6 Simple Ways to Live More Sustainably
We only have one earth to live on, so it’s our responsibility to treat it with respect. With the current rise in climate change, it’s important now more than ever to take steps to live more sustainably. Recycling, using less plastic, and reducing your waste are just some of the many ways you can make changes to your environmental footprint. There is a stigma that living sustainably is expensive and unattainable to most. However, you don’t have to completely change your lifestyle to be more eco-friendly, you just have to make a few simple adjustments. It’s our responsibility to help the planet, and we must start now. Here are 6 simple ways to live more sustainably:
1. Walk More
If you live walking distance to a city by you, give your car a break once in a while and try going on a walk instead. Not only is it great exercise, it’s great for the environment, too. If walking isn’t an option for you, try bike riding or taking public transportation. You don’t have to quit driving altogether to reduce your carbon footprint, just try other alternatives every so often.
2. Use a Reusable Water Bottle
If you’re still drinking out of plastic water bottles, you should really consider switching to a reusable one ASAP. Just think about how much plastic we waste when we habitually crack open single use water bottles. And how many of those bottles actually get recycled? Probably very few.
An easy way to be more sustainable is to invest in a high-quality reusable water bottle that will keep your water cold. There are tons of different options and you can find one in a color or design that suits your style.
3. Swap Out Your Kitchen Products
Swap out your disposable kitchen products for reusable ones for a quick and easy sustainable fix. Instead of throwing out your parchment paper every time you bake something, use silicone baking sheets. Swap out your K-cups that just end up in the trash for recyclable coffee pods. There are many sustainable kitchen products that are easy to use and better for the environment.
4. Shop Second Hand
The fashion industry has a huge impact on global carbon emissions and accounts for 20% of wastewater. While fast fashion brands may be cheap and easy to access, they are extremely detrimental to the environment.
Instead of buying fast fashion pieces, try shopping second hand. Check out your local thrift store instead of going to the mall. And if you don’t want to shop in person, you can shop at online second hand stores with the touch of a button.
5. Go Meat Free
With all the plant-based and meatless alternatives out there, it’s hard not to eat meat free once in a while. You don’t have to become a full blown vegan, just try doing meatless Mondays once a week. There are plenty of fun and delicious vegetarian recipes that taste so good, you probably won’t even realize they don’t have meat in them.
6. Use LED Light Bulbs
Did you know that electricity from light bulbs is one the biggest contributors to climate change? A simple fix to that is making the switch to LED light bulbs. LED bulbs last longer and release the same amount of light but use way less energy.
Living a more sustainable lifestyle doesn’t have to be expensive and time consuming. You don’t have to make huge changes in order to reduce your carbon footprint and benefit the environment. Any of these are easy, yet effective, ways you can help the world around you, and make your life easier at the same time.