14 Things You Can Do To Live a More Sustainable Life

We all know that we should be doing our part to take care of the environment and the planet. But sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. This is especially true for those of us that have a passion for traveling and exploring as we know that traveling can be a burden to the environment. We recently put out a guide with tips on how you can travel more responsibly as a family. However, there’s obviously a lot you can do at home in your everyday life. Some things may be small but if you implement them in your daily routine, they can make a difference in the long run. Below we have gathered ways to live a more sustainable life of which many can also be employed when traveling. And even the advice that is not compatible with traveling can help in reducing your environmental impact.

Here are 14 small things you can do to make a difference to the planet

1. Bring your own bags to the grocery store. This one is easy enough – remember to bring reusable bags or a backpack with you when you go shopping. This also goes when you are traveling. Bonus points if you can avoid using plastic bags altogether!
2. Compost your food scraps. Did you know that up to 30% of what we throw away is actually compostable? You can easily compost your food scraps at home, or even set up a community composting system in your neighborhood.
3. Reduce your energy consumption. There are a lot of easy ways to reduce your energy consumption at home. Something as simple as using electrical appliances less, not heating or cooling your house excessively, and turning off the lights when you leave a room can make a big difference!
4. Reduce your water consumption. Ways to do this could be by reducing the frequency and length of your showers as well as installing low-volume faucets and washing your clothes less frequently.
5. Drive less. Walking, biking, and taking public transportation are all great ways to reduce your carbon footprint. If everyone made an effort to drive less, we could significantly reduce pollution and help save the planet – plus it’s good for you!
6. Recycle more. Make sure you’re recycling everything you can – and don’t forget about items that can be reused or repurposed!
7. Buy less stuff. Every time we make a purchase, we’re adding to the environmental impact of the product – from the resources used to create it, to the packaging and transportation required to get it to us. And let’s be honest, most of us have more stuff than we actually need. So next time you’re tempted to make an impulse purchase, ask yourself if you really need it. Chances are, the answer will be no.
8. Shop secondhand. Buying secondhand items is a great way to reduce waste and save money at the same time. You’d be surprised what you can find secondhand these days, from clothes to furniture to electronics.
9. Invest in green products. When it’s time to replace something in your home, look for energy-efficient or eco-friendly options. These products may cost a little bit more upfront, but they’ll save you money in the long run—and help the environment too!
10. Grow your own food. Even if you don’t have a lot of space, there are plenty of vegetables and herbs that can be grown in pots on a balcony or patio. You can even regrow the cut stems from kale and other vegetables! Not only will this give you fresh, delicious produce, but it will also cut down on your grocery bills.
11. Use natural cleaning products. Many common household cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that can be bad for your health and the environment. Look for natural alternatives next time you restock your cleaning supplies, or better yet, make your own!
12. Avoid single-use plastics and other single-use products. From straws and coffee cups to shopping bags and water bottles, single-use plastics are everywhere. Opt for reusable options instead – you’ll save money and help reduce pollution at the same time. This is especially important to be aware of when on the go. See our guide to how you can travel more responsibly.
13. Educate yourself and others about sustainability issues – especially your kids. The more people are aware of the importance of sustainability, the more likely they are to make an effort in their daily lives to be more environmentally friendly. Spread the word and encourage others to do their part!
14. Support sustainable businesses. Every time you spend money, you’re voting with your dollars. So why not vote for businesses that are doing their part to be sustainable? Look for companies that use renewable energy, avoid using single-use plastics, or engage in other sustainable practices. And when possible, buy local! Not only will this support businesses in your community, but it will also cut down on emissions from transportation.

Final words

We all have a responsibility to take care of our planet – and thankfully, there are lots of easy things we can do to make a difference! By making small changes in our daily lives, we can collectively have a big impact on the environment. Do your part today by implementing some of these sustainable living tips into your life!