The Sustainable(ish) Living Guide

1. Conscious consumption: Buy less, buy better, make it last

"Every time you spend money, you're casting a vote for the kind of world you want."

Mindful purchasing. The first step towards sustainable living is to become a conscious consumer. This means critically evaluating our needs versus wants, and making thoughtful decisions about what we buy. By reducing our overall consumption and focusing on quality over quantity, we can significantly decrease our environmental impact.

Buyerarchy of needs. Sarah Lazarovic's "buyerarchy of needs" provides a helpful framework for conscious consumption:

• Use what you have
• Borrow
• Swap
• Thrift
• Make
• Buy (as a last resort)

By following this hierarchy, we can minimize unnecessary purchases and make the most of existing resources. When we do need to buy something new, choosing high-quality, durable items that will last longer helps reduce waste and supports more sustainable production practices.

2. Zero waste: Refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, rot

"There is no 'away'. When we throw anything away it must go somewhere."

Waste hierarchy. The zero waste movement aims to minimize the amount of waste sent to landfills or incineration. The waste hierarchy provides a framework for achieving this goal:

1. Refuse: Say no to unnecessary items
2. Reduce: Minimize consumption
3. Reuse: Find new uses for items
4. Recycle: Process materials for new products
5. Rot: Compost organic waste

Practical steps. To move towards a zero waste lifestyle:

• Conduct a waste audit to identify areas for improvement
• Use reusable shopping bags, water bottles, and coffee cups
• Compost food scraps and yard waste
• Learn to repair items instead of replacing them
• Choose products with minimal or recyclable packaging

By implementing these practices, we can significantly reduce our waste output and support a more circular economy.

3. Plastic-free living: Tackle the Big Four and beyond

"Up to 700,000 microplastic fibres are released from a single clothes wash."

The Big Four. Start by tackling the most common single-use plastic items:

1. Plastic bottles: Switch to reusable water bottles
2. Plastic bags: Use cloth or other reusable bags
3. Coffee cups: Bring your own reusable cup
4. Straws: Use paper, metal, or bamboo alternatives (or skip them altogether)

Beyond the basics. Once you've mastered the Big Four, consider:

• Using bar soap and shampoo instead of liquid versions in plastic bottles
• Choosing plastic-free packaging for groceries and household items
• Switching to reusable food wraps instead of plastic wrap
• Using a safety razor instead of disposable razors
• Opting for natural fiber clothing to reduce microplastic pollution

Remember, it's about progress, not perfection. Every small change adds up to make a significant impact on reducing plastic pollution.

4. Sustainable food choices: Eat seasonally, locally, and mindfully

"If food waste were a country, it would be the 3rd biggest emitter of greenhouse gases (after the USA and China)."

Sustainable eating habits. To reduce the environmental impact of our diets:

• Eat seasonally and locally to reduce food miles
• Reduce meat consumption, especially red meat
• Choose organic and Fairtrade products when possible
• Plan meals to reduce food waste
• Compost unavoidable food waste

Reducing food waste. Practical tips to minimize food waste:

• Conduct a regular fridge audit
• Use up leftovers creatively
• Understand the difference between "best before" and "use by" dates
• Freeze excess produce or meals for later use
• Donate excess non-perishable items to food banks

By making mindful choices about what we eat and how we manage our food, we can significantly reduce our carbon footprint and support more sustainable food systems.

5. Ethical fashion: Shop secondhand, swap, and support sustainable brands

"Extending the life of clothes by just nine months of active use could reduce carbon, water and waste footprints by around 20–30 per cent."

Sustainable fashion choices. To minimize the environmental and social impact of our clothing:

• Shop secondhand: Thrift stores, online platforms, and clothing swaps
• Choose quality over quantity: Invest in well-made pieces that last
• Support ethical brands: Research companies' sustainability practices
• Care for clothes properly: Wash less often, at lower temperatures, and line dry when possible
• Repair and upcycle: Learn basic mending skills and get creative with old clothes

Microfiber pollution. To reduce microfiber shedding from synthetic clothes:

• Wash full loads at lower temperatures
• Use a Guppyfriend washing bag or Cora Ball to catch microfibers
• Choose natural fibers when possible
• Air dry clothes instead of using a tumble dryer

By making more conscious choices about our clothing, we can help reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry and promote more ethical production practices.

6. Eco-friendly home: Switch to renewable energy and save resources

"Switching to a renewable energy supplier is one of the six high impact actions that we can take as individuals to mitigate climate change."

Energy-saving measures. To reduce your home's energy consumption:

• Switch to a renewable energy supplier
• Improve insulation in walls, roof, and windows
• Use LED light bulbs and turn off lights when not in use
• Opt for energy-efficient appliances
• Lower your thermostat by 1°C (can save up to 10% on heating bills)

Water conservation. Simple ways to save water at home:

• Fix leaky faucets and toilets
• Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators
• Collect rainwater for garden use
• Reuse greywater from sinks and showers for flushing toilets or watering plants
• Only run full loads in washing machines and dishwashers

By implementing these changes, you can significantly reduce your home's environmental impact and often save money on utility bills in the process.

