Want to live a more ecofriendly lifestyle but not sure where to start? Starting an ecofriendly lifestyle doesn’t need to be overwhelming, small changes can equal a big impact. Below are 70 tips to help you make small changes and get started. If you implement one tip per week for the next year, your efforts will pay off big time. One year from now, you will look back at the changes you have made now and be proud of the progress you’ve made.
- Switch to a reusable water bottle.
- Bring your own reusable straw when you order out.
- Skip the free promotional items. They tend to be cheap and break easily anyway.
- Swap your plastic toothbrush for a bamboo toothbrush.
- Wash clothes when they are actually dirty, instead of after only one wear.
- Bring reusable produce bags for fruits and veggies.
- Turn the water off while brushing your teeth.
- Be intentional about what you buy. Don’t make impulsive purchases.
- Support local businesses and shop your local farmers market.
- Meal plan to avoid food waste.
- Unplug electronics when not in use.
- Repair something when it breaks, instead of replacing it.
- Plant a small garden.
- Learn how to freeze your food without plastic so it doesn’t go to waste.
- Start a backyard compost pile.
- Buy items once. Choose tools and items that are meant to last and can be reused.
- Opt for food items with minimal or no packaging at the grocery store.
- Instead of buying something when you’re having a bad day, do something. I.e. go for a walk, take a yoga class, meet up with a friend.
- Surround yourself with items that serve multiple purposes to streamline and cut excess junk.
- Commit to bringing your reusable bags to the store. If you don’t have them, turn around and go get them!
- Swap disposable pads and tampons for cloth pads or a menstrual cup.
- Change light bulbs to LEDs.
- Make your own all-purpose cleaning spray.
- Look into collecting rainwater or a greywater system.
- Store your food properly to make it last longer.
- Find your local cobbler to repair tired shoes.
- Know where everything you buy comes from whether it be food, clothing, or other household goods.
- Ask for no plastic and reused packaging materials for online orders.
- Pack your lunch instead of eating out every day.
- Learn to regrow kitchen scraps.
- Line dry your laundry instead of using the dryer.
- Ditch plastic shower loofahs for a real loofah or a bamboo bath brush.
- Ask for a real mug at the coffee shop when staying in.
- Always run a full dishwasher or load of clothes.
- Most sunscreen causes coral bleaching, go reef safe sunscreens or coverup in a rash guard.
- Switch to an ecofriendly laundry detergent.
- Ditch paper towels and use tea towels and rags.
- Beware of greenwashing, always do your research.
- Make your own deodorant.
- If it’s a 30 minute or less walk, get outside instead of driving.
- Vote with your dollars for a sustainable future.
- Bring your own to-go cup when getting coffee on the run.
- Look into tree-free TP.
- Learn how to repair a button or hem to extend the life of your clothing.
- Switch to rechargeable batteries instead of disposable ones.
- Properly dispose of of items like batteries and electronics. Check out your local recycling center for options. Some retailers also take back items that are no longer usable.
- Wrap presents in ecofriendly gift wrap such as fabrics and newspaper and other reusable coverings.
- Swap cotton rounds for reusable rounds.
- Focus on experiences rather than things.
- Switch from a plastic disposable razor to a metal reusable razor.
- Wash your clothes in cold water when you can.
- Make homemade gifts to give to friends and family.
- Opt out of junk mail that’s clogging up your mailbox.
- Keep a stocked pantry to avoid getting takeout on busy nights.
- Learn where to properly dispose of electronics.
- Find your local tailor to help with clothing repairs.
- Ask yourself if you truly need it before making any purchases.
- Go paperless for all your bills!
- Swap don’t shop! Host a clothing swap with friends.
- Pick up litter when you’re out and dispose of it properly.
- Ditch plastic qtips for plastic-free or reusable.
- Ditch sponges in lieu of compostable scrubs or brushes.
- Try to shrink the amount you recycle. Zero waste is about recycling less not more.
- Use both sides of the paper!
- Avoid receipts when out, ask if one has to be printed. Sometimes they do, but not always!
- Take public transit if available or carpool.
- Join a community garden.
- Swap tea bags for loose leaf tea in a reusable strainer.
- Look at installing a bidet attachment to your toilet or opt for bamboo toilet paper.
- Use glass to store food and items instead of plastic containers.
