As we enter into the new year, many of us are thinking about ways to improve our lives and make a positive impact on the world around us. One simple but powerful way to do this is to adopt more sustainable practices in our daily lives. Here are 23 simple tips to live a more sustainable lifestyle in 2023:
1) Cut meat and/or dairy intake
One simple way to be more sustainable is to cut back on your consumption of meat and dairy products. Animal agriculture is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, so even reducing your intake (if that's more achievable for you than jumping straight into making the cut) of these products can help reduce your carbon footprint. You don't have to go completely vegan or vegetarian to make a difference (although that is in our opinion the best option with the biggest impact!) - even small changes, such as choosing plant-based options a few times a week or opting for meat-free meals, can have a positive impact.
2) Start composting
Composting is a great way to reduce waste and provide nutrients for your plants. Instead of throwing away food scraps and yard waste, you can compost them and use the resulting compost as a natural fertiliser for your garden. You can start small by composting in your own backyard or you can find a community composting program in your area.
3) Waste less food
Food waste is a major problem, with an estimated one-third of all food produced going to waste. By reducing food waste, you can not only save money, but also help the environment. You can waste less food by meal planning, using up leftovers, and being mindful of what you buy at the grocery store. You can also donate excess food to a local food bank or compost it if it's not fit for donation.
4) Drive less
Transportation is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, so reducing your reliance on your car can make a significant impact. Consider walking, biking, or taking public transportation for short trips instead of driving. If you do need to drive, carpooling or using an electric or hybrid vehicle can also be more sustainable options.
5) Grow your own veggies & herbs
Growing your own food is a fun and rewarding way to be more sustainable. Not only can you save money on groceries, but you can also reduce your carbon footprint by reducing the distance your food has to travel. You don't need a lot of space - even a small balcony or windowsill can be used to grow a variety of herbs and vegetables.
6) Swap single use for reusable
Single-use plastics are a major contributor to pollution and waste. By swapping out single-use items for reusable ones, you can significantly reduce your environmental impact. Some easy swaps to make include using a reusable water bottle, shopping bags, and coffee cup, and bringing your own containers for takeout food.
Bringing your own water bottle is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce your environmental impact and save money. Single-use plastic water bottles are a major source of plastic waste, and they often end up in landfills or the ocean, where they can take hundreds of years to break down. By bringing your own water bottle, you can avoid contributing to this problem and instead opt for a more sustainable solution.
In addition to being better for the environment, bringing your own water bottle can also save you money in the long run. Purchasing bottled water on a regular basis can add up quickly, but by filling up your own reusable bottle, you can save money and still stay hydrated throughout the day. Plus, many public places now offer free water refills, so you can easily refill your bottle while on the go.
Overall, bringing your own water bottle is a simple but powerful choice that can have a big impact on both your personal finances and the health of the planet. So next time you head out for the day, remember to grab your water bottle and do your part to reduce plastic waste.
7) Wrap gifts with zero-waste all year round
Gift-giving is a big part of many people's holiday traditions, but the packaging and wrapping materials can generate a lot of waste. To make your gift-giving more sustainable, consider using zero-waste wrapping options such as reusable fabric gift bags, newspaper, or upcycled materials. This way, you can still show your loved ones you care without generating unnecessary waste.
8) Buy more reusable products
Investing in reusable products can save money in the long run and reduce waste. Some examples of reusable products to consider include cloth napkins, silicone food storage bags, and reusable produce bags.
9) Shop only thrifted or sustainable clothing brands and donate or repair old items
The fashion industry is a major contributor to pollution and waste, so choosing to shop thrifted or sustainable clothing brands can help reduce your environmental impact. Thrift stores and second-hand shops offer a wide variety of gently used clothing at affordable prices, and sustainable clothing brands often use eco-friendly materials and manufacturing practices.
Repairing or donating items instead of buying new ones is another great way to reduce waste and live sustainably. When we throw away broken items and constantly buy new ones, we contribute to the growing problem of pollution and overconsumption. By taking the time to fix broken items or donating them to someone who can use them, we can extend the life of these products and reduce our impact on the environment. In addition, repairing or donating items can also be more cost-effective than constantly buying new ones.
10) Buy less stuff
One of the easiest ways to be more sustainable is to simply consume less. Consider whether you really need something before making a purchase, and try to limit your shopping to what is necessary.
11) Shop local produce
Locally grown and produced foods are often fresher and has a smaller carbon footprint than produce that has been shipped long distances. Look for farmers markets or local farms in your area to buy fresh, sustainably-grown produce.
12) Reduce shower times
Showers are a major source of water usage, so reducing your shower time can save water and energy. Consider using a low-flow showerhead or setting a timer to keep your showers short.
