45 Sustainable Living Ideas to Help Both You and the Planet in 2023
In an era where we are becoming more and more environmentally conscious, it’s even more important to consider sustainable living practices.
People are realising that in order for the planet to survive, everyone needs to do their part in preserving it and reducing their carbon footprint. And one of the best ways to do this is by living a sustainable lifestyle.
There are many different ways to live sustainably, and luckily, there are plenty of resources available to help you get started. This article will provide 45 different sustainable living tips, from small changes you can make every day, to bigger projects you can undertake over the course of a year.
So whether you’re just getting started on your sustainability journey or you’re looking for new sustainable living ideas to help you live a zero waste lifestyle, read on for 45 ways to make your life more eco-friendly!
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What does it mean to live sustainably?To live sustainably means to live in a way that doesn’t deplete the earth’s resources or damage the environment. It’s about living responsibly, taking only what we need, and being conscious of the long-term impact of our actions. To live a more sustainable life, we need to learn to appreciate the things we have and be more mindful of how our choices affect the planet.
Sustainability provides a positive impact on three key areas:
- environment
- social/cultural, and
- economic
Environmental sustainability means making choices that protect and conserve the earth’s natural resources, such as air, water, and land. It also means reducing pollution and waste.
Social sustainability focuses on creating a just and equitable society where all people have the opportunity to reach their full potential. It includes supporting diversity, fighting discrimination, and promoting human rights.
Economic sustainability means creating an economy that meets the needs of current and future generations. This includes creating jobs, supporting businesses, and using resources in a way that doesn’t damage the environment.
Why is it important to live a sustainable lifestyle
There are many good reasons to live a sustainable lifestyle. For one thing, it’s better for the environment. Sustainable practices such as conserving resources, reducing pollution, and minimising waste help to slow down the effect of climate change.
In addition, sustainable living can help you save money. By investing in energy-efficient appliances and using recycled materials, you can lower your monthly utility bills.
But perhaps the most important reason to live sustainably is that it’s simply the right thing to do. We all have a responsibility to take care of our planet, and sustainable living is one way to make sure that we leave it in better shape for future generations.
What is the relationship between sustainability and quality of life
There is a strong relationship between sustainability and quality of life. When we live sustainably, we make choices that improve our health and wellbeing, as well as the health of the planet.
Sustainable living practices such as eating organic food, exercising outdoors, and using green products help to protect our environment and improve our physical and mental health.
In addition, sustainable living can help to build stronger communities. By supporting local businesses and investing in renewable energy, we can create jobs and improve the economy.
And by working together to reduce our impact on the planet, we can build a better future for all.
45 sustainable living ideas
Sustainable living food ideas
1. Reduce food waste
By preparing meals with ingredients you already have in your pantry, fridge, and freezer, you can reduce food waste and save money.
2. Shop at farmers markets
Farmers markets are a great place to find fresh, local, sustainable and organic foods.
3. Plant a garden
Gardening is a fun and rewarding way to get fresh produce and support sustainable agriculture.
4. Use a composting bin
Put your food scraps to good use by composting them in your backyard. If you don’t have a backyard or live in an apartment, you can use a composting bin instead.
5. Eat less meat
Eating less meat is one of the easiest ways to reduce your impact on the environment.
6. Reuse
Whether it’s reusing coffee grounds to get rid of dark circles under your eyes, or used egg shells as fertilizer in your garden, reusing is a simple sustainable living idea you can adopt.
7. Use your own containers
When going to the grocery store, bring your own containers for unpackaged items to avoid accumulating any more plastic.
Sustainable living kitchen ideas
8. Invest in a pressure cooker
Pressure cookers use less energy than traditional ovens, making them more sustainable.
9. Use an under sink water filter
Skip the bottled water and use an under sink water filter instead. This way, you can use tap water for everything, including drinking.
10. Switch out your straws
If you use plastic straws in your home, it’s time to switch to a sustainable alternative. Glass, bamboo, or metal straws are all good options.
