15 Easy Ways To Live A More Sustainable Lifestyle Without Much Effort

Embrace the art of a sustainable lifestyle with effortless grace through our guide on cultivating a greener lifestyle.

In a world awakening to the importance of eco-conscious choices, the concept of a sustainable lifestyle has transcended mere trendiness. The best part? You don’t have to undertake a radical overhaul or grapple with complexity to make a tangible impact.

Here, we unveil 15 remarkably simple ways to seamlessly integrate sustainability into your daily rhythm, aligning with the ethos of living in harmony with nature.

These approaches are not grand aspirations or intricate manoeuvres; they are pragmatic, attainable shifts that demand minimal exertion while delivering substantial benefits for both you and the planet.

Whether you’re a seasoned advocate for eco-friendliness or just embarking on your green journey, prepare to unearth strategies for a more naturally sustainable existence without breaking a sweat. Let’s embark on this transformative adventure together!

What is Sustainable Living?

Unlike the hippies from the ’70s might have initially promoted, environmental sustainability doesn’t necessarily mean a life without luxuries. 

Rather, it means being aware of your resource consumption and how to minimize unnecessary waste (be it food, energy, water, or plastic, among others).

The truth is, every day, we make unconscious choices that affect the environment, the climate, and animals. From how many children we have to the effort of recycling and avoiding consuming more than we need… there’s a lot we can do to reduce our environmental footprint and our impact on the planet.

RELATED: What can environmental awareness teach us about our overconsumption habits 

The Importance of a Sustainable Lifestyle

So now you know that the key to living sustainability is first to recognize that each action we take affects the world around us. 

Granted, on the surface, it can be incredibly difficult to reduce your environmental impact — especially when you see that others around you are not doing their part. But when you break it down into easy action points, you realize you have more power than you ever imagined.

And every little bit counts.

Seemingly harmless objects such as bottle caps and straws can disrupt entire ecosystems (no wonder nowadays there are so many alternatives to plastic straws, for example). 

In fact, simple purchase decisions such as avoiding buying bottled water to using a filter and a reusable bottle will greatly reduce your plastic waste. 

Plus, you’ll soon notice that once it becomes a ritual, you’ll increase your awareness and start thinking about what else you can do. 

(trust us, being sustainable can get really addictive — in a good way, of course). 

How Can You Be More Sustainable In Your Day-to-Day Life

Sustainable living is a daily practice, and there are plenty of easy ways for you to become more eco-friendly instantly. In fact, you can start off small and build your sustainable lifestyle one change at a time. 

Here are some simple adjustments we can all make to leave the world a better place for future generations.

1. Reduce Water Usage

Conserving water means using our water supply wisely and responsibly. According to The United Nations World Water Development Report, “only 2% of the Earth’s fresh supply of water is locked in icecaps and glaciers, while 97,5% of the Earth’s water is saltwater”. 

You should minimize water usage by promptly addressing leaks to conserve water resources. Opt for water-saving fixtures that reduce wastage without compromising functionality. Cultivate awareness of your water consumption, making deliberate choices to minimize usage in daily activities. Adopting these practices makes you take significant steps towards a more sustainable lifestyle.

2. Plant-Based Eating

Shift your focus towards locally sourced, organic produce that aligns with the rhythms of the seasons. Incorporate meatless meals into your routine and explore the delicious harmony of flavours nature offers. With each plate, you’re nurturing your well-being while treading lightly on the Earth.

3. Don’t Throw Away Food

Global food waste is a major problem with huge financial, social, and environmental costs. According to the World Food Programme (WFP), close to one-third of all the food produced annually goes to waste or is lost even before it can be eaten.

When you find yourself with leftovers, don’t toss them – either freeze them for later or consciously consume them before they spoil. Prevent fruits and vegetables from rotting by freezing them while they’re fresh. Cook only the amount you’ll eat to avoid excess food. If you notice you’re frequently throwing away food, consider adjusting your shopping habits. Choose products that have a longer shelf life to reduce waste.

4. Grow Your Own Food

Growing your own fruit and vegetables guarantees you’re not using pesticides that contribute to water and air pollution. This will also help to reduce the carbon footprint used to transport production to supermarkets.

5. Say NO To Plastic

Plastic never goes away. Today billions of pounds of it can be found in swirling convergences making up about 40 percent of the world’s ocean surfaces.

You can start cutting down on your plastic waste by using reusable bags when you shop and ditching single-use water bottles, bags, and straws. Also, avoid products packaged in plastic whenever possible.

The next time you go shopping, make this Paper Leather Tote Bag your best friend!

