Sustainable Living: 50 Easy Tips

Sustainable living doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing affair. It’s okay to pick areas to focus on being more mindful of the environment.

I included some links for a couple of the items – before you yell at me for suggesting you buy more stuff from Amazon, I’m just trying to make it easier for you. I live in a rural area where these items are hard to find at our local stores, so buying items in a mindful manner is sometimes necessary.

What is sustainable living?

Sustainable living is living in a way that reduces the use of Earth’s natural resources. Some people want to prioritize sustainable living as a way to combat climate change, while some just want to live more simply without all of the overconsumption that seems to have taken over our society.

If you want to simplify your life and reduce your carbon footprint, here are 50 ideas for you – choose one or a few and get started today!

Use reusable bags instead of single-use plastic bags.

 Switch to LED bulbs to reduce energy consumption.

  Install a programmable thermostat to save on heating and cooling.

  Reduce water usage by fixing leaks and installing low-flow fixtures.

  Compost food waste to reduce landfill waste and create nutrient-rich soil.

  Install solar panels to harness renewable energy.

  Unplug electronics when not in use to save energy.

  Buy local produce to reduce carbon footprint and support local farmers.

  Use public transportation, bike, or walk instead of driving.

  Install energy-efficient windows to reduce heating and cooling needs.

  Switch to rechargeable batteries to reduce waste.

Use a reusable water bottle instead of buying bottled water – just one bottle, not one in every color, that defeats the purpose!

Install a rain barrel to collect water for gardening.

Switch to paperless billing and digital documents. It will reduce the paper mail you receive and also keep you organized.

Buy second-hand clothing to reduce the demand for new products.

Plant a tree to absorb CO2 and provide oxygen.

Use natural cleaning products to reduce chemical pollution.

 Reduce meat consumption or try a plant-based diet.

Start a garden to grow your own fruits and vegetables.

Use cloth napkins instead of paper ones.

Opt for a low-flow showerhead to conserve water.

Use a drying rack instead of a dryer for laundry.

Repair items instead of replacing them to reduce waste.

Carpool or ride-share to reduce emissions.

Install a smart power strip to reduce energy usage from idle electronics.

 Opt for eco-friendly packaging.

Reduce plastic use by choosing glass, metal, or paper alternatives.

 Donate unwanted items instead of throwing them away. Good for the environment AND the community!

 Install insulation to improve home energy efficiency.

Switch to eco-friendly toiletries like bamboo toothbrushes and natural soaps.

Use a programmable coffee maker to save energy.

Support sustainable brands that prioritize the environment.

Limit single-use plastics like straws and utensils.

Use a reusable coffee cup for your morning brew.

Install a water-saving toilet to reduce water usage.

Choose energy-efficient appliances when upgrading.

Educate yourself on sustainable living and share your knowledge.

Use a bike-share program if available in your area.

Avoid fast fashion and opt for quality, sustainable clothing.

Reduce junk mail by opting out of unnecessary mailing lists.

Turn off the lights when they’re not in use to conserve energy.

Use natural fertilizers in your garden to avoid chemicals.

Support renewable energy by choosing a green energy plan.

Buy in bulk to reduce packaging waste.

Participate in community cleanups to help protect local environments.

Switch to biodegradable trash bags to reduce plastic waste.

Stop using paper plates!!

Reduce food waste by planning meals and using leftovers.

Create a rain garden to manage runoff and support local wildlife.

Advocate for sustainable living policies in your community.