11. Use biodegradable soap
When doing the dishes, opt for biodegradable soap to avoid polluting the environment.
12. Skip the disposable plates and cups
If you’re hosting a party or gathering, try to use regular plates and cups instead of disposables. It may take a little more effort in washing but will significantly reduce the waste.
13. Use reusable paper towels
Paper towels are one of the biggest sources of waste in the kitchen, other than plastic waste. Opt for reusable options instead, such as cloth napkins or these reusable paper towels.
14. Recycle
Make sure to recycle any and all recyclable materials in your kitchen, such as glass, plastic, and metal.
15. Save the hot water
Don’t leave the tap running while washing the dishes, instead, fill a bucket or basin with hot water and use that. You can also use this to water plants once finished with the dishes.
Sustainable living fashion ideas
16. Avoid fast fashion
The fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world. To shop sustainably, avoid fast fashion brands and instead invest in high-quality sustainable fashion pieces that will last you for years. Fast fashion brands are major contributors to textile waste, supply chain pollution, and unethical labor practices.
17. Shop second hand
Another way to shop sustainably is to buy secondhand clothes. You can find great deals on gently used clothing at thrift shops or consignment store.
18. Mend your clothes
If you have a piece of clothing that’s ripped or stained, don’t throw it away! Try to mend it or upcycle it into something new.
19. Make your own clothes
If you’re feeling creative, you can try making your own clothes. This sustainable living idea is not only eco-friendly but can also save you money in the long run.
20. Line dry your clothes
Line drying your clothes is a great way to save energy and money. If you don’t have access to a clothesline, you can try using a drying rack instead.
21. Wash your clothes less often
Washing your clothes less often is not only better for the environment but also for your clothes. Only wash them when they’re actually dirty to make them last longer.
22. Invest in quality over quantity
When shopping for clothes, it’s better to invest in a few high-quality pieces that will last you for years rather than buying a bunch of cheap clothes that will fall apart after a few washes.
23. Shop local
When possible, try to buy your clothes from local designers and boutiques. This way, you can be sure that your clothes are ethically and sustainably made.
24. Donate your clothes rather than throwing out
If you have clothes that you no longer wear, donate them to a local thrift store or charity. This way, someone else can get use out of them and you’re not contributing to the growing problem of textile waste.
Sustainable living beauty ideas
25. Make your own beauty products
One of the best sustainable living ideas is to make your own beauty products. This way, you know exactly what’s going into them and you can avoid all the harmful chemicals found in most store-bought products. There are plenty of recipes online for DIY beauty products (like this one) that work just as well, if not better, than their store-bought counterparts.
26. Use natural beauty products
If you don’t want to make your own beauty products, there are plenty of natural and organic options available. These products are made with sustainable and eco-friendly ingredients that are better for you and the environment. Some of my favourite brands are:
27. Swap out disposable products
Disposable beauty products, such as makeup wipes, cotton balls, and Q-tips, are extremely wasteful. Instead, opt for reusable options that can be used over and over again, such as reusable cotton pads.
28. Use bars instead of bottles
One of the best ways to reduce waste in your beauty routine is to switch to solid beauty products, such as shampoo and soap bars. These products come without all the extra packaging and can be just as effective as their liquid counterparts.
29. Recycle your beauty products
Most beauty products, including makeup, skincare, and haircare bottles, can be recycled. Check with your local recycling center to see what products they accept and how to properly recycle them.
30. Use bamboo toothbrushes
Toothbrushes are one of the most common items found in landfills. To reduce your environmental impact, switch to a bamboo toothbrush, which can be composted when you’re done with it.
31. Choose eco-friendly dental floss
Most dental floss is made from nylon, which takes centuries to decompose. Instead, opt for an eco-friendly option, such as bamboo floss, which is biodegradable and compostable.
Sustainable living home ideas
32. Use recycled toilet paper
Toilet paper is one of the biggest sources of deforestation. To help save trees, switch to recycled toilet paper made from post-consumer waste.
