Sustainable and green living is essential for the health of our planet and our well-being, and it is urgent that we take action now. As an eco-leader to young children and a journalist on sustainable living, these leadership roles have allowed me to see how each one of us can have an impact on our planet as stewards of the earth.

The impact of climate change, pollution, and environmental degradation is posing significant threats to our world, and we must make environmentally-friendly choices in our daily lives. Websites like Going Zero Waste and Simply Living Green with Rebekah point us in the right direction and help guide us to a greener planet.

Through my living and expertise, I have put together a short list with easy suggestions providing practical tips on how to live a more sustainable lifestyle and explore the importance of reducing our carbon footprint. 

What Are Our Global Goals Towards Green Living?

The Paris Agreement aims to limit global temperature rise and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, there are 197 parties that have signed and ratified the Paris Agreement.  All countries that have signed the agreement are actively participating, but some countries are taking more ambitious actions than others. 

The United States is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement through aggressive actions such as investing in research and development of new technologies, increasing the use of renewable energy, and reducing emissions from buildings and industry. Under the Obama administration, the US pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 26-28% below 2005 levels by 2025. 

While the Trump administration withdrew the US from the Paris Agreement in 2017, the Biden administration has since rejoined and pledged to take aggressive action on climate change. These actions demonstrate the US commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and leading on climate action under the Paris Agreement.

We all have a role to play in creating a more sustainable and equitable world, and reducing our carbon footprint is an essential way to take personal responsibility for our impact on the planet.

Although some of the links in this article are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission for suggesting them, we have done our best to suggest only the best quality out there. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases with the links provided in this article. In no way does this affect our description or review of their products. 

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15 TIPS to Sustainable

and Green Living

Green Living Tip #1

Reduce, reuse, and recycle

This is a well-known mantra for a reason. Try to reduce the amount of waste you produce, reuse items whenever possible, and recycle everything you can. Invest in a recycling bin that allows you to separate easily and keep you on track.  

Take a look at what Americans are currently recycling, try to follow in their footsteps, or do better by reducing your consumption.  

Green LivingTip #2

Conserve water

Take shorter showers, fix leaky faucets, and use water-saving devices like a toilet-bowl water control valve or a low-flow showerhead.  

Conserving water not only helps to reduce water waste and ensure access to clean water for future generations, but it also contributes to greener lifestyles by reducing energy consumption. The EPA estimates that 16% of the energy used in a typical home is used to heat water. By reducing hot water usage through water conservation, individuals can also reduce their carbon footprint and energy bills. 

Overall, conserving water is a simple yet effective way to live greener and more sustainably.

Green LivingTip #3 

Use energy-efficient appliances

Upgrade to energy-efficient light bulbs, appliances, and electronics to reduce your energy consumption.  In my home we replaced every bulb with LED and have updated a few of our appliances.  We have seen a big reduction in our bills.  

If you’re wondering which energy efficient appliances can reap the most benefits, refrigerators, dishwashers and front-loading washing machines can provide the most savings.  

Green Living Tip #4  

Use alternative transportation

The COVID19 pandemic helped us to reduce energy consumption in the transportation sector, but as we continue to return to the office, our emissions are steadily increasing again. 

Find more statistics at  Statista

Walk, bike, or take public transportation whenever possible to reduce your carbon footprint.  If your commute is a little far, try buying an electric bicycle to reduce your carbon footprint and give you a breath of fresh air at the same time!

Green Living Tip #5:  

Eat a plant-based diet

Eating less meat and dairy can have a significant impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and saving water.  This is because producing meat and dairy requires more resources and produces more greenhouse gas emissions than producing plant-based foods.

Amazon even has a large selection of plant-based substitutes that you can get delivered right to your door!

There are several tools that can help you transition to a plant-based diet:

Meal planning apps: Apps such as Mealime and Forks Over Knives provide meal plans and recipes tailored to a plant-based diet. Websites such as Two Spoons and Oh She Glows offer a variety of plant-based recipes that are easy to make and delicious.

Green LivingTip #6  

Compost

Composting food waste can divert it from landfills and create nutrient-rich soil for gardening.  Composting supports a lower carbon footprint because it helps to reduce the amount of organic waste that goes into landfills. If you are new to composting, on this website Anthony shows everything you need to know about beginning to compost: https://helpmecompost.com/.

I am now on my second composter for our household and it helps me grow great vegetables in the summer and greatly reduce our household waste.  If you live in an apartment, read our article on Urban Composting.

Green Living Tip #7

Support sustainable products

Look for products made from sustainable materials and produced using environmentally-friendly methods. We published an article on the best eco-friendly finds on Amazon.  Take a look at our list here.

If you’re replacing conventional products with sustainable products, start with small things like insulated reusable water bottles, cleaning products, and solar powered outdoor lights.  

For more ideas on sustainable products, our section on Healthy Home Life. 

