How to Live a More Sustainable Lifestyle at Home
Living more sustainably wasn’t ever something I grew up learning about. I lived in a rural community full of farms, big trucks, and meat was the center of every meal. You can only imagine the jaw-dropping reactions I got the summer I came home from college and had announced I was now a vegetarian. It’s been years since then and, although I definitely have a copious amount to learn still about sustainability, I’m happy to report I’ve increased my knowledge and awareness tenfold. Sustainability became much more important to me when I started taking an interest in an active outdoor lifestyle, and I started to learn how negatively we impact our planet as humans. Not only that, being more aware of my impact on the environment and trying to manage that has led to me making more healthy choices physically and mentally. There’s always the obvious ways we all know about, like driving cars that run on electricity or get more miles-to-the-gallon, taking shorter showers, recycling, avoiding straws, etc. This article is to share some of the easy, but less thought of, ways you can be more sustainable in your daily life!
Keep Reusable Bags Where You’ll Use Them. I went through a phase of collecting reusable bags but never actually using them. That’s because I didn’t leave them in places where I would have them handy, so I’d get to the grocery store and only realize it once I was about to check out and then forced to either use plastic/paper or go without. Finally, I started to keep several of them in my car so that whenever I got to the store I could easily grab them to take in with me. If you don’t have any, I sell these in my shop.
Cut Down on Organic Waste. Landfills are full of food waste. If you live near the woods, you can easily dispose of your food waste simply by walking it outdoors. Better yet, you can learn to compost your waste either in a garden, or if that’s not feasible, an indoor compost bin. This one is a great one that’s practical for any household.
Get a Reusable Coffee Filter. It’s way easier than replacing those soggy coffee filters every morning, saves you money, and helps the environment. What’s not to love? Try something affordable like this.
Save Your Glass Jars. Not going to lie, I initially started collecting glass jars because they were ~aesthetically pleasing~ to drink out of with (metal of course!) straws. Over time, I’ve found you can use them for sooo much! I carry snacks in them, store food in them, use them for candle making, holding bathroom soap, organizing my pantry, and even grow plants in them on my deck. Although I haven’t done this personally, I also feel like you could make some really cool lights with them if you’ve got a crafty hand.
Hit Up the Farmers Market. Trying to shop locally or buy whole foods not only is better for your physical health, but it cuts back on the containers and packaging that goes into getting these items into the stores. Bonus points if you take your reusable bag!
Buy Bamboo Products. Bamboo grows like crazy and is a much more sustainable option for paper items, clothing, and wood. I replaced my camping utensils with bamboo ones and they’re awesome. I’ve also recently been into bamboo toilet paper and bamboo clothing - both of which are way soft! I buy my bamboo toilet paper from my brother’s company, Recircle Bamboo, but there’s several companies you can buy from.
Switch to Sustainable Energy. Most electric companies allow you to switch to a more sustainable energy source, such as solar or wind, you just have to call and ask. Many people don’t even know about the options in their area, but all it takes is a quick Google search. You might even be able to receive an initiative payment to make the switch.
Lose the Makeup. I personally hate wearing makeup and it feels like a chore for me to apply it and wash it off. However, I know a lot of people really like it and it makes them feel good. I encourage you to find a few of your favorite features you like to highlight and focus on a couple items for those, then go without the rest. Makeup comes in lots of plastic and paper packaging, is very expensive, and uses even more resources to make wipes and cleansers to remove it.
Re-use Your Bath Towels. Maybe it’s gross to some, but I don’t feel the need to use a new towel after every shower. After all, it’s something I’m using when I’m squeaky clean! I feel comfortable using the same towel for a week. If you’re a daily new-towel user, try working your way up with two days, three days, etc. I think you’ll be surprised how easy and tolerable it is to make it several days.
Find the Fun in Thrifting. Thrifting is awesome. My boyfriend and I really enjoy it and we can easily make a date day of thrifting together and looking for little treasures. You can find some really neat, vintage items for super cheap! You can also find things that otherwise would be pretty expensive. He recently surprised me with an awesome mountain bike in great shape, as well as a set of golf clubs for cheap!
Make Your Own Cleaning Products. I’m still in the works of making my own, but I’ll happily share my recipes once I see what works the best. I like to make them as natural as possible and stay away from the harsh chemicals. Not only is it nicer for me and my pets, but then I’m not putting those chemicals down the drains that eventually lead to the watershed.
Wash Clothes In Cold Water. Fun fact, I’ve never separated my whites from my colors. Ever since my college days when I had to collect quarters in order to do my laundry, it’s always gotten thrown in all together. And you know what? I’ve never once had an issue with colors bleeding. Wash it all on cold and you should be good to go, don’t waste that energy heating up more water unnecessarily.
Get A Solar Panel. Someday, I’d love to live off the grid with my home completely run by solar power. Until then, I’ve learned just how powerful small panels can be to power tons of things. I bought this one last year and it’s amazing how much you can power with it. All you need is a small space outside to put it!
Eat Less Meat. Or give it up all together. Plants are WAY more sustainable than the meat industry for humans. Everyone always jokes about how impossible it is to solve world-hunger, but it actually isn’t. While I don’t expect everyone to give up meat (I also grew up in a town where farmers depended on selling beef), and I know for many people it’s a very important source of protein in their diet, I encourage everyone to try to at least eat a little less of it! Start with something simple like ‘meatless Mondays’, and I think you’ll find an even deeper appreciation for the environment and everything it gives us.
There are so many more easy ways you can make tiny adjustments at home to live a more sustainable lifestyle! Please feel free to e-mail me with any more ideas you have and I’ll be happy to share them on the site. Happy days!
Brooke
