10 ways to be more sustainable in your everyday life

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Are you wondering how you can be more sustainable in your everyday life? In my day job as CMO at Permutable AI, a sustainability intelligence start-up, I am forever confronted with the shocking truth about the environmental impacts of the human race.

There may be many disbelievers professing that the climate crisis is in fact a climate scam. However, I can tell you from my hours looking at the facts and figures of our impacts which translate into various forms of environmental pollution, the depletion of our natural resources and the destruction of nature that this is all very real.

All of this is happening now. Not in the future.

It is because of this, that each day that passes that I look for ways to be more sustainable in my every day.

Though I am certainly no angel nor perfect, I do believe that if we all make small changes then all of these on mass will add up – and send a stronger signal to the companies and governments who are so far being very slow to act.

Here I share some ways that you, I and everybody else can be more sustainable in your everyday life.

10 ways to be more sustainable in your everyday life

Reduce, reuse, and recycle

The classic “3 R’s” are still important in reducing waste and conserving resources. Cut out single-use items such as plastic bags, straws, and water bottles, and instead, invest in reusable alternatives. Donate or repurpose items instead of throwing them away, and properly recycle items that can’t be reused. As a simple rule, I try to buy as much as I can firsthand (clothes-wise, I love Vinted for this). Only if I really can’t find it second hand will I then consider buying new. Another excellent idea is to investigate toy swapping subscriptions.

Conserve energy and water

Turning off lights and electronics when not in use, using energy-efficient light bulbs, and adjusting thermostats to save energy can make a big difference in reducing your carbon footprint. Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, fix leaks promptly, and use water-efficient appliances and fixtures.

Choose sustainable transportation

Walking, biking, or taking public transportation instead of driving alone in a car can greatly reduce emissions and save money on gas. Consider carpooling or using ride-sharing services when necessary. And also….does your household really need two cars?

Eat a largely plant-based diet

The meat and dairy industry is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation. Reducing meat consumption or adopting a plant-based diet can greatly reduce your environmental impact.

Minimise food waste

Did you know that U.S. food loss and waste embodies 170 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (million MTCO2e) GHG emissions (excluding landfill emissions)? That’s equal to the annual CO2 emissions of 42 coal-fired power plants. In the UK it’s around 25 million tonnes CO2e.

A really simple and brilliant way of minimizing food waste is to freeze food. Unless I know that the food I have purchased is going to be eaten in the next 1-2 days, it goes straight in the freezer. It is amazing how much food waste you can avoid just by this simple act.

Buy sustainable products

Look for products made from sustainable materials, such as bamboo, organic cotton, or recycled materials. Choose products with minimal packaging, and support companies that prioritize sustainability. The fashion industry is one of the most unsustainable sectors imaginable and the second biggest polluting industry in the world!

If you are looking to make more sustainable fashion choices, check out This is Unfolded, where you can shop for sustainable, affordable clothes. Their clothes are produced after they’ve taken the orders to match, delivered direct from their sustainable factories, minimizing waste and supporting workers along the way. We love both their Women’s and Kidswear.

be more sustainable
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Support local and organic food

Buying locally grown produce reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation, and organic farming practices promote soil health and biodiversity. Use environmentally friendly cleaning products: Many household cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that can be detrimental to the environment and human health. Choose products that are eco-friendly and biodegradable.

Reduce paper usage

This one is dead simple. Use email instead of paper mail, opt for electronic billing and statements, and reuse scrap paper for notes and lists.

Switch your finances to green options

Want to personally have a positive impact on climate change? One of the single most powerful things you can do is to stop the money saved in your bank and pension from going to the fossil fuel giants. Head to www.MyMotherTree.com to calculate your money’s carbon footprint and help you switch to a greener way to save, which is something I am personally in the process of doing.

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Reduce period waste

According to the Women’s Environmental Network plastic products – such as sanitary pads – can take up to a thousand years to decompose in landfills or in the ocean. It is estimated that an average 500 million sanitary products end up in landfill every month. Half of UK women flush tampons away​. It has been estimated that 1.5-2 billion menstrual items are flushed down Britain’s toilets each year.

There are so many great sustainable alternatives on the market now. I strongly urge you to consider switching to some of favourites which include ModiBodi period pants, Trade to Aid reusable sanitary pads or AllMatters Menstrual Cup all of which are fabulously comfy and really no big drama to use.

By making these small changes, we can all contribute to a more sustainable future. Remember, sustainability is not just an individual effort, but a collective one. Ready to help? We are the 25% and we need to encourage others to adopt sustainable habits, and support policies and initiatives that promote sustainability on a larger scale. Together, we can make a positive impact on the environment and create a brighter future for generations to come.

For more content on being more sustainable why not read:

6 ways you can be kinder to the planet in 2023 & beyond

Ethical and sustainable children’s clothing to dress your kids in

Simple ways to reduce your carbon footprint at home

Ways to raise earth loving kids

How to help your family adopt a more plant-based diet

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