Want to Live More Sustainably? Here's How to Start (No Recycling)
Updated: Nov 24, 2020
Ever wondered how to live more sustainably but wasn't entirely sure on WHERE to start? Whether your goal is to lower your waste, become more sustainable or a bad ass zero waster, you should check the list below. REMEMBER, it won't happen Since sustainable life would not start overnight, here is a list I prepared of some key things to keep in mind.
Replace disposable items as they run out
However quick your transition will be- please don’t forget that getting rid of perfectly fine stuff, just because it contains plastic or is simply not the best eco option out there, will contribute to a lot of unnecessary waste. Replace the previously purchased disposables with reusable essentials as you go. No rush. Do your research and be more conscious what brands you support and what materials they use. Try to avoid plastic and other synthetic materials where possible. Wood, glass and stainless steel are your new best friends!
Reuse what you already have but it’s also okay to buy new products
This might sound rather controversial but the truth is that there are many products out there, created to help you on this journey. Make use of it! I am not suggesting to jump into some crazy haul of what ever you find being advertised as ‘eco-friendly’. Be reasonable. Think it through. If it is going to help you to stick to the sustainable lifestyle and respectively reduce your waste, then do it! Research brands and go for it. We are all different, come from different backgrounds and certain things as the iconic zero waste mason jar might be a big deal for some of us. Not everyone would want to carry their lunch in a glass jar. If this new reusable product makes it more convenient- you will more likely stick to your journey and it is a win.
It is not just all about plastic
How to live more sustainably comes down to not only what we buy but also what we eat. We try to reduce our car use, limit the amount of water we waste, become more ‘energy-efficient’, however not many of us stop and think on what we eat and what impact this has on our planet.
A 2018 Oxford University study – which is the most comprehensive analysis to date of the damage farming does to the planet – animal farming provides just 18% of calories but takes up 83% of our farmland. It has been stated to be one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions (more than all transport combined). How shocking is that? The study concluded that adapting the plant-based diet reduces food’s emissions by up to 73% (depending where you live)!
I strongly believe that our everyday actions are the ones making the biggest impact, so why ignore such an important issue?
