduce waste and strengthen your community ties. In addition to participating in the Buy Nothing Project, you can also start your own local chapter. By doing so, you can create a community of people who are committed to reducing waste and living a more sustainable lifestyle.
- Invest in the circular economy: The circular economy is an economic system that aims to minimize waste and maximize the use of resources. By investing in companies that are committed to the circular economy, you can support sustainable practices and reduce your carbon footprint. Where I live, we’re fortunate to have a local non-profit specializing in diverting used items and materials from the landfill and circulating them back into the community.
- Mend and repair your possessions: Instead of buying new items when something breaks, try to repair them first. By doing so, you can extend the life of your possessions and reduce waste. In the age of YouTube tutorials, you have a world of resources at your fingertips to learn how for free.
- Compost: Did you know that food waste makes up a significant portion of our landfills? By composting your food waste, you can not only reduce your landfill waste but also reduce your carbon footprint. As an additional benefit, you get to create nutrient-rich soil for your plants. If you don’t have your own garden, you may have a compost pick-up service in your community.
- Grow your own food: Growing your own food not only reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation, but it also allows you to control the use of pesticides and herbicides. Plus, it’s a great way to get outside and connect with nature!
- Care for your own backyard habitat: Creating a backyard habitat for wildlife can be a fun and rewarding experience. By doing so, you can support local wildlife and create a sustainable ecosystem in your own backyard.
- Eco-brick: If you have plastic waste that cannot be recycled, consider creating an eco-brick. An eco-brick is a plastic bottle filled with non-recyclable plastic waste that can be used as a building material. By doing so, you can reduce waste and support sustainable building practices.
- Vacation sustainably: When you go on vacation, consider your visit’s impact on the local community and the environment. Support local businesses and reduce your carbon footprint by trying local cuisine and buying souvenirs from small, sustainable shops. Look for small hotels or rental properties that have implemented sustainable practices. When exploring your destination, try to choose eco-friendly transportation options, such as biking, walking, or taking public transportation instead of renting a car.
These are just a few simple yet effective sustainable lifestyle changes that you can make today. By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can reduce your carbon footprint, contribute to a healthier planet, and help create a kinder world. Remember, every small action counts, and by working together, we can make a big impact in preserving our planet for future generations.