It’s Never too Late to Start Living Sustainably
Sustainability doesn’t mean living off the grid — it’s about being mindful of your actions toward the planet. While it may sound like something only big corporations and factories can do, you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly you can be sustainable yourself.
Whether you’ve been meaning to adopt eco-friendly habits for years or you’re entirely new to the concept, now is a great time to start. Small, simple changes in your daily life can make a big impact.
Rethink What You Consume
They couldn’t have put it any better way when they said charity begins at home. Ever heard of the 4Rs of green living? Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle — the four pillars that promote a sustainable lifestyle and economy.
Start by evaluating what you buy and use. Are these items necessary? If so, can they be reused or recycled? Switch to reusable bags, water bottles, sturdy cloth shopping bags and take your coffee cup with you for your daily takeaway.
While they may seem small, they add up to significant waste reduction over time. In fact, replacing single-use plastic bags with reusable options could lower demand by around 300 bags per person each year in the U.S. only. You’ll also likely save money and you don’t have to buy reusable items whenever you want to use them.
Shopping more mindfully is another way to practice sustainability. Opt for quality over quantity, whether it’s clothing, household goods, or food. Supporting brands that prioritize ethical production and sustainable materials ensures your purchases align with your values.
Grow Your Own Food
Growing your food is one of the most impactful ways to live more sustainably. Some say home gardening can lower household food-related carbon emissions, promote biodiversity, and divert food waste that would have otherwise ended up in the landfill. Beyond environmental benefits, it can also help you save on grocery costs and enjoy fresh organic produce.
If you’re worried about animals and insects interfering with your garden, find natural pesticides to deter insects and small critters. If you live near larger wildlife like deer, a simple solution is to install a barrier. Experts recommend building a fence at least 6-7 feet high to keep them from damaging your crops. This investment safeguards your efforts and ensures you reap the rewards of your work.
No yard? No problem. Urban dwellers can explore container gardening or vertical gardens. These approaches maximize limited space while still providing fresh herbs, fruits, and vegetables for use all season round.
If it’s your first go at gardening, take it slow. Begin with a few hardy plants and gradually grow your garden as you become more adept. However, before you start purchasing planters, compost bins, and potting soil, you need to learn the basics of nurturing nature. Does the plant grow from a seed or a cutting? What are the ideal conditions for optimal growth?
Commit to Waste Reduction
Begin in the household by planning your meals and storing leftovers properly. Scraps can be composted to add nutrient-rich soil to your garden.
Simple actions like turning off lights when leaving a room and unplugging unused devices can decrease electricity use, lowering utility bills. Switching to LED bulbs will reduce energy consumption by 75% compared to traditional bulbs — an easy win.
Recycling is another key element. Many communities have designated resources and procedures to help sort recyclables correctly.
Keep It Going
It’s never too late to live more sustainably. Start now, and watch how these small changes improve your life and the planet well into the future.
Cora Gold is the Editor-in-Chief of women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist. She has a passion for writing about ways to live a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life, especially for new moms.