39 Tips for Creating a Sustainable Lifestyle
Small Changes Can Make a World of Difference
Sustainable. Eco-Friendly. Energy Efficient. Organic. Biodegradable. Recyclable.
With the ongoing shift towards a more environmentally conscious society, these are just a few of the buzzwords we see on a daily basis, but what does sustainability actually mean?
What is Sustainability?
This is complex concept that can take on several meanings. A commonly used definition comes from the UN World Commission on Environment and Development, which states that “sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
As a community, living a sustainable lifestyle means recognizing that our actions today will influence what our planet looks like in the future.
39 Tips for a More Sustainable Lifestyle
It may feel daunting to completely change your lifestyle, but even the smallest shift can have a positive impact on the environment.
Here are 39 simple tips to help you live a more sustainable lifestyle:
Sustainability Around the House
- Turn off the lights when you leave a room
- Use natural light whenever possible
- Don’t leave the water running while you brush your teeth or wash your face
- Recycle & dispose of waste properly
- Repurpose glass jars
- Reduce food waste
- Use the dishwasher instead of handwashing
- Use cloths instead of paper towels
- Install a water efficient showerhead
- Put on layers instead of turning up the thermostat
- Switch to LEDs and compact fluorescent lamps
- Remove your makeup with reusable cotton pads
- Limit how much time you spend in the shower
- Line dry your clothes
- Reduce how often you wash your clothes
- Replace single use plastics with environmentally friendly products, such as
- Water bottles
- Plastic bags
- Straws
Sustainability at Work
- Go paperless whenever possible
- Turn off your computer and any devices before you leave
- Store your lunch in reusable containers
- Don’t buy bottled water
- Make your commute more eco-friendly
- Can you carpool, take public transportation, or ride a bike?
Sustainability While Shopping
- Bring reusable shopping bags
- When shopping online, use the most ecofriendly product/packaging option whenever possible
- Is there an option to receive all of your items in one box?
- Avoid purchasing plastic wrapped items
- Bring your own containers/reusable bags for fruits, veggies, and deli products
- Shop for produce at your local farmer’s market
- Buy secondhand clothes whenever possible
- Invest in high-quality clothing instead of fast fashion
- Fast fashion, which produces mass quantities in a short period of time, is harmful to the environment and communities. Changes to the fashion industry are vital and investing in ethical fashion can help in those efforts.
- Support brands that are ethical and environmentally focused
- Donate old clothes and goods
- Save gift bags and boxes for future use
- Invest in experiences instead of things
Sustainability When Traveling
- Save energy by turning off appliances before you leave
- Reuse towels and linens throughout your stay
- Try to fly less often
- Is your destination within driving distance?
- If you need to fly, consider carbon offset programs. These initiatives allow individuals and companies to invest in environmental projects to balance out their own carbon footprints.
- Stop using disposable cutlery and napkins, try environmentally friendly products, like a reusable bamboo cutlery set instead
- Walk, bike, or use public transportation
- Support the local economy
Imagine the positive impact there would be if everyone committed to making even one of these minor changes each day. At Natural Sustenance™, we believe you can achieve sustainability without sacrifice! Feel free to explore our catalog of sustainable products.