Sustainability doesn't just mean using less energy; it means using less water and reducing waste. Many people think that living sustainably means spending a lot of money, "just" recycling, or sacrificing comfort.
Taking practical action, even small changes help. If you're new to living and thinking sustainably, here are some practical ways to reduce your carbon footprint, live more sustainably, and help our planet.
Conduct a Sustainability Audit
Just like finding your way to a destination, you need to know where you are. Track your energy, water, food, and waste habits for a week. How much time do you spend using a computer? What temperature do you keep the climate control at? Carbon footprint tracker apps can help, depending on your lifestyle. Some are more geared towards businesses, but apps like Jora and Klima help you track your habits and become more aware of how you are impacting the environment.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Recycling alone won't fix the planet, but it helps. Reducing and reusing help even more.
Here are three tips:
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Minimize single-use plastics. If you use reusable shopping bags, opt for the best you can find or afford so they will last longer. Choose paper or bamboo straws, or drink straight from the glass if you can. Select beverages that are held together with biodegradable holders or cardboard, not plastic rings (if you must use plastic rings, cut each ring before throwing them away, as the rings are dangerous to wildlife). Skip the plastic cutlery when you get takeout.
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Be smart about recycling. If you have a yard, compost food waste and any other materials marked as compostable. If you put trash in the recycling, it can cause problems for the entire recycling system. Don't recycle the following: Containers contaminated with food particles, plastic bottle tops, paper towels, tissues, and napkins, plastic grocery bags, wire hangers, ceramics, broken glass, styrofoam, shredded paper, or coloured paper.
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Reuse everyday items. Old toothbrushes are great for cleaning hard-to-reach spots. Use a leftover wrapping paper tube as a vacuum cleaner extension for ceiling fans and cobwebs. Save clamshell containers, which can be used for a variety of purposes. Empty wine bottles also have numerous uses. Be creative. It can save you money, too!
Make Simple Swaps at Home
Sustainability doesn't have to be complicated. There are several simple swaps you can make to make your home more efficient.
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When your bulbs wear out, replace them with LEDs. LED bulbs are more expensive but use a fraction of the energy and last for years. They're also safer than compact fluorescents, which contain toxic mercury. Replace old appliances with more efficient versions whenever possible.
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Use reusable products as much as possible. We've already mentioned grocery bags, but you should also consider investing in a reusable water bottle instead of carrying plastic bottles. Reusable plastic containers are great for storing food. Think about using reusable batteries instead of one-and-done ones that end up in landfills.
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Use eco-friendly cleaning and personal care products as much as possible. Cleaning chemicals are harmful to your health anyway. Switching improves indoor air quality, makes people and pets healthier, and won't irritate your skin. Consider using a mineral-based sunscreen (always use a mineral-based sunscreen when swimming in the ocean, especially around coral reefs). Still check the ingredients on personal care products and stop using anything that irritates your skin.
Eat More Sustainably
Over 46% of the food produced in Canada is wasted every year. Food is also shipped long distances, consuming a significant amount of carbon in transportation. Making your diet more sustainable can also make it healthier.
Here are three tips:
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Reduce food waste. Plan your meals and ensure that you eat leftovers promptly. Do some research: Sell-by dates don't mean the food immediately becomes dangerous. Store food properly. Grain, including rice and flour, should always be stored in sealed containers to prevent contamination with bugs. Food that can't be consumed should be composted if possible.
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Incorporate more plant-based meals. Even eating meat one less time a week makes a huge difference. If eating fish, consider sustainability and choose species that are plentiful or, better yet, invasive.
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Choose local and seasonal produce. Learn to appreciate your local farmer's market. Avoid eating out-of-season foods, such as strawberries. If you have the time and energy, consider buying produce in season and then learning how to can it or make preserves for the winter.
Rethink Transportation
We're not talking about your vacations here, although taking the train instead of flying is good when possible. Local, daily transportation still generates a significant amount of carbon and other pollutants. Consider:
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Walking, biking, carpooling, or using public transportation when possible. Sometimes you must drive, but think every time you pick up the car keys. Walking, if you're healthy enough, is also good for you.
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Making your next car an electric or hybrid. All-electric vehicles are well-suited for local commuting, but hybrids may be more suitable for road trips. No, it is not true that making the batteries for an EV is worse than the emissions from internal combustion.
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Reducing unnecessary travel and planning errands. Consolidating errands when you must drive is a great way to not only help the environment but also save time and money!
Shop Smarter
We are often encouraged to buy more stuff, and much of it is poorly made and essentially disposable. Shopping smarter saves money and reduces waste. Here are our suggestions:
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Avoid large corporations and opt for sustainable and ethical brands. Choose local brands when possible so goods are not shipped as far.
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Buy less. Choose quality over quantity. For example, when shopping for clothes, it's better to buy one pair of high-quality shoes that will go with everything than several cheaper ones. Look for products that will last.
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Shop second-hand. You can often find stuff that isn't just "what the marketers decided women want this season," as well as saving money. Thrift stores are great for eclectic items, and older clothes often last longer.
Create Less Waste
The less waste that goes out the door, the better. Three solid ways to reduce waste are:
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Compost. If you have a yard, you can compost (if you don't, many cities have composting programs). Collect and store fruit and vegetable scraps in a closed container in your kitchen, and leaves and twigs outside. Build or buy a compost bin. Get creative here! Break up the material and start it with a layer of twigs and wood chips, then layer food scraps and twigs (greens and browns) like lasagna. Don't compost cooked food or animal products; that's how you get raccoons.
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Say no to junk mail. Get yourself off as many lists as possible. Junk mail can be a nuisance, but persistence is key.
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Digitize your life. Switch to digital bank statements, get a shopping list app for your phone, and choose the email option on receipts. Any paper you don't use is good.
Involve Your Community
Last, but not least, get involved in your community.
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Participate in a community garden or cleanup. If you don't have a yard to grow food, you can rent part of a community garden. If you do, then consider donating seeds or spare tools.
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Join local sustainability initiatives. Most places have them. If not, and you have the time, consider starting something. Street cleanups are typically an easy place to start.
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Encourage sustainability programs in your workplace and/or your child's school.
The most important thing is to start small. Even if all you do is walk to the convenience store instead of driving or use your cutlery when you get takeout, it helps. Small goals don't feel like a massive change.
Be consistent and work with your community or online communities for support and accountability. You can start right now with one habit. Then shop GreenBirdi for approved eco-friendly products to suit your lifestyle and budget!
