125 simple tips for a more sustainable lifestyle

Here are 125 simple tips for a more sustainable lifestyle without having to change your life overnight. Because let’s be honest, that’s impossible!

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In recent years, it’s become clear that every little action we take has a big impact on our planet. It’s not about overhauling your life but making small changes and embracing lifestyle choices that add up to a more eco-friendly existence. It’s not about radical shifts but the cumulative effect of small changes and thoughtful decisions that lead to a more eco-conscious way of living.

We live in a society that is making it easier for us to buy poor-quality, single-use products. They are then thrown away with little thought. Living a more sustainable lifestyle is harder than it seems and not always the convenient option. But if we all try to make small improvements together we can make a massive difference.

There are so many times when I have tried to be more sustainable but feel disheartened when I haven’t done things perfectly. I feel like I have let myself down and sometimes ask ‘Is there any point?’ But the answer is yes!

Life is about progress, not perfection.

Sustainable Living: 125 Easy Ways to Have a More Sustainable Lifestyle

In this guide, we’ll explore the best ways to incorporate sustainable practices into our daily lives, from opting for electric cars to embracing organic and plant-based foods. 

So,  why don’t you join us on this journey toward a greener, more sustainable future, where simple ways and conscious lifestyle choices pave the way for positive change?

Sustainable Living: 125 Easy Ways to Have a More Sustainable Lifestyle

Waste Reduction and Recycling

1. Compost kitchen scraps to reduce food waste
2. Recycle paper, plastic, and glass to minimise environmental impact
3. Use reusable bags at the grocery store to cut down on plastic bags
4. Avoid single-use plastics, like plastic bottles and utensils
5. Choose products with minimal packaging to reduce plastic waste
6. Reuse containers and jars for an eco-friendly lifestyle
7. Invest in a reusable water bottle to lower plastic bottle usage
8. Say no to disposable cutlery and straws to combat plastic pollution
9. Opt for products with eco-friendly packaging for a smaller environmental footprint
10. Donate or sell items instead of discarding them to promote sustainable practices

Challenge: BYOB- Bring Your Own Bags

There were 1.9 million grocery bags and other plastic bags collected in the 2018 International Coastal Cleanup.

Try bringing your reusable bags to the supermarket, or when shopping for anything.

Remember, we can all forget sometimes and that’s ok, just try and carry everything in your arms instead. Just kidding, although I have tried it and I wouldn’t recommend it if it’s a big shop!

Energy Efficiency

11. Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs to reduce energy consumption
12. Turn off lights and electronics when not in use to save energy
13. Unplug chargers and appliances when not needed to minimise energy use
14. Use a programmable thermostat for efficient energy management
15. Install energy-efficient appliances to lower your carbon footprint
16. Air dry clothes instead of using a dryer to save energy
17. Switch to renewable energy sources for a more sustainable lifestyle
18. Use a power strip to easily turn off multiple devices and conserve energy
19. Invest in solar panels for your home for renewable energy
20. Weatherize your home to save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Challenge: Turn Off Your Lights

The easiest one to try is reducing your electricity usage. For eg. turning your lights off when you aren’t in the room. Reducing the electricity demand reduces the number of fossil fuels burned and we have to conserve these limited resources.

The more energy we save the more it positively impacts the environment. Plus not a bad one to try at the moment, especially with the cost of living crisis here in the UK.

Transportation for Sustainable Living

21. Opt for public transportation to reduce your carbon footprint
22. Bike or walk for short trips to minimise air pollution
23. Choose a fuel-efficient or electric vehicle to reduce fossil fuel usage
24. Combine errands to reduce trips and lower your carbon emissions
25. Telecommute when possible to decrease your environmental impact
26. Invest in a hybrid or electric car for eco-friendly transportation
27. Practice eco-friendly driving habits for reduced fuel consumption
28. Use ride-sharing services to cut down on individual car use
29. Consider car-sharing or carpooling apps for a more sustainable lifestyle
30. Maintain your vehicle for optimal fuel efficiency and less environmental impact

Challenge: Walk Or Cycle

 This is probably an obvious one, but driving a car releases harmful chemicals like carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide which aren’t only toxic to us it is causing environmental problems like global warming.

If you are close to amenities try walking a little more or maybe get yourself a secondhand bike.

For one reason or another, you may find this one hard and driving may be the only option so if that’s the case, no need for any feelings of guilt, just scroll to the next example.

