10 Ways to Start Living a More Sustainable Lifestyle

The average human creates up to 4.5 pounds of daily waste every single day averaging at about 1,700 pounds every single year. We live in a society where creating waste is the norm because the garbage truck comes and takes it away so that we are never forced to be accountable for our choices.

Once the waste is removed from our homes or our space it doesn’t just disappear. It takes energy to process all of the waste, releasing carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide into our atmosphere. Most of it ends up in “landfill” producing methane gas that also gets trapped in our atmosphere and some of it, gets shipped overseas.

Recycling is one if the best things we can do to save energy, CO2 emissions, water supply, landfill space, oil usage and natural resources but recycling alone is no longer enough. It is time we start from the source of what we choose to use, purchase, consume and throw away. It is time for all of us to start living a sustainable lifestyle.

THE TRUTH ABOUT plastic

90 percent of plastic produced never gets recycled. Every single piece of plastic ever made is still on earth in some form even if recycled. 8 million tons end up poisoning our ocean and killing our precious marine life by choking, strangulation or poison (Residential Waste Systems, 2018). Plastic is harming our earth’s sacred waters and our ecosystem at alarming rates. Plastic is created purely from toxic materials that can leach into our food, water and products that we consume on a daily basis. I encourage you to research more about how plastic is also harming human health.

Needless to say these devastating truths can no longer be avoided and it is up to us to make a difference for Mother Earth and for all of the living creatures here on our sacred Planet. This is our home and we must take responsibility to take care of it for ourselves, for our children and for our future generations to come. The time is now, so let’s learn 10 easy ways we can start leading a more sustainable lifestyle today.

10 ways to start being more sustainable

1. INVEST IN REUSABLE BAGS

Plastic bags are one of the top contributors to plastic pollution in our ocean killing around 100,000 marine animals every year. The average lifespan of a plastic bag is 15 minutes and it takes 500 YEARS to biodegrade. If one person used reusable bags over their lifetime we could save around 22,000 plastic bags each year (Lober, 2021).

2. CHOOSE GLASS CONTAINERS

When you are searching for spices, bottled water, condiments, storage containers or anything else start choosing the glass option. This will provide you with a safer choice for your personal consumption and a beautiful glass container to reuse time and time again for whatever you’d like. So not only are you helping yourself, you are also making the best choice for Mother Nature and her creatures!

3. BUY BAR SOAPS & SHAMPOOS

To avoid constantly purchasing plastic bottle after plastic bottle start buying body soaps, shampoos and conditioners in bar form! They are so much easier to pack and carry around and so much safer for our environment. You can also store them in mesh bags or tins to avoid plastic carriers. My favorite place to purchase soaps and holders that are sustainable is from The Zero Waste Store.

4. CHOOSE BAMBOO TOOTHBRUSHES

It’s recommended to replace your toothbrush every couple of months for functionality and safety so the days of buying traditional plastic toothbrushes are over. Swap to a bamboo or wood alternative. They are affordable and around the same price as plastic options. I would recommend buying local at any natural foods store for most sustainable swaps. They also have toothpaste tablets to avoid plastic toothpaste containers!

5. USE OLD CLOTH OR PILLOW CASES AS LITTLE TRASHBAGS

Now that I don’t use or reuse plastic I use some type of washable cloth for my little trash cans in the bathroom or office! I wash them every couple weeks or when needed with regular laundry. Always try to extend the life of old cloths, materials and clothing! If you wish to get rid of anything you wont use, always donate to shelters or communities who will reuse them.

6. CHOOSE WOOD & SUSTAINABLE TOILETRIES

For cotton swabs, floss picks and hair combs or brushes there are always great wood, bamboo and sustainable material options! I LOVE my switch to bamboo hair brushes and my hair loves it too since I am avoiding synthetic bristles. Another good swap idea is ditch the plastic sponges and loofahs and buy reusable cloths to wash your body! They can be used time and time again and washed when needed.

7. INVEST IN REUSABLE OR BAMBOO EATWEAR

These are great for travel, long days away from home, hikes, picnics etc. In our world today there is no reason to ever use plastic utensils again so long as your prepared! You can find these at local sustainable friendly shops or online. You can also purchase and pack your very own bamboo straw with you too to avoid plastic straws! Which are the worst for our environment and animals.

8. START BUYING IN BULK

This will always help you avoid less packaging and it is usually cheaper to do this anyway! Always bring reusable or mesh bags with you to the store so you can fill them up safely and be prepared for those spontaneous purchases.

9. START MAKING YOUR OWN PRODUCTS AND NATURAL CLEANERS

This is my favorite way to be more sustainable and it helps keep you and your family safe by avoiding toxic chemicals! Buy your natural ingredients in bulk and some reusable glass spray bottles or holders. In the end you will save money and you’ll know exactly what is in the product you are using! You will also know its safer for the earth and your environment.

10. START WRAPPING GIFTS IN CLOTH OR SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING

Most gift wrapping is made with plastic yet is completely non recyclable. Imagine the difference we could make if we all stopped purchasing unnecessary plastic and paper gift wrapping. Cloth is always a beautiful idea or reusing some type of sustainable material and decorating it with a flower or shrubbery from outside.

Are you ready to start leading a sustainable lifestyle?

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There are so many more ways to start leading a more sustainable life but this is a good place to start. If you have more ideas you’d like to share with our community, leave a comment at the end of this blog post!

Remember, we are one family under one sun! It is up to us to take care of our beautiful planet and all who live here for our children and future generations to come. This is a movement I whole heartily believe in, so I plan to write many more articles about Sustainability.

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With love always,

Adriona Gaia