We only have one planet, so we should be doing everything we can to protect it! You may think, “I’m just one person; how can my efforts make an impact?” That’s why we’re collectively coming together – nations, businesses, and individuals alike – to live more sustainably. But it starts with you. Follow some of our tips below to get on the sustainable living bandwagon. It is easier than you may think!
Cut Back on Home Energy Use
Cutting back on energy use at home is a great place to start your sustainable living journey. This can include turning off lights and appliances when not in use, investing in energy-efficient light bulbs, shopping for Energy Star appliances, and sealing and insulating your home to cut back on heat and air-conditioning usage. You will not only save energy, you will save money, too!
Consume a Plant-Rich Diet
The meat and dairy industry is responsible for 60% of the agricultural industry’s 13.7 billion tons of yearly greenhouse gas emissions, so not only is eating more fruits and vegetables good for you, it’s good for the planet! In fact, The Vegan Calculator estimates that adopting a plant-based diet can save 401,500 gallons of water, 10,950 square feet of forest, 7,300 pounds of CO2 emissions per person per year.
Reduce Plastic Use
Plastic is one of the least sustainable materials out there: It is estimated that it takes 450 years for a single plastic bottle to decompose. As a result, billions of pounds of plastic can be found throughout our oceans, killing sea animals and polluting our water. Luckily, it’s easy to cut down on your plastic use, including opting for reusable grocery bags, choosing reusable water bottles, and purchasing metal straws that you can wash and rewash.
Make Changes to How You Shop
Buying new items only when necessary may seem challenging, but that’s what it takes to live a sustainable shopping lifestyle. Start by purchasing clothing from thrift stores or transforming items in your current wardrobe into new items: Jeans can be remade as shorts; long shirts can be turned into summery crop tops. Donate unwanted clothes, and repurpose other items into cloths or materials for other purposes. When you have an event or special date night, rent! Rent the Runway is a great clothing rental service!
What are some easy ways you try to live a more sustainable lifestyle? Let us know in the comments below!
I recyclable plastics, paper, including magazines, aluminum soda cans & clean aluminum foil, what ever I have, I check if recyclable, then do whatI can to get friends recycle as well. Not e eryone on board with it. I do believe that recycle places need to let people know where they are located, that way people may start.