7. Sustainable family life: Involve everyone in making greener choices

"Buying less costs less."

Family engagement. To create a more sustainable household:

• Have open discussions about environmental issues and solutions
• Watch documentaries or read books about sustainability together
• Set family challenges, like a plastic-free week or no-buy month
• Involve children in eco-friendly activities like gardening or upcycling projects
• Lead by example and celebrate small wins

Sustainable parenting. Tips for raising eco-conscious kids:

• Choose secondhand or sustainable options for baby gear and toys
• Opt for reusable nappies and wipes when possible
• Encourage outdoor play and connection with nature
• Teach kids to repair and care for their belongings
• Support schools and clubs in adopting sustainable practices

By involving the whole family in sustainable living, we can create lasting habits and foster a new generation of environmentally conscious individuals.

8. Green work practices: Implement eco-friendly policies in the office

"Leaving a computer on overnight for a year creates enough CO2 to fill a double-decker bus."

Office sustainability. Key areas to focus on for a greener workplace:

• Energy efficiency: Use LED lighting, turn off equipment when not in use
• Waste reduction: Implement recycling and composting programs
• Sustainable procurement: Choose eco-friendly office supplies and equipment
• Green transportation: Encourage cycling, walking, or public transport use
• Digital solutions: Reduce paper use through digital document management

Employee engagement. Ways to involve staff in sustainability efforts:

• Form a "green team" to lead initiatives
• Provide sustainability training and resources
• Recognize and reward eco-friendly behaviors
• Organize sustainability-themed events or challenges
• Encourage remote work or flexible hours to reduce commuting

By implementing sustainable practices at work, we can extend our environmental impact beyond our personal lives and influence larger organizational change.

9. Eco-conscious education: Foster sustainability in schools

"Schools embracing environmental initiatives can help their pupils to have a voice, as well as reducing their own environmental impact."

School sustainability initiatives. Ways to promote eco-friendly practices in education:

• Implement recycling and composting programs
• Create school gardens or outdoor classrooms
• Organize litter picks and environmental awareness days
• Reduce energy use through efficiency measures and behavior change
• Incorporate sustainability into the curriculum across subjects

Student empowerment. Encourage student-led environmental initiatives:

• Form eco-clubs or councils
• Participate in programs like Eco-Schools
• Organize sustainability-themed events or competitions
• Collaborate with local environmental organizations
• Encourage students to share their knowledge with families and communities

By fostering environmental awareness and action in schools, we can empower the next generation to become stewards of the planet and drive positive change.

10. Low-impact travel: Choose greener transportation options

"Travel by train instead of plane within Europe can result in up to a 90 per cent reduction in carbon emissions."

Sustainable transport choices. To reduce the environmental impact of travel:

• Choose public transportation, walking, or cycling for short trips
• Opt for train travel instead of flying when possible
• If driving, consider electric or hybrid vehicles
• Use car-sharing or carpooling services to reduce individual car use
• Combine trips to minimize overall travel

Eco-friendly vacations. Tips for more sustainable holidays:

• Choose destinations closer to home
• Stay in eco-friendly accommodations
• Support local businesses and economies
• Respect local cultures and environments
• Offset carbon emissions from necessary flights

By making more conscious choices about how we travel, we can significantly reduce our carbon footprint while still enjoying new experiences and cultures.

11. Celebrate sustainably: Rethink gifting and party practices

"Maybe it's time we started to question a little bit our need to celebrate with 'stuff'."

Sustainable celebrations. Ideas for eco-friendly events:

• Send digital invitations instead of paper
• Use reusable decorations or natural elements like flowers and plants
• Opt for reusable plates, cups, and cutlery instead of disposables
• Choose local, seasonal, and organic food options
• Encourage guests to carpool or use public transport

Mindful gifting. Alternatives to traditional gift-giving:

• Give experiences instead of physical items
• Choose secondhand or handmade gifts
• Donate to a charity in the recipient's name
• Offer your time or skills as a gift
• Create a gift registry to avoid unwanted presents

By rethinking our approach to celebrations and gifting, we can create meaningful experiences while reducing waste and unnecessary consumption.

12. Everyday activism: Use your voice and choices to create change

"All of these small actions add up to change the world."

Personal impact. Ways to be an everyday activist:

• Make sustainable choices in your daily life
• Share your sustainability journey with others
• Support businesses and brands that align with your values
• Write to your representatives about environmental issues
• Participate in local environmental initiatives or clean-ups

Digital activism. Using technology to amplify your impact:

• Share information and resources on social media
• Sign and share online petitions for environmental causes
• Use apps to track and reduce your carbon footprint
• Participate in online campaigns like #whomademyclothes
• Leave reviews or feedback for businesses based on their sustainability practices

Remember, every action counts. By consistently making sustainable choices and encouraging others to do the same, we can collectively drive significant positive change for our planet.

Last updated: October 19, 2024