Are you looking for ideas on how to live more sustainably and reduce your carbon footprint?
Zero Waste Week is a national awareness campaign that provides a focus for anyone who wants ideas for going zero waste and implementing sustainable living. I have partnered with Global Wake Up to encourage us all to do our bit in looking after our environment and living a more sustainable lifestyle.
Unfortunately, the state of our planet and environment is deteriorating every day due to normal human activities. However, these effects can be reversed for future generations if we all choose to do our part by being more aware of our habits and consumption. Many of us vowed during the pandemic to look after our planet more and this is a great way to get started.
To do so we must find ways to be more sustainable in our everyday life. We can all make small changes that will make a world of difference, there are bound to be some easy ways that you can produce less waste.
But, many of us are still unaware of this term.
So what is sustainability?
Sustainability means that we consciously avoid being harmful to the environment and try not to exploit natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance.
Basically, by choosing a sustainable lifestyle we act in ways that won’t ruin our planet’s ecosystem in the long run.
I got to know about this lifestyle a while ago and since then I have researched numerous trouble-free ways to be more sustainable every day and wanted to share them with you all.
These are simple changes that won’t require much focus, you can easily incorporate them in your daily life with little mindfulness and determination.
So, let’s begin with 32 clever ways you can learn how to live more sustainably each and every day.
30 Ways to Be More Sustainable Every Day
1. Replace the traditional Bulbs with Led bulbs
Led Bulbs generally last longer and use less energy than traditional incandescent light bulbs. Sure, LED lightings are comparatively costly but, if you do the math, in the long run, you’ll save a lot more money.
2. Weatherproof windows and doors
Weather-stripping and air sealing are two inexpensive ways you can choose to seal air leaks around moveable building components. This is an effective way to cut heating/cooling costs and create a healthier indoor environment and reduce energy consumption.
3. Use quality curtains
This is another great way to insulate your house during winter or summer. This helps in the cost of living crisis too as keeps homes warmer naturally. Additionally, it also maintains your privacy.
4. Don’t buy gift wraps
Next time you are gift wrapping a present consider how you present it. You can use old newspapers or brown paper bags for wrapping purposes. Also, try to save gift bags and boxes and reuse them.
5. Refrain from a hardcopy of bills and statements
Opting for E-bills and E-statements not only allows you to save paper but they are also easy to organize on your computer. This is one of the easiest ways to make a difference.
6. Always use double-sided printing
If you don’t have any other option besides using a printed copy then always opt for double-sided printing.
7. Try to fix appliances instead of instantly buying a new one
Most of the time the issues with the broken appliances are not major ones so, always try to get them repaired first. We have twice fixed our oven by simply replacing the heating element. We were able to buy the part from Amazon for under £10 and then Youtube showed us exactly what to do in simple steps. This alone saved us hundreds and has saved an appliance going to landfill when it was an easy fix.
8. Opt for shampoo bars instead of liquid shampoos
Generally, liquid shampoos are filled in plastic bottles so choosing bars over them is a great way to cut down on your plastic usage. Moreover, most shampoo bars available in the market are made of organic materials, making them healthy for your hair as well.
9. Use bamboo toothbrushes for the whole family
Of course, these bamboo toothbrushes have plastic bristles but, generally, the handle and packaging are biodegradable and such a good idea. Bamboo grows quickly making it a better choice for many hygiene and beauty products.
10. Try to go makeup-free for as long as possible
For those who wear makeup regularly, start slowly for instance 1 or 2 days per week and gradually increase it. Makeup comes in a lot of plastic packaging and most tools which are used to apply it are made of plastic as well. The fashion industry really is not sustainable when you start thinking about it.
11. Carry reusable bags whenever you go grocery shopping
Try to use reusable shopping bags made out of biodegradable materials as plastic bags are one of the biggest worldwide culprits when it comes to environmental impact.
12. Buy in bulk if possible
The idea is to reduce the waste created by excess packaging so avoid buying products if they are individually packed and then combined into a bigger package.
13. Choose quality clothing
When buying new clothes, always opt for better quality products because generally, they are more comfortable and last longer than cheaper options fast fashion is often poorly made as well as having considerable implications for workers in poor factories. Otherwise one of the best ways is to choose to reuse and shop at charity shops or online platforms including Vinted. If you need some car boot tips check out this post.