Water Conservation

31. Fix leaks promptly to conserve clean water and prevent water pollution
32. Collect rainwater for plants to minimise water consumption
33. Install water-saving appliances for efficient water use
34. Take shorter showers to reduce water consumption
35. Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth to save water
36. Water plants early in the morning or late in the evening for better water efficiency
37. Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways to conserve water
38. Consider drought-resistant landscaping for water conservation
39. Run the dishwasher and washing machine with full loads for optimal water use
40. Use a pool cover to reduce water evaporation and promote water conservation

Challenge: Turn Off Your Taps

One of the most interesting facts I learned from a visit to Chester Zoo was that people can use less than 1% of the water on Earth. The rest is salt water or ice.

Our increasing population is putting a strain on the world’s water supplies which is a problem for our environment and people.

There are so many ways to use less water, here are a few simple tips to try: Being mindful to turn taps off when brushing your teeth, having shorter showers and saving up dirty washing, and reducing your number of washing cycles.

Food and Diet for Sustainable Living

41. Eat a plant-based diet more often for lower meat consumption
42. Buy locally produced and seasonal foods to support sustainable practices
43. Reduce food waste by meal planning for a more sustainable lifestyle
44. Start a compost bin for kitchen scraps to minimise food waste
45. Choose products with minimal packaging for reduced environmental impact
46. Support farmers’ markets for locally sourced and fresh produce
47. Grow your own herbs and vegetables for a sustainable food source
48. Buy in bulk to reduce packaging waste and lower your carbon footprint
49. Use a reusable coffee cup and water bottle for eco-friendly living
50. Reduce meat consumption for a more sustainable diet

Challenge: Meat-Free Mondays

This one is really simple. Beef produces the most greenhouse gas emissions including methane and eating less beef will reduce the need for livestock farming.

You don’t have to be a vegetarian or a vegan to help the environment in this way, but if we all decided to reduce the amount of meat we eat the positive impact on the environment would be huge.

You could try eating less meat. Meat-free Mondays or even Tuesdays. Whichever day works best!

Give it a go, there are some wonderful veggie recipes out there.

Sustainable Shopping

51. Choose products made from recycled materials for sustainable living
52. Support eco-friendly and sustainable brands for ethical consumption
53. Shop second-hand or at thrift stores to reduce environmental impact
54. Buy in bulk to reduce packaging waste and lower your carbon footprint
55. Bring your reusable bags and containers for eco-friendly shopping
56. Invest in quality, durable products for longer product life
57. Use online marketplaces for second-hand items for sustainable living
58. Repair items instead of replacing them to minimize waste
59. Support local businesses for a more sustainable lifestyle
60. Consider the lifecycle of products before purchasing for eco-friendly living

Challenge: Shop Second hand

I love this one! If you know me or have followed The Style Cycle’s journey from the beginning, you will know I never shopped secondhand before the first lockdown in 2020. I used to buy things from all the fast fashion websites and spend a load of money on clothes.

Not anymore. I love searching in vintage boutiques (charity shops) whenever I get the chance, not only have I found some great quality high-end items for less than half the price it is cool to be a thrifter these days!

All I am asking is you give it a try. If I can be converted, so can you.

For some ideas on how to shop more sustainably, check out one of my other blog posts Vintage Kilo Sale: A Beginner’s Guide for an amazing way to shop secondhand.

Home and Lifestyle

61. Switch to eco-friendly cleaning products for a greener home
62. Invest in energy-efficient appliances to lower energy consumption
63. Choose sustainable and eco-friendly furniture for a more sustainable lifestyle
64. Use natural light when possible to reduce energy use
65. Insulate your home for energy efficiency and lower your carbon footprint
66. Opt for programmable thermostats for energy conservation
67. Use cloth napkins instead of disposable ones for a more sustainable lifestyle
68. Choose eco-friendly and non-toxic personal care products for ethical living
69. Install low-flow faucets and showerheads for water conservation
70. Consider eco-friendly flooring options for a sustainable home

Challenge: Invest in Sustainable Lifestyle Products

 There are hundreds of online shops where you can buy eco-friendly products these days plus sustainable refill stores local to most people. But these positive swaps do come with a more expensive price tag, although for a good reason, it may still put you off. You also have to be willing to make that extra effort to take your bottles or jars to be refilled at the local market or sustainable store.

If you can’t find the extra money or time to do this there are other great ways to make some small swaps. Eg. a hard soap rather than a liquid which comes in a plastic bottle or a shampoo bar is another one I like to use sometimes. Maybe instead of using plastic earbuds, purchase wooden ones.

Another way I can be more eco-friendly is by making my kitchen surface cleaner. Homemade cleaners are not only cheaper, but they also keep the plastic to a minimum as you just refill the same bottle.

