My Fave Beginner Swaps for More Sustainable Living
*Post updated October 7, 2024
Hello there! I decided that it was time to write a post dedicated to environmental sustainability, as it has been quite awhile. I thought I would share with you my fave simple tips/swaps to help you start living more sustainably and environmentally-friendly. First, I thought I’d share what living sustainably means to me and why I think it’s important.
Sustainability to me is a way of life. It’s making an effort to be a better consumer and to make more informed and educated decisions about the products I buy based on things such as the recyclability and lifecycle of a product. Overall, it’s making sure the world still exists in great shape for our future generations. Remember, there is no Planet B. Mother Earth is all we have, and we must do our part to protect her and conserve her natural resources. As we see the effects of climate change more drastically, sustainability is becoming more and more critically urgent. So as consumers, it is pertinent that we become more aware of how our consumption affects our environment.
In a way, living sustainably means making the least amount of harm to people and the environment around you. Have you ever walked into a shop and before purchasing anything, thought about how it was made? Yah, most likely not! I really love what Emily Osborne has to say about what sustainability means to her:
“To me, sustainability means living so that what we consume does not vastly exceed what we contribute. It is to take care of our planet so that our planet can continue to take care of us. In a sustainable world, there is a harmonious and healthy equilibrium between the Earth and all of its inhabitants.”
Sustainability all begins with an understanding and appreciation of our natural environment. We all know that climate change, global warming, depletion of the ozone layer, and resource exhaustion are real; their impact on human and animal lives is devastating. By choosing to live more sustainably, we are giving back to our Earth, our home. We have the opportunity to reduce our carbon footprint and environmental impact by altering our lifestyle.
Some of my favorite beginner swaps for living more sustainably:
Carry a reusable water bottle with you wherever you go; I love Pura and Owala!
Use cloth napkins and reusable towels instead of paper napkins and paper towels.
Thrift for clothes or buy from online thrift stores such as Poshmark or Depop ; did you know that the fashion industry is said to be the second most polluting industry after oil? YIKES!
Reuse and repurpose items; I love reusing glass jars for storing nuts/seeds, dried fruits and grains; my whole family repurposes cartons/snack boxes for our compost and food scraps.
Unplug devices when not in use.
Buy products with less packaging; if your grocery stores have a bulk aisle, then that’s a great place to start! I always bring reusable bags and produce bags to the stores with me.
If possible, shop at your local farmers’ market; even if there’s not a local market in your town, perhaps there are in neighboring towns; going to our farmers’ market every week with my Mom is my fave!
Skip single-use items as much as possible, such as plastic straws, paper towels, plastic grocery bags and plastic utensils; buy glass or bamboo straws, bring reusable bags, and decline plastic utensils when taking out food for home; when we go hiking and bring lunches, we bring reusable, on-the-go cutlery .
Use sustainable technologies, such as rechargeable batteries, and try switching to a sustainable search engine like Ecosia. Ecosia runs 100% on renewable energy and uses some of their profits to plant trees!
Eat more sustainably! Yes, you can eat more sustainably by making a few simple changes. Start by eating seasonal and local foods, which supports your community and reduces transportation emissions. Consider reducing your meat consumption—shifting to plant-based meals a few days a week can make a significant impact. Don’t forget to buy organic when possible, as it often means fewer harmful chemicals. Minimize food waste by planning meals and using leftovers creatively. Choose sustainable seafood certified by organizations like the MSC, and if you have the space, try growing your own herbs or vegetables. Remember to bring reusable bags and containers to cut down on single-use plastics, and always read labels for certifications like Fair Trade or Non-GMO. Finally, support brands that prioritize sustainability and take the time to educate yourself about food systems. Small changes can lead to a big difference! 🌟
Some awesome sustainable brands:
Clothing: Wholesome Culture | Pact | Happy Earth | Organic Basics | Allbirds (shoes)
Cleaning products: Branch Basics
Bowls/Plates/Cutlery/Straws: Coconut Bowls | Repurpose for gatherings/parties
Earth Hero! They’re an online marketplace focused on sustainable and eco-friendly products. They aim to make it easier for consumers to make environmentally conscious choices by offering a curated selection of items that minimize environmental impact. Love it!
And now I must share with you two of my all-time favorite eco-conscious organizations! They are HUGE advocates for all things sustainability.
Brightly! Brightly is what inspired me to start living more sustainably. Their goal is to empower conscious consumers around the world, and they definitely did that for me. Brightly encouraged me to start taking small steps, as it is our daily actions that truly make a difference in the long-run. I greatly admire Brightly’s mission to educate everyone on environmental sustainability; their commitment in providing easy access to countless environmental resources is what opened my eyes to sustainable living. Through their blog posts, email newsletters, and engaging community platform, I have discovered how to be a more environmentally-conscious consumer.
The Good Trade! The Good Trade is an online platform that promotes sustainable living and conscious consumerism through resources, guides, and articles on ethical fashion and eco-friendly products. It aims to empower individuals to make informed choices that positively impact the planet and society. The Good Trade publishes a daily newsletter, and it is my absolute FAVORITE—I look forward to it every morning in my inbox! I’ve gained a deeper understanding of sustainability, and many of their blog posts truly resonate with me. The Good Trade is my daily dose of serenity, self-care and soulful nourishment.
“Sustainability means the ability to reuse everything, extending the ‘life’ of everyday products and putting an end to the ‘use once and throw away’ culture that we’ve been lazy enough to fall into.”
~Matthew Ford, the Operations Manager at Creative Nature
Let me know your favorite sustainable tips/tricks and/or fave sustainable companies in the comments below! Let’s build an environmentally-friendly conscious community together.