14. Don’t buy new books
You can always borrow them from the library or can buy second-hand books for cheap. Share with friends too and this is a brilliant way to discover new to you authors.
15. Opt for Audiobooks or E-books
Today due to advancements in technology you can easily find an e-book or audiobook version of your favorite reads.
16. Make cleaners at home
Move harsh chemicals out of your home which can harm your health as well as the environment. Instead, make cleaners yourself using vinegar, baking soda, alcohol, essential oils, etc. you can easily find recipes online which will do your bit for the environmental footprint.
17. Use plant-based scrubs for cleaning purpose
Disposable scrubs that we use to clean dishes and bathroom floors are made of plastic polymers. Therefore, always opt for plant-based biodegradable options that don’t have a negative impact on the environment.
18. Use electronic devices until they die
Think twice before upgrading your Smartphone, T.V, computer, tablet, and other such electronic stuff. Don’t buy if your current devices are fit for use.
19. Use rechargeable batteries
Reduce your E-waste output by opting to use rechargeable batteries. Plus, in the long run, they will be cost-effective as well.
20. Eliminate the use of plastic plates, forks, spoons, cups, etc.
Always keep a portable set of cutlery at your work or in the car. Switch to reusable straws too as plastic straws are notoriously wasteful. This will surely help you to reduce the one-time use of plastic waste.
21. Avoid Styrofoam and plastic coffee cups and mugs
Not only are they harmful to your health but also adversely impact the environment because they are non-biodegradable. So, always carry a stainless steel Coffee mug with you.
22. Carry a reusable water bottle
Carry a water bottle preferably made of glass or stainless steel with you and avoid buying packaged drinking water and plastic water bottles.
23. Compost food wastes
Compost is an organic material which when added to the soil, boosts the plant growth. Mix food waste with water and woody organic material in your compost pile or bin to make compost.
This also keeps organic material out of landfills where they take up too much space and release potent greenhouse gas emissions called methane.
24. Use eggshells for feeding birds
Bake the eggshells in the oven at 325 degrees for 20-30 minutes to kill bacteria, then crush and spread them on flat open surfaces. Many different bird species will consume it because eggshells provide calcium to nesting females and used as grit in the food digestion process.
25. Repurpose or reuse glass jars
Use your old glass jars for decoration purposes or to store nuts, screws, nails, and other such small stuff.
26. Prefer local produce
By preferring locally grown foods you help to maintain farmlands and green spaces around your area, so it is beneficial for the environment and local economy. Moreover, eating locally means eating seasonally, also local food has more nutrients as compared to imported options this is an effective way of improving both your health and the environment.
27. Buy reusable coffee filter
Purchase a reusable organic cotton coffee filter instead of using and throwing one out every morning.
28. Reuse plastic containers
Use them to store snacks and leftovers or be creative to make something purposeful out of them. You can now buy hand soap and other beauty products as refills, this way you buy the container and concentrate for many household products and it saves on packaging in the future.
29. Avoid single-use straws
There are plenty of options available in the market to choose from. Remember, anything is better than single-use plastics.
30. Donate
Donate your old clothes and furniture to needy people instead of just throwing them away. Many people appreciate second-hand and will give something a new lease of life.
31. Use public transportation where you can as this reduces carbon emissions and improves air quality for everyone.
32. Eat less meat – try having a meat-free day each week. There are plenty of wonderful recipes available and you might discover a new favourite.
To celebrate Zero Waste Week I am partnering with Global Wake Up who has a stunning range of products to buy. Did you know that besides food packaging, 90% of single-use plastic waste comes in the form of the ‘Big Four’ – Bags, Bottles, Cups and Straws?
These days the products that are sustainable are not only kinder to the planet but they are pretty cool looking too. I have been admiring backpacks for a while and thinking about getting one when Global Wake Up contacted me regarding a collaboration. They have kindly sent me a Zero Waste Starter Pack that consists of the vegan backpack, Bamboo coffee cup and Bamboo water bottle. These will certainly help me how to live more sustainably!
Lastly, I hope that you found this information practical and useful. There are many creative ways that we can small changes that globally will have a big impact. If we all make a change we will save so much energy and have a positive impact on the environment for our future generations. Also, mention in the comments if these ideas motivated you to become more sustainable or if you have anything to add, I would love to read your views and top tips.
