Learning how to live a more sustainable life doesn’t need to look like leading a tree-planting mission to the Amazon Rainforest or collecting trash in the ocean. It can start at home. In fact, I’m a firm believer that starting the change within ourselves is the best way to create change in the world.
I began my sustainable living journey about five years ago. I was living abroad in Colombia surrounded by natural beauty. I kept hearing negative news about the environment and I was frustrated because I didn’t know what to do. I wanted to do something immediately that would have a small tiny impact on the world – and potentially turn into something bigger.
My first step was to stop buying meat at the grocery store. Since raising cattle and other animals takes up so many resources, I figured this was a good first step. The universe has a funny way of helping us along when we have a goal. After that, I found other small ways to make a change. Below are some of the easiest and most immediate changes I’ve made.
If you’re looking to live more sustainably, don’t feel like you need to do everything on the list. Even just one can make a huge impact – and be easy enough that it will keep you motivated!
How to Live a More Sustainable Life
1. Buy Local Produce
Everyone loves a delicious pineapple in the winter, but choosing in-season, local, organic produce is the way to go. Why? For one, Local produce doesn’t need to be transported very far, so it’s responsible for fewer fuel emissions. Secondly, you’re likely supporting small-scale farmers. Small-scale farms generally have better farming practices (think fewer pesticides!) than large-scale industrial farms. Need more reasons to support local farmers? Check out this great article!
My favorite places to find local produce in the warmer months are farmers markets or my modest garden. During the winter or times I don’t have access to a farmers market, I like to go to my local co-op. Alternatively, you can sign up for a CSA.
2. Thrift It
The fast fashion industry is…horrific (to say the least). Between terrible working conditions, toxic chemicals, harmful materials, and just SO MUCH WASTE, I try to avoid it at all costs. It turns out that choosing recycled clothes is not only good for the environment, but for your wallet too. Plus, it’s so much fun. I never know what I’ll find at thrift stores! Besides clothes, some of my favorite things to thrift are:
-Glass jars. These can get super expensive, especially if you use them for canning or other common purposes. Since I make mead, I also like keeping an eye out for glass bottles and jugs.
-Yarn. In the winter, I love spending time crocheting. What makes projects even more rewarding is using thrifted yarn. I’ve found so many cool color combinations that I would have never found otherwise.
-Furniture. While I probably wouldn’t buy a second-hand mattress, I’ve found numerous tables, coffee tables, desks, and other furniture items. A lot of second-hand furniture items are still in great condition!
3. Forage What You Can
Grocery stores are responsible for so much food waste. Plus, why pay for your food when you can find high-quality nutritious food right in your backyard? Any item I’m able to forage is one that I don’t need to buy in the grocery store. For example, I try not to purchase raspberries or blueberries in the spring/summer because they’re abundant. I also grow catnip, mint, basil, tomatoes, and other vegetables and herbs in my garden, which means I never have to purchase these during the growing season.
4. Plant A Garden
Which brings me to my next point: planting a garden. Regardless of how much space you have, there are so many creative ways to grow a garden – even if it’s just a modest herb garden. By planting a garden you’re creating more green space, potentially attracting and supporting bees, and helping yourself buy less at the grocery stores by sourcing things (very) locally. This is a great step towards learning how to live a more sustainable life.
5. Take Advantage of Local Springs
It’s almost impossible to buy spring water at the store without also buying plastic. Filtering tap water is another option, but all of those filters will also end up in a landfill. So what’s the best option? Spring water straight from the source! In most places throughout the U.S., there are springs just bursting with fresh, ice-cold groundwater. My personal favorite spring, which I will never reveal the location of, is in the mountains and the absolute purest water I have ever tasted. Want to find a spring in your area? Findaspring.com is a great resource!
6. Do A Trash Audit
Sometimes we don’t realize how much trash we’re actually throwing away. Take a week and monitor all of the trash that you create. What is creating the most trash? Is it something you can change or find an alternative for? As an example, you might replace plastic coffee cups with a reusable cup, which can cut down significantly on your waste. You might also consider using your own containers when you go to the grocery store. Even though using personal containers was tricky for some time (thanks COVID), it seems like it’s finally OK again!
7. Eat Less Meat
As I mentioned, this was my first introduction to learning how to live a more sustainable life. The factory farming industry is responsible for 37% of the world’s methane emissions. Not to mention all of the hormones and chemicals that are used on animals in factory farms. While it might not seem like you eating less meat will change this, it can make a bigger impact than you think. As more and more people move away from eating meat with most meals, demand will hopefully start to go down (I’m not an economist, but it seems logical).
8. Turn Off The Sink
Turning the sink off while you brush your teeth and cutting down your shower time can save a significant amount of water. And neither of them takes very much effort. Being mindful of your water usage can have a huge impact on our freshwater resources!
9. Don’t Leave Your Car Running
As a New Englander, I know that it’s absolutely necessary to leave your car running sometimes, like in the winter. However, there’s no reason to leave it running all the time. Even just turning off your car while you’re stuck in dead traffic or while you’re waiting for a friend can reduce your emissions.
10. Spend More Time in Nature
In my opinion, the best way to learn how to live a more sustainable life is to remember your motivation. The Earth is a sentient being that needs our help. She has provided for us and quite literally supports life. If you’re quiet enough, she’ll give you wisdom and guidance. So many of my steps towards living more sustainably began as a thought or spark of inspiration in the woods.
Taking the journey towards living a more sustainable life one step at a time can make it less overwhelming. We’re all at different stages in our learning and in our lives. I might live a lower impact life than some people, but there are plenty of people living more sustainably than me as well. The important thing is we’re ALL learning, so treat yourself with kindness. As long as you’re trying to be mindful and taking small steps forward when you can, you’re doing enough.
What advice would you give someone who is learning how to live a more sustainable life?