Green LivingTip #8 

Reduce paper use

Use digital documents whenever possible, print double-sided, and recycle paper products.  At our school, we use GOOS (good on one side) bins in every room so that we are able to use paper to its fullest capacity.  Make sure when buying paper that you are purchasing paper that is from recycled sources like this one.  If you’re wondering how to go paperless at home more efficiently, The Minimalist Vegan has a great article on this very topic!

Green Living Tip #9  

Use reusable bags, containers, and utensils

Carry a reusable bag when shopping, bring a reusable water bottle and coffee cup, and pack your lunch in a reusable container with utensils.  These are simple solutions that could have a large effect on the planet with every person that contributes.  

Thankfully, many grocery stores are already banning single plastic bags, but we have to go a step further and now remember to pack other simple things like compact cutlery, compact bottles and containers.  

Green Living Tip #10  

Support renewable energy

Consider installing solar panels, supporting clean energy policies, or purchasing green energy from your utility company.  Solar energy from the sun still remains the top source of renewable energy.  As panels and installation become cheaper, this type of energy becomes more accessible and available to the mainstream population.  

Consider learning about installing your own panels to sell back to the grid to live greener and more sustainably.  Unbound Solar offers a wealth of advice on installing your own solar panels.  

Green Living Tip #11 

Plant a tree

Trees absorb carbon dioxide and provide many other environmental benefits, so planting one is a great way to contribute to a healthier planet.  

According to the Arbor Day Foundation, a single mature tree can absorb as much as 48 pounds of carbon dioxide per year and can sequester one ton of carbon dioxide by the time it reaches 40 years old. 

Additionally, trees help to improve air and water quality, prevent soil erosion, provide habitat for wildlife, and can even help to reduce noise pollution. Planting trees can also have economic benefits, such as increasing property values and providing shade that can reduce energy costs. 

Overall, planting trees is a simple and effective way to help mitigate the impacts of climate change and support a healthier planet.

If you’re looking to plant a tree in memory of someone, Tree Giver is a great program.  

Green Living Tip #12

Reduce your overall consumption

Buy only what you need, avoid disposable items, and repair or repurpose items whenever possible.  In today’s ultra-driven consumer society, this may be easier said than done, but it is our responsibility to use less and need less.  The future of the planet depends on it.  

For those of you needing some help with this step, Stefanie O’Connel shares some very frank advice in her article HOW TO STOP BUYING SH*T YOU DON’T NEED.

Also, ask yourself these three questions before buying something new:

1. Do I really need this item, or is it something that I want impulsively?
2. Can I borrow, rent, or purchase a used version of this item instead of buying it new?
3. Will this item bring long-term value and benefit to my life, or will it only be used a few times and then forgotten or discarded?

Green Living Tip #13

Choose eco-friendly cleaning products

Use natural cleaning products that are safe for the environment and your health. Read our in-depth review on Force of Nature Cleaner or try one of these greener products for your home cleaning needs:

Method All-Purpose Cleaner: Made with plant-based ingredients, this non-toxic cleaner is effective on a variety of surfaces.

Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Multi-Surface Cleaner: Made with essential oils, this cleaner is biodegradable and works on a variety of surfaces.

Seventh Generation Free and Clear Dish Liquid: This dishwashing liquid is free of dyes, fragrances, and phosphates, and is made with plant-based ingredients.

Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Strips: This laundry detergent is phosphate-free, and biodegradable, and comes in strips making it a great option for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

Biokleen Bac-Out Stain and Odor Remover: Made with live enzyme cultures, this eco-friendly cleaner is effective at removing tough stains and odors.

Green Living Tip #14

Participate in community initiatives

Join or start a community garden, participate in local environmental cleanup efforts, or support environmentally-friendly initiatives in your community.

Green Living Tip #15

Educate Others

Share your knowledge and encourage others to make sustainable choices in their daily lives.

The best way to educate others about green living is to lead by example and share your personal experiences and knowledge. Start by implementing eco-friendly practices in your own life. You can also provide resources such as articles, books, documentaries, and podcasts to help others learn more about green living.

Additionally, engage in open and respectful conversations with those who may have different opinions or beliefs, and emphasize the benefits of living sustainably for both the individual and the planet. Remember that change takes time, and it’s important to be patient and persistent in your efforts to educate and inspire others.

Conclusion

In conclusion, living a greener and more sustainable lifestyle is not only essential for our planet’s health, but it also contributes to our well-being. 

By implementing some of the 15 ways discussed in this article, such as conserving water, eating a plant-based diet, composting, and supporting renewable energy, we can all make a positive impact on the environment. For information on how sustainable fashion help the planet, click here.

By being mindful of our choices and making small changes in our daily habits, we can collectively work towards a healthier and more sustainable future for ourselves and for generations to come. For more tips on products and solutions that can make our world a greener place, check out our section on Healthy Home Life.