Small Ways To Live a More Sustainable Life

With the planet in crisis, every sustainable choice, no matter how small, makes an impact. While living zero-waste is not possible for everyone, such as those undergoing financial hardship or living with a disability, most people can make a few small, sustainable changes. 

Here are a few small ways to live a more sustainable life.

Choose reusable

One of the best ways to reduce plastic waste is to invest in reusable items. Plus, buying a reusable item once means no longer buying the disposable version every few weeks. It costs more up front but will save money in the long run.

Some great items to swap out for reusable alternatives include grocery bags, kitchen utensils, straws, and disposable water bottles. Bring your own cup to the coffee shop instead of using a single-use cup each time. Purchasing a cup for hot coffee and a cup for iced coffee (if you enjoy both) makes it easier to live sustainably. Keep them in your car to make busy mornings easier!

If your circumstances make it difficult to live sustainably, don’t feel as though using single-use items makes you a bad person. It’s important to find the balance between accommodating yourself and living sustainably. Use reusable items when you can and disposable items when you need them.

Shop consciously

We need certain items to survive, such as food and clothing. When shopping for essential items, purchase ones that support your beliefs. Thrifting is a great way to find inexpensive clothing without contributing to fast fashion.

When purchasing food, I always pay attention to the labels. “Fair Trade” certified goods signify that the company uses sustainable business practices and pays their workers fairly. “Shade-grown” coffee is produced while leaving essential forest habitats unharmed.

Organic food is grown and harvested without pesticides; while more expensive, it helps keep your family and our wildlife safe.

Green transportation

In many areas of the US, we do not have many options for green transportation. Many of our cities are not walkable and do not have accessible public transportation. If you do live in a walkable city, take advantage of it!

For those of us who do not live in a city with public transportation, we must use cars to get around. Recommending individuals take their bicycles to work is often unrealistic. So how do we make sustainable transportation choices?

In short, do the best with what you have. Go for a walk on your lunch break instead of driving to the restaurant down the street. If you’re in the market for a new car, choose a fuel-efficient model, and carpool with friends or family when you can. If you use rideshare services, choose a sustainable option like Uber Green.

Small, consistent choices make more of a lasting impact than drastic changes. Which of these small ways to live a more sustainable life will you try?