Regardless of your life circumstances and how busy you are, there are always ways to live a more sustainable life. These small tweaks in daily habits aren’t only beneficial for the planet but will also make you healthier and, don’t be surprised, at the end of the day, will even provide you with more free time!
Grow your food. Most of us are lucky to have backyards but even if you don’t own a large property, utilise your windows or find the nearest community garden! All you need is a bit of land (or dirt, if you’re doing that at home), water and light. Start with herbs and cherry tomatoes – easy to maintain, they grow quickly and are so pretty! And did you know that you can grow mushrooms on a kitchen counter? Even Michelin star chefs don’t always have access to mushrooms so fresh!
Smart groceries. You’ll still have to buy things you can’t grow. But that doesn’t mean you can’t do it in a more sustainable way! When you’re in the supermarket, try to avoid plastic altogether. Instead of plastic-wrapped products opt for the bulk section – they often have paper bags. Better yet, buy these products at a farmers market!
Avoid single-used. Takeaway containers, cutlery, paper towels, disposable tissues, tampons… Don’t they all have great alternatives that you can use many times? ‘Convenience’ is only an excuse, you’ll fall in love with re-usable items in no time! ‘Only replace it if it’s broken’ should be the rule of every sustainable person.
Convert to alternative energy. Solar panels are the future! But it’s not only about solar power. It’s great to choose wood-burning stoves over electric heaters in winter and try to minimise your energy consumption in any other ways. Even if it’s simply unplugging the devices you don’t use, using energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting or CFL bulbs, and doing chores during daylight.
Preserve water. Harvest rainwater for gardening and washing your car. Pick a water-efficient showerhead.
Ditch the car. Well, not forever. We’re not talking unbearable sacrifices here. But if you’re just out for a coffee with friends, maybe you can cycle there instead of driving a car? It’s also a great workout! Using public transport whenever it’s convenient is also a more sustainable – and less stressful – way of living.
No junk mail. This simple sign on your letterbox will reduce your paper waste! To minimise paper waste even further, make sure you opt for digital letters and notices instead of paper ones in your clinic, favourite clothing store or wherever else they might send you regular updates. Stop printing spreadsheets, plans and reports at work – you can read and store them all on your computer! And last but not least, borrow books instead of buying them. Be it your local library, best friend or online group of book worms fortnightly swapping books with each other – there are loads of ways to avoid buying more paper.
Invest in fashion. Surprised to see this advice here? Don’t be too quick to judge. The fact is high-quality items last longer but, of course, cost more than fast fashion brands. Buying more expensive clothes means that by spending more today, you’re actually investing in less shopping and textile waste in future! Here’s some amazing advice to keep your clothes looking like new for longer.
Repurpose everything. This is probably the best way to live a sustainable life. When you’re done with your mozzarella stuffed olives, the glass jar might become a vase, a pen-holder, a soap dispenser or a home-made candle. Old clothing items might become kitchen cloths or be turned into a cosy pillow. The list of ideas for sustainable repurposing is literally endless!
Learn to trade. Isn’t that what people did before money took over? If you’re really good at, let’s say, decluttering houses (here are a few decluttering tips, by the way) and need a new haircut, maybe there’s a hairdresser you could do a swap with – you declutter her house, she cuts your hair. It’s a win-win.
