Reducing your carbon footprint doesn’t require a complete lifestyle overhaul. In fact, it’s the small, consistent changes that often make the biggest difference over time. If you're new to sustainable living, don’t worry—there are plenty of practical habits you can adopt right now to live a little greener. Here are some quick lifestyle changes that make a big impact and how to get started.
1. Choose Reusables Over Single-Use Items
One of the easiest and most effective swaps you can make is ditching disposables for reusable alternatives. Start with:
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Reusable shopping bags instead of plastic ones
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Stainless steel or glass water bottles instead of single-use plastic bottles
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Vegan wax wraps or silicone covers instead of plastic wrap
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Reusable Paper Towels and Reusable Swedish Dishcloths instead of single-use paper products. Even tree-free paper products for when you need them make a difference.
These small changes can prevent hundreds of disposable items from ending up in landfills each year while reducing the resources and impact from constantly needing to produce more and more.
2. Buy in Bulk and Reduce Packaging Waste
Buying in bulk helps cut down on the excessive packaging that comes with individually wrapped products. Plus, it often saves you money in the long run. Some easy items to buy in bulk include:
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Grains, pasta, and legumes
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Nuts, seeds, and dried fruits
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Spices and herbs
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Household essentials like laundry detergent or soap refills
Bring your own jars or bags (this makes shopping super easy!) to bulk stores whenever possible—many zero-waste shops now encourage this.
SHOP HERE
3. Compost Food Scraps
Food waste is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions accounting for roughly 8-10% of all human-caused emissions, but composting helps turn your kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich soil instead. It’s easier than you think:
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Collect fruit and veggie peels, coffee grounds, eggshells, and more in a countertop bin
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Use a backyard compost system or find a local community composting program
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Even apartment dwellers can use small indoor compost bins or bokashi systems
Not only does this reduce landfill waste and emissions, but it also improves soil health and helps plants grow better.
4. Eat More Plants
Shifting even a few meals per week to plant-based options can significantly reduce your environmental impact. Meat and dairy production are some of the biggest contributors to carbon emissions, accounting for around 14.5% of total worldwide emissions so try:
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“Meatless Mondays” or other weekly plant-based days
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Swapping cow’s milk for oat or almond milk. save on packaging and make your own: Nut milk Bag
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Exploring plant-based recipes with lentils, beans, tofu, or tempeh
Here is a “Just Egg” vegan egg replacement HERE....especially valuable since eggs are crazy pricey right now.
It’s a delicious way to do good for the planet—and your health.
5. Support Local and Sustainable Brands
Being mindful about where your products come from matters. Look for businesses that:
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Use sustainable materials and ethical practices
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Reduce plastic in their packaging
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Offset their carbon emissions
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Are transparent about their supply chains
Shopping local also reduces the emissions associated with shipping long distances.
6. Unplug and Switch Off
Energy conservation is a simple yet powerful way to cut emissions. Develop habits like:
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Unplugging devices when not in use
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Turning off lights when leaving a room
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Switching to LED bulbs
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Air drying clothes instead of using the dryer
These small acts save electricity and lower your energy bills too!
7. Walk, Bike, or Use Public Transport
Cars are one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions in daily life. When possible:
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Walk or bike short distances
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Use public transportation
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Carpool with friends or coworkers
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Plan errands together to minimize car trips
Even reducing a few car trips a week can have a big environmental impact.
8. Repair Instead of Replacing
Before tossing something out, ask yourself if it can be fixed. Repairing items not only saves money but also keeps products out of landfills and reduces the need for new resources. Learn basic repair skills for:
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Clothing (like sewing a button or patching a hole)
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Electronics
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Furniture
There are even repair cafes and online tutorials that can help.
9. Reduce Water Waste
Saving water helps reduce the energy required for water treatment and distribution. Easy water-saving habits include:
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Turning off the tap while brushing your teeth
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Using a low-flow showerhead or taking shorter showers
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Fixing leaky faucets without delay
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Collecting rainwater for outdoor plants (if possible in your area)
Water conservation is good for both the planet and your utility bill!
Read more on Easy Ways to Conserve Water: Simple Changes, Big Impact
Start Where You Are
You don’t have to be perfect to make a difference. The key is progress, not perfection. Choose one or two habits to start with and build from there. Every step you take toward a more sustainable lifestyle helps create a better planet for all of us.
What small change will you start with today? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to cheer you on!
