12 Steps To A More Sustainable Lifestyle

When we hear that we all have a collective responsibility to live more sustainably, do we know what that means? It can feel overwhelming to know where to start when it comes to making changes in our day-to-day life that will have a positive impact on the planet. Then there is always that question of, can our individual actions really make an impact? Currently, Canadians are showing how impactful individual actions are when done collectively. Many of us are choosing to shop Canadian right now. The outpouring of support has been incredible to see. No, we may not be able to buy 100 per cent Canadian made, but we are making the choice to choose Canadian wherever we can. This same approach can be taken when it comes to sustainability. We will never live a completely sustainable lifestyle, but we can make small decisions everyday where we choose to do better. 

If you are looking for some actionable ways to start making the way you live your day to day life  more sustainable, here’s a starters list to help. —Jen Pistor

Environmental Education

Learn about the food you eat, the clothes you wear, and the businesses you support through your purchases. Educating yourself on sustainable practices and sharing your knowledge with others is an important part of the sustainable lifestyle journey. Once you learn about the truth of many industries, it’s hard not to change your ways. There are tons of resources out there to help with education. Check out our list of 20 Podcasts to educate yourself on slow fashion. For sustainable living conversations, be sure to check out The Inspire Action Podcast and CBC’s What On Earth.

Reduce Food Waste

By simply reducing food waste, you will not only save money (who can afford to waste food right now?), but you’ll also reduce environmental impact. According to Telus World of Science, food waste contributes to an estimated 8-10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Wasting food also means that the resources and energy used to grow, transport, and store it are wasted. Meal planning is a very effective way to ensure you aren’t consuming more than you need. Have a plan when you go grocery shopping and don’t overdo it.

Skip Plastic Wherever You Can

It’s impossible to avoid all plastic, but there are alternatives for so many things these days. Plastic produce bags can be swapped for reusable cotton cloth ones. Instead of single-use coffee cups and lids, we can bring our own, make coffee at home, or drink in a mug at a coffee shop. According to EarthDay.org, 335 million metric tons of plastic are produced each year, with half of that destined for single use before it ends up in a landfill or the ocean—where it will remain forever, never decomposing. Synthetic fabrics are also plastic. Whenever possible, opt for natural fabrics like organic cotton, linen, Tencel, wool, silk, or hemp.

Opt for Reusable

Single-use anything is not sustainable. Think water bottles, grocery bags, straws, food containers, cutlery, holiday decorations, and even clothing. Buying an outfit to wear once isn’t good for your wallet or the planet. Think about borrowing or renting if you need a specific item for an event. Also, we don’t need 40 reusable water bottles—one or two will do the trick. That’s the whole point of reusable items.

Find Better Alternatives

A lot of everyday items have a huge environmental impact. Here are some easy swaps you can make today (but be sure to use up what you already have first):

• Safety razor instead of disposable ones
• Bamboo toothbrush instead of plastic ones
• Face cloths or reusable cotton face rounds instead of disposable makeup wipes
• Cloth napkins instead of paper ones
• Bars of soap instead of body wash

Reduce Energy Use at Home

We all use a lot of energy in our homes, but we can cut back.

• Turn your thermostat down. Pop on a cozy sweater or grab a blanket for those evenings on the couch.
• Turn off the lights. It’s an oldie but a goodie—we don’t need lights on in every room of our home.
• Turn off the tap. Hot water is a big energy waster. Making choices like not over-washing your clothes and switching to a cooler temperature can make a big positive impact.
• Unplug items that aren’t in use. This won’t be possible for everything, but unplugging your coffee maker and toaster between uses can make a difference.

Seal Up Your Home

A poorly insulated home can result in a 25% heat loss in the fall and winter months. Take a look in your attic space and see what’s actually happening in there. If unsure, opt for an energy audit to see where improvements can be made. A well-insulated home will prevent heat from escaping in the winter and keep things cooler in the summer, meaning your heating and cooling systems won’t have to work as hard.

Use It Again

Glass jars have got to be one of the best “use it again” items. That pasta sauce jar can be used for leftovers, jam jars make perfect little drinking glasses, and olive oil bottles work beautifully as vases. Before tossing something in the garbage or recycling bin, ask yourself: Can I use this again?

Eat Less Meat

No, you don’t have to give up meat altogether, but opting for vegetarian or even vegan meals a few times a week can make a big impact. Consider skipping more carbon-intensive meats like beef and pork in favor of poultry and fish. Buying from local farmers also reduces your environmental footprint.

Repair Before Replacing

Repairing an item instead of tossing it away is one of the BEST ways to make a positive impact. Whether it’s mending a piece of clothing, fixing a small appliance, or repairing furniture, every effort counts. If you can’t do it yourself, seek out services that can help with repairs.

Bank Responsibly

Do you know what your money is invested in? Could your bank be funding climate collapse? You can choose to bank smarter by putting your money where your beliefs are. Bank.Green allows you to see what your bank supports. For example, Vancity is one financial institution that does not fund or invest in fossil fuel companies and supports clean energy projects. Do a quick search on their site to see how your bank measures up.

Sign Petitions

Climate activism can take many forms—writing to government officials, taking part in peaceful protests, voting with your dollar, or signing petitions for causes you care about. Need a place to start? Visit the David Suzuki Foundation for multiple petitions you can sign today in support of Mother Earth.