- Because, for now, we only have one planet...
Sustainable living is a spectrum. It requires knowledge about best practices and dedication to put them to use. It’s a combination of access and priority. And sometimes it requires you to make decisions that are neither what you want to do nor the most convenient. Ultimately, the impact and knowledge that your efforts are doing good for the world is worthwhile.
That can be intimidating, but eco-friendly living doesn’t have to be hard. If you’re just starting out or hoping to get back on track, you’re in the right place. Here are a few ways you can incorporate sustainability into your daily routine.
Opt for Reusable
Your daily rituals probably consist of maintenance steps for yourself, your home, and your job. Working out and self care, cleaning and organizing, and earning an income are your day-to-day musts. To accomplish these goals, you’re likely using a variety of products. Some of them, particularly the single-use ones, are a great option for improved sustainability.
Take your morning routine, for example. You wake up, brush your teeth, and wash your face. You use a toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, and a towel for this process. If even one aspect is single-use, you’re creating 365 days worth of trash. Instead, swap your single-use item like a face towel for something reusable like a microfiber cloth.
Follow this same concept for other everyday activities. Invest in silicone bags to replace your plastic Ziplock ones. Trade pads, liners, and tampons for period underwear. Opt for reusable sponges and towels over paper towels. Your daily habits won’t change much, but you’re certain to improve your sustainability in the process.
Rethink Transportation
Getting around for work and errands is probably part of your daily routine. However, transportation can be one of the worst offenders for meeting eco-friendly goals. As such, it’s important to consider all options and even rethink how you’re getting around.
In car-dependent places, driving yourself from point A to point B is the norm. But you can be more eco-friendly by exploring other modes of transportation. Biking, walking, or using public transit reduces your carbon footprint without sacrificing your on-the-go routine.
If alternative options aren’t available, consider carpooling. While you’ll still burn gas to power your vehicle, you can reduce the impact by taking another car off the road. Plus, you’ll still get where you want and need to go. These swaps may take more planning and thought, but you’ll be improving your daily sustainability in the process.
Control Impulse Purchases
Whether you’re shopping in-person or online, there’s bound to be something that catches your eye. It’d be perfect on your shelf or is the storage solution you’ve been looking for. It’s a must-have on everyone’s list and there’s one left. The draw to spend money on products you don’t really need is everywhere and is, of course, tempting. However, those purchases don’t align with a sustainability-first mindset.
Think of an online order from your favorite store. You see one item that’s a few dollars and can be delivered tomorrow. Sounds like a great deal, right? The convenience is unmatched, and the price is right. But when you think more about it, the cost is much greater for the environment than meets the eye.
When you press “place order,” you start a chain reaction. Someone grabs the item off the shelf and packs it in a single-use shipping bag or box. It then goes on a truck, plane, or train before being driven to your door. That one order’s carbon footprint is far greater than the small amount you paid. While you don’t have to abandon impulse purchases, being intentional with them can be a great way to improve sustainability in daily life.
Set Realistic Sustainability Goals
As much as you may aim to be perfectly sustainable, it’s not possible. There are times when you can’t be an eco-friendly-minded person, and that’s OK. The need for flexibility and grace with efforts to be green is in and of itself a sustainability best practice.
That doesn’t mean you can’t aim high with your goals, though. Wanting to remove all single-use products from your life, for example, is an incredible aspiration. But if you go to a concert and the venue doesn’t allow outside food and beverage, you’re in a tough spot. You can either go without and be dehydrated or give in and purchase a bottle of water. It may not be your first choice, but you have to keep your well-being in mind, too.
These scenarios will pop up in anyone’s everyday life. While you can plan and prepare, you can’t always cover every base. So, find ways to prioritize sustainability without compromising on your needs in the process. Remember that every step towards sustainability counts and focus more energy on celebrating wins than sulking in your failures.
Everyday Sustainability
When you boil it down, sustainability isn’t one decision on one day. For it to truly make a mark, it’s a series of decisions made on a daily basis. Of course, it’s impossible to be perfect, but incorporating sustainability to create a more eco-friendly daily routine helps. And that effort will leave its mark for years to come.