Living sustainably can be easy.
Yes, I said it! 🙋♀️
BUT, before you start disagreeing with me, remember that sustainability isn’t about perfection.
The small actions we take on a day-to-day basis can have a BIG impact, which is why in this week's blog post, I'm sharing easy, actionable steps you can take to be more sustainable in your daily life.
All All Things Green, we live by the motto: “Small steps are still steps”. And I believe that when we build positive sustainable habits, not only can we change our environment, but we also inspire those around us to change too.
It's important to make sustainable living feel less overwhelming so that people stay motivated to pursue it. So, instead, here are some quick, easy wins you can encourage others to make so that they too can help the planet:
Go Plastic-Free with Dental Care
By making simple changes to our dental hygiene routine, we can significantly reduce our plastic waste and contribute to a greener world. Traditional toothbrushes and dental floss are often made from plastic materials that are not biodegradable and can end up polluting our oceans and landfills. Switching to eco-friendly alternatives (like a bamboo toothbrush or Pearlies whitening toothpaste tablets) can make a big difference!
Switch to a Safety Razor
Switching to a safety razor with replaceable blades is a great, sustainable alternative to disposable plastic razors as these razors are made of durable materials like stainless steel and have a significantly longer lifespan. By making this switch, you can prevent countless plastic razor cartridges from ending up in landfills.
Switch to Plastic-Free Laundry Detergent
Traditional laundry detergents often come in plastic bottles that are non-recyclable or only partially recyclable. Look for eco-friendly laundry detergents that come in cardboard boxes (like my personal fave 'Smol'!) or refillable containers. These products are made from natural, biodegradable ingredients, reducing your environmental impact - while keeping your clothes fresh and clean.
Eat More Plant-Based Meals
One of the most effective ways to reduce your ecological footprint is by adopting a plant-based diet. Animal agriculture is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation, and by incorporating more plant-based meals into your diet, you can decrease your carbon footprint and support sustainable farming practices. You don't need to become a strict vegan, either - I still eat meat and dairy, but at the same time make an effort to have meat-free meals, too!
Buy Plastic-Free, Natural Cleaning Products
Conventional cleaning products often come in plastic packaging and contain harmful chemicals, which is why it's so important to opt for plastic-free alternatives where you can - such as refillable cleaning sprays, tablets that dissolve in water or plastic-free washing up. Safer for both your home and the planet!
Follow a Sustainable Skincare Routine
A lot of our favourite skincare and beauty products come in plastic containers, contributing to the ever-growing plastic waste issue. Look for companies that offer plastic-free alternatives, such as solid soap bars, moisturizers in glass jars, or refillable options. You can also choose skincare brands that prioritise natural, organic ingredients to minimise their environmental impact.
Skip the Tumble Dryer
Tumble dryers consume significant amounts of energy and can be detrimental to the environment. Instead, opt for air-drying your clothes whenever possible. Hanging clothes on a clothesline or using a drying rack not only saves energy but also helps extend the lifespan of your clothes!
Switch to Soap Bars
Liquid hand soap and shower gels often come in plastic bottles that create plastic waste. By switching to soap bars, which come in minimal or no packaging at all, you can significantly reduce your plastic consumption. In my opinion, soap bars are just as effective at cleansing, and are usually more gentle on your skin from being made with natural ingredients.
Shop Secondhand
As we all know, fast fashion is a major contributor to environmental degradation - and it seems to be on the rise. One thing I'm doing to try and reduce this is shopping for clothing secondhand. I've found some of my fave clothes from charity shops and apps like Vinted or Depop - and by refraining from buying something new/cheap every time you have a new event to go to, you reduce demand for new products which therefore helps to minimise waste!
Reduce Food Waste
On the topic of reducing waste, another significant environmental issue is the waste that comes from our food. One way to combat this is by planning your meals, creating shopping lists, and storing food properly so that it doesn't go off immediately. You can also consider composting food scraps instead of throwing them away, as composting helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enriches the soil.
Shop for Loose Fruit & Veg
Unfortunately, plastic packaging is prevalent in the fruit and veg section of grocery stores. A lot of stores have taken measures against this, but whenever possible, choose loose fruit and vegetables instead of pre-packaged options. You can also try using reusable produce bags (or no bags at all!).
Bring Your Own Reusables
Single-use plastic bags, cups, and containers are major contributors to pollution, particularly in our oceans and landfills. By using reusable items (like coffee cups, water bottles and tote bags) we're helping to reduce both environmental pollution and resource depletion, reducing the demand for single-use plastics.
What are some of your top sustainable hacks? I'd love for you to join the conversation over on the All Things Green Instagram, so feel free to leave a comment or send me a DM with the one that's been the easiest to transition into your everyday life! 💚
At All Things Green, we share simple, eco-friendly tips to help you lead an imperfect sustainable lifestyle.
We believe that ‘small steps are still steps’, and that we can all positively impact the planet - no matter how small.
Join the ATG community today and take that first step towards an imperfect sustainable future by following us on Instagram!
Want to read more? Check out our previous blog posts, bag some fantastic discounts on eco-friendly products, and learn more about our story here on the All Things Green website. Thanks for reading! Naomi 💚