How can you easily and cost effectively make a sustainable difference?
Being sustainable can be accessible to everyone, but it also depends on your personal circumstances. We see it as a type of Venn diagram. ‘Sustainable for you’ in the left circle, ‘Sustainable for Earth’ in the right circle, and ‘sweet spot’ where both the circles intersect. Everyone’s diagrams will appear way different. Some will have more focus on the left, and some with more focus on the right which is completely fine.
Sustainability simply means mending clothes, eating leftovers, walking or taking the bus, re-wearing the same outfit over and over. It doesn’t have to be expensive, in fact it can be quite economical.
There’s a saying that’s been thrown around a lot recently in the sustainability community: “We don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly, we need millions of people doing it imperfectly.” And it’s true.
The easiest way to begin a sustainable lifestyle is to reduce consumption of unnaturally derived/toxic products from brands with unethical practices and opt for products that are derived from the Earth.
There are so many small cost-effective steps you can take if you’re in a position to do so, to help reduce your carbon footprint and become more sustainable:
Replace the plastic bag when shopping.
Opt for produce that is not in plastic packaging and wipe your veggies in apple cider vinegar wash when you get home.
Make your tea/coffee from home and avoid disposable cups (which are nearly impossible to recycle!)
Go paperless with your bills and receipts – you’ll be cutting down on enormous amounts of wasted paper and most receipts are not recyclable!
Go plastic free in the bathroom.
Replace traditional tooth brushes with bamboo ones.
Use bar soaps and shampoos. There are so many alternatives available! Normally one shampoo bar lasts as long as 3 medium sized bottles of shampoo which is better for your pocket and the environment.
Reuse or repurpose everything and avoid new products where you can (in the long run this will also help you financially)
Say no to single use plastic razors. Invest in a good safe razor which will eliminate the need to buy single use plastic and again save a lot of money. The only thing you would need to buy are razor blades which don’t cost a lot and can be recycled.
Eating less meat can be cheaper and healthier overall. So transition to a more plant-based diet as by doing this you are reducing your carbon footprint. Energy used to produce plants is significantly lower compared to meat production!
Minimalist pantry: Only buy what you need – make a grocery list for the week, meal plan and stick to it! This way you’re not buying unnecessary products and it leads to less waste – another huge source of carbon emissions!
Walk or ride a bike where you can – or try to take public transport.
Switch from plastic bottles to reusable ones! Or up-cycle something you already own to use as a cup (i.e. a glass jar)
Make your own DIY cleaner at home. There are so many alternatives you can find on the internet. It will be cheap, non-toxic and zero-waste: we have recently made an all-purpose cleaner from orange peels and white vinegar!
Replace the plastic bag when shopping.
Opt for produce that is not in plastic packaging and wipe your veggies in apple cider vinegar wash when you get home.
Make your tea/coffee from home and avoid disposable cups (which are nearly impossible to recycle!)
Go paperless with your bills and receipts – you’ll be cutting down on enormous amounts of wasted paper and most receipts are not recyclable!
Go plastic free in the bathroom.
Replace traditional tooth brushes with bamboo ones.
Use bar soaps and shampoos. There are so many alternatives available! Normally one shampoo bar lasts as long as 3 medium sized bottles of shampoo which is better for your pocket and the environment.
Reuse or repurpose everything and avoid new products where you can (in the long run this will also help you financially)
Say no to single use plastic razors. Invest in a good safe razor which will eliminate the need to buy single use plastic and again save a lot of money. The only thing you would need to buy are razor blades which don’t cost a lot and can be recycled.
Eating less meat can be cheaper and healthier overall. So transition to a more plant-based diet as by doing this you are reducing your carbon footprint. Energy used to produce plants is significantly lower compared to meat production!
Minimalist pantry: Only buy what you need – make a grocery list for the week, meal plan and stick to it! This way you’re not buying unnecessary products and it leads to less waste – another huge source of carbon emissions!
Walk or ride a bike where you can – or try to take public transport.
Switch from plastic bottles to reusable ones! Or up-cycle something you already own to use as a cup (i.e. a glass jar)
Make your own DIY cleaner at home. There are so many alternatives you can find on the internet. It will be cheap, non-toxic and zero-waste: we have recently made an all-purpose cleaner from orange peels and white vinegar!
Jaanvi & Paavani
( United Kingdom )