13) Hang your laundry to dry
Using a clothes dryer is a major energy drain, so consider hanging your clothes to dry instead. This is an especially good option during the warmer months.
14) Bring your own reusable bags
Single-use plastic bags are a major source of waste, so bring your own reusable bags when you go shopping. This helps reduce waste and saves you money on bags at the store.
15) Unplug "energy vampires"
Many electronics, even when turned off, continue to use energy if they are plugged in. This is known as standby power, and it can add up over time.
One simple way to live more sustainably in 2023 is to make sure to turn off lights and unplug electronics when they are not in use. This not only saves energy, but it can also help to save money on your monthly electricity bills. It is especially important to unplug electronics, such as computers and chargers, when they are not in use because they can still use a small amount of energy, known as standby power, even when they are turned off. By taking the time to turn off lights and unplug electronics when they are not needed, you can help to reduce your carbon footprint and do your part in protecting the environment, as well as save money!
16) Batch cook and meal plan
Planning your meals in advance can help you reduce food waste and save time and money. Consider cooking larger batches of food and freezing leftovers for future meals.
17) Walk, bike, or use public transportation
Transportation is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, so reducing your driving can make a big impact. Consider walking, biking, or using public transportation instead of driving whenever possible.
18) Plant a vegetable garden to grow your own food
Why rely on the grocery store when you can grow your own delicious and nutritious vegetables right at home? Planting a vegetable garden is a simple and sustainable way to take charge of your food source in 2023. Plus, there's something incredibly satisfying about harvesting your own produce and getting your hands dirty in the process, and homegrown produce just tastes better. So why not give it a try? You may just discover a hidden green thumb and save some money on groceries in the process.
Planting a veggie garden not only helps reduce your carbon footprint by cutting down on transportation emissions from importing produce, but it also allows you to have complete control over what goes into your food.
19) Use energy-efficient light bulbs
Looking to save energy (and money) in 2023? One simple yet effective way is to switch to energy-efficient light bulbs. These bulbs may have a higher upfront cost, but they last longer and use less energy, leading to long-term savings on your electricity bills. Plus, with a variety of styles and wattages to choose from, you can still achieve the perfect level of brightness without breaking the bank or the planet. So why not make the switch and do your part to live sustainably? Your wallet (and the environment) will thank you.
20) Use a reusable straw or invest in a metal straw
Why not sip sustainably? Using a reusable straw, whether it be made of metal, glass, or silicone, is a small yet impactful way to live sustainably. Not only will you be reducing waste, but you'll also be helping to protect marine life, as plastic straws are one of the top 10 items found during beach cleanups. So why not invest in a stylish metal straw or keep a reusable one on hand, ditch the disposable straw and join the reusable revolution. Your taste buds (and the planet) will thank you.
21) Buy second-hand appliances, gadgets, and furniture
Looking for a budget-friendly and sustainable way to upgrade your home in 2023? Try buying second-hand appliances, gadgets, and furniture. Not only will you be giving these items a new lease on life, but you'll also be helping to reduce waste and the demand for new products, which can be resource-intensive to produce. Plus, with a little bit of searching, you might just find some hidden gems that give your home a unique and one-of-a-kind touch.
22) Support organisations that work to protect the environment
Want to make a difference in the fight for sustainability in 2023? One way to do your part is by supporting organisations that work to protect the environment. Whether it's through donations, volunteering your time, or simply spreading the word about their efforts, every little bit helps. By supporting these organisations, you can help to fund important research, campaigns, and initiatives that are working to protect the planet and ensure a sustainable future for all. The planet (and future generations) will thank you.
23) Educate others about the importance of sustainability
Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to sustainability. In 2023, make it a priority to educate yourself and others about the importance of sustainability and how we can all do our part to protect the planet. This can be as simple as properly recycling and teaching others about what can and cannot be recycled, to using your social media platform to inform others about ways to reduce energy and water consumption (through re-sharing graphics, etc). By sharing this knowledge and raising awareness, we can all work together to create a more sustainable future.
By incorporating these sustainable practices into your daily routine, you can make a positive impact on the environment and save money in the long run. There are so many simple yet impactful ways to live more sustainably in 2023. From using reusable shopping bags and water bottles, to planting a vegetable garden and supporting organisations that protect the environment, every small action can add up to make a big difference.
By making sustainable choices and educating ourselves and others about the importance of protecting the planet, we can all do our part to create a more sustainable future. So as you look towards the new year, consider adopting a few of these habits and making a commitment to sustainability. Let's make 2023 the year that we all make a conscious effort to live more sustainably and protect the earth for generations to come.
