13 Painless Habits that Will Help the Environment

Whether or not you are new to the environmental movement, at some point, it is likely you have seen headlines that promise easy tips and tricks for lessening your footprint and shifting towards sustainable living only to be disappointed by expensive or complicated changes that are not easily accessible. To combat this and allow for the environmental movement to be more inclusive, I have compiled a short, digestible list of habits and lifestyle changes where, at least a few - if not all, should be applicable to each reader. If you try any or have any additions to the list to share, please leave us a comment below!

1. Go paperless with bills and other statements

This simple switch, if your provider(s)/bank(s) allows, is a quick way to reduce your paper trail, emissions associated with snail mail, and overall waste.

2. Water plants in the early morning

This is a trick I was taught at a young age when I would help my mother in her garden; the lesson was once again brought to my attention when I was completing an internship with an organic farmer. Early mornings allow for more water to actually be absorbed into the soil and through the roots of the plant. If you water midday, increased evaporation will cause more water loss and require more frequent watering.

3. Buy local when possible

I am sure this isn’t the first time you have heard this advice but it really can make a difference! Aside from helping your local communities, these transactions usually require less plastic and packaging and overall carbon emissions, for instance a farmers market where produce is not being flown in or transported non-seasonally.

4. Unsubscribe from junk mail and junk email

Similar to transitioning to paperless statements (above), unsubscribing from junk mail will help with material waste, and clutter! Even better, doing the same with your email inbox will actually help the environment as electricity is generated and used everytime emails are sent and received. So, aside from offering yourself a clearer inbox and mind, you can also save on energy use.

5. Invest in an E-Reader

An e-reader will help you save on material as well as save emissions from ordering books or textbooks from sites like amazon. It can also be cheaper in the long run if you are an avid reader. Alternatively, if you are drawn to physical books, try buying them second-hand and from independent bookstores as the next best choice.

6. Be selective with flushing, no, seriously!

Save water, flush less! If you live alone, this may work best; however, if you have your own bathroom it can still be an option! The less you flush, the more water you could conserve throughout the day. Of course, be selective and use your discretion, but don’t knock it until you try it! For now, a popular rhyme to remember the next time you use the bathroom: “If it’s yellow, let it mellow.”

7. Throw your food scraps in the garden

Food left to rot in landfills runs the risk of being covered by plastic or other materials that will prevent it from breaking down properly and, as a result, release excess methane. To avoid this, throw your natural, biodegradable scraps in your yard/garden as nutrients for the soils and animals. Again use discretion, I’d recommend sticking to whole foods such as apple cores rather than, say, leftover pad thai from a restaurant.

8. Instead of doing laundry every week, only do it when you have full loads

This habit will help save energy and limit excess water usage. The same logic applies to dishwashers. Doing full loads will ensure that you are getting the maximum use from your appliances and resources used. If you want to go a step further, try to air-dry dishes and clothes when possible too.

9. Use smaller plates to help food waste.

Put simply: Sometimes your eyes are bigger than your stomach! Save on food waste by starting with smaller portions and be sure to save any leftovers when possible!

10. Forgo plastic utensils with carryout orders

A quick tip is to stash a reusable set of utensils in your bag at all times so you are always prepared if eating somewhere other than home or dine-in restaurants.

11. Bring your own containers for leftovers

Reusable containers > Styrofoam and other single-use alternatives.

12. Buy products with minimal packaging and in bulk, when possible and reasonable

Of course, this may not be accessible to everyone depending on location, grocer choices, and household size. However, small changes can still be found and can make a difference when practiced for years and/or by many. For example, opting for loose leaf tea vs tea bags is a great start.

13. Eat less meat and factory-farmed animal products

You don’t have to commit to a vegan, or even vegetarian, lifestyle change; though, you may find you want to after looking around your local grocer and allowing yourself to notice how many great options are out there! Starting with Meatless Mondays or doing online diet challenges, for free! There are a lot of ways to start, so do your research and find what would be most comfortable for your individual dietary needs.

Finally, be mindful about your habits. Ask “How long will this last?” or “Is this necessary?” This may be the most important tip for understanding your personal consumption patterns and identify any other ways you can make changes in your day-to-day activities. With that, good luck and let us know what changes work best for you!