6. Drive Less, Drive Green

By choosing to drive less and opting for eco-friendly options like public transit, biking, or carpooling, you’re actively reducing your carbon footprint and promoting cleaner air. If it’s close enough, walk or ride a bike to your destination instead of driving.

7. Consider Sustainable Grocery Shopping

Sustainable grocery shopping relates to how you buy goods and services, taking into consideration the most efficient and beneficial options for all the species and systems on the planet. 

A sustainable shopper opts for products that will have the least negative impact on the planet, such as:

• Shopping locally from smaller vendors
• Avoiding buying new plastic bags every time you go grocery shopping (buy a grocery cart or a reusable grocery bag)
• No more bottled water (time to invest in a filter)

8. Hasta luego, Fast Fashion!

The fashion industry is one of the main polluting industries in the world. 

To lessen the impact this industry has on the planet, you could buy more of your clothes from second-hand shops and sustainable clothing brands. You should always invest in better-quality items that last longer like this baby alpaca Inti Cardigan, and support fashion brands that are ethical and eco-aware.

Shop at sustainable clothing outlets such as Swiss Impact Store that offer post-purchase repair services.

RELATED: Why You Should Be Happy to Pay Higher Prices for Sustainable Brands

9. Energy Efficiency at Home

Enhancing energy efficiency within our homes conserves resources and reduces utility bills. Start by swapping traditional bulbs for energy-efficient LED ones, providing the same brightness while consuming less power. Remember to unplug electronics when they’re not in use, as standby power consumption adds up. To further optimize energy usage, consider investing in energy-efficient appliances that utilize less electricity without compromising performance. These simple actions collectively contribute to a more sustainable and cost-effective lifestyle.

10. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Let’s talk about the three Rs that make a big difference: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. First, cut down on single-use stuff – things used once and tossed. Second, get creative with old things. Turn jars into funky glasses or use boxes for storage. Finally, recycle what you can. Just follow the local rules to make sure you’re doing it right. Remember, these three Rs help us waste less, save more, and keep our world greener.

11. Eco-Friendly Personal Care

When it comes to taking care of yourself and the planet, eco-friendly choices matter. Start by picking natural and cruelty-free personal care products – they’re kind to your skin and animals. Switch to refillable containers and shampoo bars like this one by Mido Made Zurich – less plastic waste, more Earth love.

Want to get creative? Try making your own skincare and cleaning stuff. It’s fun, reduces packaging, and keeps harmful chemicals away. Your self-care routine can be a win-win for you and the environment.

12. Conscious Travel

Travelling with the Earth in mind can be amazing for both you and the planet. When you’re on the road, go for eco-friendly places to stay – they’re like a vacation for you and Mother Nature. To balance out the carbon footprint of your journey, consider offsetting emissions.

And hey, why not be a tourist in your own backyard? Exploring local spots reduces your travel impact and lets you discover hidden gems close to home. So, travel with purpose and make every adventure a step towards a greener world.

13. Minimalism and Decluttering

Simplify and declutter for a more meaningful life. Look at what you have and clear out what you no longer need. Remember, less stuff often means more space and mental clarity. Instead of collecting things, prioritize experiences – they bring lasting happiness. When you do shop, do it with purpose. Avoid those impulse buys that end up forgotten. Choosing quality over quantity means you’re mindful of what truly matters.

14. Low-Waste Living

Living with less waste is a powerful step towards a cleaner planet. Shift your mindset to zero-waste – aim to send as little as possible to the landfill. Ditch the single-use bags and containers – opt for reusables that keep things handy and cut down on waste. And when it comes to food scraps and biodegradable materials, compost them with gold. It’s a small change that adds up to a big impact on our environment.

One of the best ways to reduce your waste production is by shopping at a zero-waste store.

Read all about them here!

15. Advocate and Educate

Being a sustainability champion isn’t just about personal choices – it’s about inspiring others too. Talk about your journey and the small steps you’re taking. Your story might ignite change in someone else. Get behind environmental causes and organizations that align with your values – your support can make a real difference. And don’t underestimate the power of education. Share what you know about sustainability with friends and family. By coming together and spreading awareness, we can create a greener and brighter future for everyone.

Start a More Sustainable Lifestyle Today With Simple Action Steps

Nearly every decision we make — from how we go to work, where we shop, what we consume, and which products we use to keep our home fresh and clean— is an opportunity to make a healthy choice for the planet.

Make a conscious effort every day to comply with a few of these items. Better yet, make it a challenge to adhere to as many (if not all) of the items in this post. 

These small, seemingly invisible actions you take are certain to have great sustainable impacts on the planet. 

We’re all in this together.