How to live more sustainably

We all know how important living sustainably is. But many of us feel overwhelmed by the need to be more sustainable. A lot of us have climate anxiety, which makes it hard to take any action when we feel so helpless at what’s happening to the world and see not enough politicians passing policies to do anything to stop the climate crisis.

The fact that climate change is still debated despite the overwhelming scientific evidence can make it even more disheartening and feel like we’ll never make the changes needed.

But not all hope is lost.

Thanks to science, more of us are aware of our impact on the environment and what we can do to make it better. And a lot of sustainable practices are good for us in other ways, saving us money and even providing creative outlets. With that being said, here are some things you can do today to live more sustainably:

1. Use more cold water

It’s a simple thing, but opt for cold water when washing dishes and showering if you can. The resources used to heat water, like fossil fuels, are non-renewable energy sources and damage the environment over time. The less you can pull from these limited resources, the better. And your electric bill will also thank you!

2. Upcycle your old stuff

Upcycling has gained traction over the years, and for good reason: it’s a great way to reuse your old stuff in a way that serves you better. It also offers an outlet for creativity; I’ve personally used upcycling to make scarves and bracelets out of old T-shirts, decorated aluminum cans with duct tape and used them as storage containers, and even used old grocery bags as shower caps!

Upcycling shows you how much you can do if you put your mind to it. It’s fun and sustainable; what’s not to love?

3. Drive less

Cars release emissions from fossil fuels, which are some of the most significant contributors to climate change. It’s not possible to cut out driving entirely for most people, and not everyone can afford electric cars. But when you can, reduce the amount of time you spend driving. Carpool with friends, take public transit or walk to places if it’s feasible. This will protect the environment and save you money on gas!

4. Thrift your clothes.

We all know how fast fashion negatively affects the environment (and our wallets). While it’s in the company’s best interests to make cheap clothes that we’ll buy and then throw away only to repeat, it’s not good for us or Mother Earth. Consider thrift shopping so you don’t have to throw more clothes in the landfills. Many thrift stores have high-quality items that people donate, and they may be in better condition than fast fashion! Plus, it’s fun. Finding a rare or unique item for $1 feels good (and grants you plenty of bragging rights!)

Find everyday ways to live more sustainably.

We’re not responsible for all the effects of climate change, nor can we magically reverse it on our own, but there are little steps we can take each moment and day to slow down the impact it has on our planet. If you want to do your part but don’t know where to start, consider the ideas mentioned above—and let us know what you do in your personal life already to live more sustainably!