Life is all about choices; we make choices every day, from how we take our coffee and what we’ll wear that day to more important decisions that involve our careers and families. Every day we make choices in our lives that affect the world around us, not just ourselves, and one of the effects that we should consider is the choices that we make and how they impact our environment, the climate, and all living things on the planet. While there are many ways to make more sustainable choices, some of them don’t feel sustainable! If you’re looking for easy things you can do to help impact the world around you, keep reading for some ways to live more sustainably that are easy to incorporate into your existing routine and stick to.
Lessen Consumption
We live in a world where everything from information to products is at the tip of our fingers, and many products can be delivered to our door the same day we think about them or the very next day. While convenience is a great thing in principle, lessening the number of things you consume, especially physical items, can significantly impact you. The effects of the fast fashion industry, for example, are well-studied and known to be highly detrimental to the environment, so the next time you think you need another pair of jeans or a new sweater, think twice.
Shop Secondhand
If you must purchase something “new,” consider opting instead for something new to you but not freshly manufactured. Not only is shopping secondhand a more sustainable choice for the planet you can experience more Financial Freedom with the money you save by purchasing things secondhand. Take advantage of the countless thrift stores and secondhand shops in your local community, many of which directly benefit the community, so you’re helping yourself and the planet and others around you.
Make Your Home Green
There are countless ways to make your home greener and energy efficient, from adequate insulation, energy-saving windows, programmable thermostats, and energy-saving light bulbs, but many of these come with a high price tag for which you may not have the budget. More tangible and affordable ways to “green your home” are opting to use more sustainable products like microfiber cleansing rags instead of paper towels, bamboo toilet paper instead of conventional, and ditching plastic in the home altogether. These small steps compound on each other to make a significant difference not only in the planet’s health but the health of your home and all who live there.
Eat More Plant-Based Meals
While going vegan isn’t an option for everyone, eating more plant-based meals is sustainable and a choice you can make today. The health benefits of a plant-based diet are well documented, but so is the issue of the environmentally destructive nature of factory farming. Reducing your meat consumption can significantly reduce your environmental footprint. Additionally, nearly 40% of American households waste food every month; if meat is part of the waste, it’s good to recognize that and cut it down. Plant-based diets are also more affordable, so you save money and lessen the climate crisis.
Recycle Whenever You Can
Most cities offer free recycling programs, and not taking advantage of them ignores our planet’s situation; if you still need to recycle, start today! Most municipalities will offer free recycling bins and pick them up weekly. Reducing the amount of garbage that goes into landfills is simple to start and costs you absolutely nothing. This small habit is easy. It takes 21 days to create a habit, so commit to recycling everything you can for three weeks, and chances are, at the end of the three-week trial, you will have built a habit you can sustain for life.
Being stewards of the planet is something everyone must take seriously, whether you have children or not. The future generations of this beautiful planet deserve a chance to live in a safe and healthy environment. It’s also worth remembering that climate issues affect the most vulnerable first in poor nations, so it is our privilege to tackle this crisis at home. By utilizing the above ways to live more sustainably, you can impact our Earth, your life, and billions of lives around the planet.
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