Eco Upgrades: 5 Simple Ways to Live a More Sustainable Life

^{Photo: Mika Baumeister / Unsplash}

Studies show that people are more eco-minded than ever before. As we face natural resource depletion, water pollution, air pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss, many people want to live more sustainably. The problem is it can be challenging to get started.

Below, we’ve compiled a list of simple ways to live more sustainably. Hopefully, these small changes will produce positive results for you and the planet you call home.

1. Buy Eco-Friendly Pots and Pans

When you’re in the market for new cookware, don’t just buy the first set you see. Consider the impact the manufacturing process has on the environment, and opt for a set made with the planet and your health in mind.

For example, eco-friendly pans are made from materials that don’t release toxins into your food. The manufacturing process is also clean, using recycled materials and solar power to produce non-stick, high-end pots and pans.

Don’t just buy cookware – buy eco-friendly cookware.

2. Cut Down on Your Plastic Use

The reality is that plastic never goes away. When you throw something plastic away, it sits in a landfill forever, or worse, floats out to sea, where it injures and kills marine life.

Plastic waste is a massive problem for the environment, but you can do your part to reduce the amount of plastic that ends up choking marine life by using reusable fabric bags at the grocery store, drinking tap water instead of bottled water, and avoiding products packaged or shipped in plastic.

Opting to shop locally rather than online can also reduce the amount of plastic you use.

3. Conserve Water Where You Can

Water is not an endless resource, and as the world’s population grows, it puts a strain on our water supplies. Every person should make an effort to conserve water where they can.

For instance, fix leaky faucets and toilets as quickly as possible to eliminate water waste. Stop buying bottled water and start drinking tap water – there’s nothing wrong with it.

And finally, research and implement landscaping tricks to help your yard thrive without excessive watering.

4. Change Your Driving Habits

Unfortunately, gas-powered vehicles put pollutants into the air while draining the world’s limited oil supplies. Thankfully, you can lessen your carbon footprint by changing your driving habits.

Ensure your tires are always adequately inflated and that your car is in top running order – both of these factors can improve your car’s fuel efficiency.

If you live close enough, walk or ride a bike to work instead of driving.

Finally, ask friends, neighbors, and coworkers to participate in carpools to reduce the number of vehicles on the roads.

The beauty of these measures is that they allow you to naturally increase your exercise and social time – two factors that are central to a happy, healthy life.

So, you get to benefit as much as the planet does.

5. Cook at Home/Eat Out Less

During the pandemic, many people adopted vegan cooking meals at home rather than eating out. This practice has made an impact on the world’s carbon footprint.

Eating out produces a plethora of plastic and food waste, but when you cook at home, you can control these things better.

Plus, eating at home is often healthier than eating out as you can control the amount of salt, fat, sugar, and other ingredients that go into your food. It’s a win-win all the way around.

Many of us want to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle, but lack the knowledge to get started. Hopefully, the tips above give you a place to begin that will motivate you to explore even more sustainable practices.