Oliwia Whyte 
Many people believe sustainable living to be complex and expensive, yet it can actually be quite straightforward. From using canvas bags when shopping to opting for vegetarian diets – there are plenty of easy eco-friendly swaps you can make in your daily life that won’t break the bank.
Low-waste living doesn’t aim to produce zero waste (this would be almost impossible!). Instead, its focus should be on producing as little waste as possible.
1. Recycle Everything
As part of sustainable living, one key step is reducing how much trash you produce. This could mean buying items that won’t break quickly or shopping at secondhand stores with minimal packaging; supporting companies who employ sustainable practices; or finding recycled goods.
Reusing and recycling items you no longer use can also help reduce waste; jam jars make great storage containers while plastic wrap can become creative planters. Donating clothing, electronics and furniture donations also helps decrease landfill.
2. Repurpose
Your home can serve as both an eco-friendly sanctuary for you and your family, by making simple changes that reduce waste generated daily.
Plastic straws contribute a large share of the plastic pollution plaguing our environment, yet they can still be put to good use in various ways. Consider using them as toothbrush holders or even to organize electrical cords.
Creative reuse of old items is an effective way to practice sustainable living. For instance, old jars could serve as vases and broken plates could serve as planters.
3. Ditch Single-Use Plastics
Simple actions like switching out paper napkins for cloth ones and purchasing a reusable glass water bottle are just some of the many simple and cost-effective steps we can all take to become more environmentally-conscious. They play an integral role in the sustainability movement and can have an immense impact on the planet.
Plastic bags pose a severe threat to marine life; their floating appearance mimics jellyfish in the ocean, leading sea turtles to mistake them for food! You can avoid plastic bag use at grocery stores by opting for reusable tote bags and bulk shopping.
4. Unplug Everything
Electronics that use standby power consume a lot of electricity, and unplugging them when not in use can reduce electricity bills by 9-16%. This includes TVs, gaming systems and other “energy vampires” such as microwaves and coffee makers.
Unplugging unused appliances helps lower the risk of electrical fires. Electrical fluctuations in wires can strain them, leading to shorts that could ignite fires; using a power monitor is a simple way to find items wasting energy and determine when is best for unplugging them.
5. Use Energy-Efficient Lights
Sustainable living aims to ensure we use up the Earth’s resources faster than they can be replenished – this approach can be taken by individuals, businesses and governments alike.
Energy efficient lighting can help lower both your electric bill and carbon footprint without compromising brightness. Furthermore, smart thermostats and home appliances allow you to monitor usage remotely or adjust settings remotely – adding another step towards energy savings!
Composting is another effective way of being more eco-friendly; by turning biodegradable food waste (such as fruit scraps and veggie peels) into fertiliser for your garden!
6. Buy Recycled Products
No doubt we all recognize the environmental benefits of purchasing recycled products, but many companies now offer eco-friendly items at similar prices as their virgin counterparts.
Keep an eye out for product labels with recycled content percentages to identify sustainable choices. But remember, percentage isn’t necessarily the deciding factor: make sure you read all aspects of product information such as durability or resistance against abrasions before making your selections.
Raising a zero-waste baby requires using washable cloth diapers instead of disposable wipes and bottles, reusing mason jars and glass bottles as storage solutions, and composting produce scraps into your garden.
7. Go Green
Going green involves changing your lifestyle to reduce its environmental footprint. This could involve purchasing organic food, growing your own veggies or using solar power for home heating.
Shopping local will help support local businesses while reducing emissions from transportation. Composting waste can also reduce landfill space while producing rich soil for your garden.
Make your investments eco-friendly by divesting from companies that harm the planet and investing instead in sustainable opportunities. Consider taking one day per week from work from home in order to reduce transportation emissions; donate old clothing and toys to charity; give experiences as gifts instead!