33. Install low-flow showerheads
Low-flow showerheads use less water than traditional showerheads, which can save you money on your water bill and help conserve water.
34. Use multipurpose bathroom cleaners
Bathroom cleaners such as glass, floor, toilet and counter cleaners can all be used for the same purpose. There’s no necessity to have four different cleaners for these. This cuts down on the amount of packaging and waste when these items go bad after not using them.
35. Use a menstrual cup or period underwear
If you have a period, ditching disposable pads and tampons is one of the best sustainable living ideas. Instead, opt for a menstrual cup or period underwear, which can be reused for years.
36. Use a bidet
If you have a bidet in your bathroom, use it! This will help you save toilet paper which in turn reduces your environmental consumption.
Sustainable living lifestyle ideas
37. Drink from reusable coffee cups
If you’re a coffee drinker, invest in a reusable coffee cup and bring it with you to your local café. Most coffee shops will give you a discount for using your own cup and this helps to cut down on waste. Better yet, make your coffee at home and bring it with you in a reusable thermos.
38. Bring your own bags to the grocery store
Plastic bags are one of the biggest sources of pollution and most likely to end up in landfills. To help reduce plastic waste, bring your own reusable bags to the grocery store. If you forget your bags, opt for paper bags instead of plastic.
39. Get rid of all single-use plastics
We use so much plastic in our everyday life. From ziplock bags to water bottles to straws, single-use plastics are extremely harmful to the environment. To reduce your plastic consumption, get rid of all single-use plastics in your home and switch to reusable alternatives.
40. Bring a reusable water bottle with you everywhere
Another way to reduce your plastic consumption is to invest in a reusable water bottle and take it with you everywhere you go. This way, you’ll always have water with you and you won’t need to buy bottled water.
41. Change up your daily commute
If you have the option, change up your daily commute to be more sustainable. Instead of driving, try carpooling, taking public transportation, or riding your bike. Not only is this better for the environment, but it can also save you money on gas and give you some exercise for the day.
Sustainable living energy ideas
42. Install solar panels
Solar energy is one of the most sustainable forms of energy and it’s becoming more and more affordable to install solar panels. If you’re interested in switching to solar energy, do your research and see if it’s a viable option for you.
43. Use energy efficient light bulbs
Another way to save energy is to switch to energy efficient light bulbs, such as LED bulbs. These bulbs use less energy and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.
44. Unplug electronics when you’re not using them
Most electronics continue to draw power even when they’re turned off. To reduce your energy consumption, unplug electronics when you’re not using them, turn off lights when you leave the room and use a power strip for your electronics so you can easily turn them all off at once.
45. Check appliances for energy efficiency
When you’re shopping for new appliances, make sure to look for the ENERGY STAR label. This label means that they are energy saving appliances and will save you money on your energy bill.
Also check that the appliances you already have are efficient appliances. Sometimes, faulty appliances can use up more energy than they’re supposed to.
FAQs
Are there any negatives to sustainable living?
Sustainable living is often thought of as a positive lifestyle choice, but there can be some negatives associated with it. For example, sustainable living can require a significant up-front investment, such as buying energy-efficient appliances or solar panels. It can also take some time and effort to change long-standing habits, such as using less water or driving less.
Why is sustainable development so often associated with protecting the environment?
Sustainable development is often associated with protecting the environment because it focuses on meeting the needs of current and future generations without damaging or depleting the resources that we rely on.
In order to achieve sustainable development, we need to find ways to use resources more efficiently and reduce our impact on the environment. This includes reducing pollution, minimising waste, and conserving energy.
How can I make my home more sustainable?
There are many ways to make your home more sustainable. Some simple changes that you can make include investing in energy-efficient appliances, using recycled materials, and insulating your home to reduce heat loss. You can also reduce your water consumption by installing water-saving devices such as low-flow showerheads and dual flush toilets. And, if you have the space, you can even grow your own food!
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