Outdoor Activities for a Sustainable Lifestyle

71. Opt for eco-friendly outdoor gear for a more sustainable lifestyle
72. Practice Leave No Trace principles for minimal environmental impact
73. Choose eco-friendly sunscreen to protect aquatic ecosystems
74. Use rechargeable batteries for outdoor devices to reduce waste
75. Clean up after outdoor activities for a cleaner environment
76. Choose eco-friendly camping gear for sustainable outdoor adventures
77. Support eco-friendly outdoor brands for ethical consumption
78. Use public transportation for outdoor adventures to reduce carbon emissions
79. Conserve water when camping for sustainable outdoor living
80. Respect wildlife and natural habitats for a more sustainable lifestyle

Challenge: Spend More Time Outdoors

Spending time outdoors is one of the ways that makes me appreciate Mother Earth. When I am on the beach in Wales and the sun sets, I get the most incredible feeling and am in awe of the colours, smells, and sounds.

Or even as simple as being on the school run, the sun is beaming down on my face through the rain clouds. I stop and am grateful for the heat on my face.

Community Engagement

81. Participate in local clean-up events to promote community sustainability
82. Support and volunteer for environmental organisations for positive change
83. Educate others about sustainable living for collective impact
84. Attend community meetings on sustainability for active participation
85. Advocate for eco-friendly policies for positive changes in your community
86. Join or start a community garden for sustainable food sources
87. Support local environmental initiatives for community sustainability
88. Attend farmers’ markets and local events for ethical consumption
89. Promote sustainable practices at work for a greener workplace
90. Participate in environmental workshops for continued education on sustainability

Challenge: Plant A Tree

The Amazon Rainforest is sometimes referred to as ‘the lungs of the earth’. Trees draw in carbon dioxide and breathe out oxygen, which is vital for our planet.

The National Trust in the UK aims to plant and establish 20 million trees by 2030. They want to plan for the future of woodlands and tackle climate change. To help you can plant a tree for yourself or even as a gift or in memory of a loved one. You will be helping nature to thrive for as little as £5.

Personal Development

91. Stay informed about environmental issues for a deeper understanding
92. Read books on sustainability and green living for personal growth
93. Take online courses on sustainable practices for continuous learning
94. Attend sustainability conferences and events for networking and education
95. Engage in conversations about sustainability for increased awareness
96. Set personal sustainability goals for a more sustainable lifestyle
97. Encourage others to adopt sustainable habits for collective impact
98. Learn about the environmental impact of your choices for informed decisions
99. Explore eco-friendly hobbies and activities for a more sustainable lifestyle
100. Reflect on your ecological footprint regularly for conscious living

Challenge: Read a Book about Sustainability

I have read so many books about how to live a sustainable lifestyle and learned so many tips along the way. My lifestyle is far from perfect but as Anne Marie Bonneau said, “We don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly”.

Here are some book recommendations you may love.

Technology and Electronics

101. Recycle old electronics responsibly to minimise electronic waste
102. Use energy-efficient electronic devices to reduce energy consumption
103. Choose gadgets with minimal packaging for eco-friendly living
104. Repair electronic devices when possible to extend their lifespan
105. Consider second-hand electronics for reduced environmental impact

Financial Sustainability

106. Invest in eco-friendly and ethical funds for sustainable financial choices
107. Bank online to reduce paper waste and lower your carbon footprint
108. Choose paperless billing and statements for a more sustainable lifestyle
109. Support sustainable and ethical businesses for eco-friendly financial choices
110. Prioritise long-term value over short-term gains for financial sustainability

Mindful Consumption

111. Practice mindfulness to curb impulse buying for conscious consumption
112. Question the necessity of new purchases to avoid unnecessary consumption
113. Consider the environmental impact of souvenirs when travelling
114. Choose experiences over material possessions for mindful living
115. Educate yourself about the social impact of brands for informed choices

Challenge: Don’t Accept or Buy Plastic Straws and cutlery

Have you seen the pictures of the turtles? That’s all I have to say on this one.

Green Building Practices

116. Explore green building materials for home projects for sustainable construction
117. Invest in energy-efficient windows and doors for a greener home
118. Install a rainwater harvesting system for sustainable water use
119. Opt for a green or living roof for eco-friendly home construction
120. Use reclaimed or recycled materials in construction for reduced environmental impact

Sustainable Travel

121. Choose eco-friendly accommodations for sustainable travel experiences
122. Offset your carbon footprint when travelling to minimise environmental impact
123. Explore local attractions and businesses for sustainable tourism
124. Pack a zero-waste travel kit for eco-friendly travel practices
125. Limit air travel and choose alternative transportation for sustainable travel

Living sustainably involves making mindful choices in various aspects of your life, and each small change contributes to a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle Let me know if you try any of the challenges in the comments!

Sustainable Living: 125 Easy Ways to Have a More Sustainable Lifestyle

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