14 Easy Ways To Be Sustainable In Everyday Life
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Everything you do in your day-to-day life has an impact on the planet. Some actions are better and more sustainable for the planet, while others – not so much.
The good news? You don’t have to overhaul your life to start making a difference. Small, conscious steps can lead to a more eco-friendly lifestyle.
So, here are the 14 simple ways to be sustainable in everyday life that anyone can start today:
1. Eat more plants
Plant-based diets have the lowest environmental impact. Livestock farming uses 77% of global agricultural land but provides only 18% of calories.
You don’t need to go fully vegan, but reducing animal products helps. Focus on eco-friendly foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and olive oil. Plant-based proteins such as tofu, beans, and peas have a much smaller carbon footprint.
More tips:
- Eat local and seasonal produce
- Reduce food waste by proper storage and meal prep
- Compost food scraps (find 5 composting methods here)
- Choose organic when possible
If you’re curious about a full plant-based transition, check out my slow vegan guide.
+ For some inspiration, check some of my fave YouTubers: Gaz Oakley, Rainbow Plant Life, Pick Up Limes.
2. Save energy
Small energy-saving habits lead to big results. Keep windows closed when heating or cooling, turn off unused lights, air dry laundry, and wash clothes in cold water.
Did you know “phantom power” from plugged-in but inactive devices can add up to $165 annually to your electricity bill? Unplug what you’re not using! Other quick wins:
- Switch to LED bulbs
- Use energy-efficient appliances
- Choose green energy providers
3. Save water
Saving water helps reduce energy use and emissions since water processing is energy-intensive. Easy habits to start today:
- Run full dishwasher and laundry loads
- Reuse veggie rinse water for plants
- Take shorter or colder showers (Wim Hof fans, anyone?)
- Turn off taps while brushing teeth or washing dishes
- Cut back on high-water foods like cheese (ye, it uses the most freshwater in its production, 5,605 liters for a kilo of cheese)
4. Recycle (+ Reuse!)
Recycling isn’t perfect, but it’s still important – just follow your local guidelines carefully. Even better, prioritize reusing items before discarding them.
If you need ideas, I’ve shared creative plastic reuse projects that breathe new life into common items.
5. Get sustainable reusables
Single-use plastics account for 40% of plastic production (1, 2). Swap these for:
- Reusable water bottles and coffee mugs
- Reusable utensils and lunch boxes
- Reusable menstrual products and razors
Check out my list of 40 zero waste swaps and sustainable alternatives for more inspiration.
6. Drive less
Transportation causes 29% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. When I studied in Denmark, biking everywhere kept me active and reduced my carbon footprint.
Choose walking, biking, or public transport whenever possible. Carpool for longer trips. For more tips, read my sustainable transportation guide.
7. Travel carbon efficiently
Flying less is one of the most impactful ways to reduce emissions. If you must fly:
- Book direct flights (takeoffs and landings produce 25% of plane emissions)
- Travel light to reduce fuel use
- Bring reusable bottles and snacks to avoid plastic waste
- Offset your carbon emissions through trusted programs
And whenever possible, consider virtual meetings or alternatives.
8. Boycott fast fashion
The fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries globally. Eco-fashion is important, and while it is not perfect, it offers various benefits. Try to be intentional:
- Buy fewer clothes
- Avoid the worst fast fashion brands
- Support ethical, sustainable brands
- Shop second-hand
- Choose natural fabrics over synthetics
- Beware of greenwashing; look for credible certifications
9. Buy second-hand
Second-hand shopping goes beyond clothes.
Think: electronics, furniture, kitchenware, books, tools, sports gear, bikes… honestly, most things you need probably already exist somewhere in great condition and for half the price.
I’ve scored great deals on second-hand appliances and gear. It’s sustainable, community-friendly, and fun!
10. Support local brands
Buying from local coffee roasters, artisans, and food producers reduces transit emissions and boosts your community’s economy. “Think globally, act locally” is something I always remember – it reminds me that even small, local purchases can have a global impact.
Whenever possible, look for Fair Trade certified products to support ethical labor and eco-friendly production methods. Choosing local and ethical isn’t just good for the planet; it helps build more resilient communities, too.
11. Borrow or rent instead of buying
Sometimes the greenest choice is not buying at all. Borrow, rent, or swap instead!
For items used infrequently, like tools, party supplies, or specialty equipment, consider borrowing or renting instead of purchasing new.
For example, I usually go skiing once a year, so I always rent ski equipment and borrow ski pants from a friend. I even use my regular jacket – it’s not technically a ski jacket, but it works well enough!
This reduces demand for production and waste, making it an excellent everyday sustainable practice. Community libraries of things or sharing platforms are growing resources for this.
Related posts: How to organize a clothing (or any type of) swap
12. Go (almost) paperless
You can reduce deforestation by cutting back on your paper use. A few easy wins:
- Switch to email bills
- Use reusable cloths instead of paper towels
- Choose recycled or bamboo TP (my favorite one is Who Gives A Crap, and they deliver worldwide)
Related post: Sustainable & plastic-free TP options + Who Gives A Crap TP review
13. Use eco-friendly cleaning products
Many cleaning products contain chemicals that aren’t the best for the environment (or for you, for that matter). Luckily, there are plenty of sustainable options.
By choosing eco-friendly cleaning products, you will reduce the amount of plastic packaging used and the number of chemicals released into the water system.
A couple of great eco-friendly cleaning products are:
- Non-toxic (& zero waste) laundry powder
- Loofah scrubbers & plastic-free dish brush
- Castile dish soap
- Natural all-purpose cleaner
- Meliora cleaning products
14. Avoid plastic whenever you can
Plastic pollution is a global crisis. Avoiding plastic packaging by choosing loose produce, buying in bulk, or selecting products with recyclable packaging helps reduce waste.
Carrying your reusable bags, produce bags, and containers is one of the easiest ways to be sustainable in everyday life.
I’ve put together a list of 40 zero waste & plastic-free personal essentials if you need some inspiration!
Sustainable living vs. zero waste
Both lifestyles aim for the same goal, reducing our impact, but sometimes, the focus is on different things.
Zero waste is about cutting trash & plastic waste, especially landfill waste. Sustainable living is broader – it includes food, energy, transportation, social actions, and more. Sometimes, they overlap. Sometimes, one takes priority over the other.
For example, a zero-waste shopper might choose a package-free product that isn’t local. A sustainable shopper might pick a plastic-wrapped but organic, locally grown option. It’s all about balance.
Even though the name of my blog is Almost Zero Waste, I actually write a lot about sustainable living. Because in the end, it’s not about perfection in one approach, but about making intentional choices that work in real life.
Final thoughts
Sustainable living isn’t about rigid rules – it’s about being intentional. It’s about progress, not perfection. These everyday sustainable practices and examples of sustainability in everyday life prove that small steps add up.
Start where you are, use what you have, and keep moving forward. Every mindful choice adds up.
