They say it’s not easy being green, but I beg to differ. Living more sustainably doesn’t have to involve huge sacrifices, just a few mindful switches here and there. I’ve put together a list of 10 easy changes you can implement in your daily life to live in a more eco-friendly fashion, without sacrificing your luxuries. Small sustainable actions can make a big difference if you’re consistent.  

1 – Choose High Quality Clothing Over Fast Fashion 

It’s no secret that fast fashion is terrible for the planet. Fashion contributes to 10% of global carbon emissions and pollutes rivers and oceans with plastic. As if that weren’t enough, the fashion industry is also the second-largest consumer of water in the world. But what can you do? I mean, you’ve got to buy clothes, right?

Choosing long-lasting, high quality clothing over fast fashion is a much more sustainable way to shop. Fast fashion brands are constantly churning out new items, which means their environmental impact is greater. On top of this, the cheap synthetic fibres used in these garments can often cause nasty chemicals to be released, such as nitrous oxide which is around 200 times more harmful than carbon dioxide. Ouch. 

And if all that weren’t enough, fast fashion garments don’t tend to last very long and have to be replaced quickly. Thus, the fast fashion industry uses a lot more resources producing a very high volume of goods. 

High quality clothes, however, last far longer. Therefore, your carbon footprint greatly shrinks over time when you invest in clothes that will last you years, rather than months. If this isn’t a good reason to buy yourself some luxury garments, then I don’t know what is.

But it doesn’t end there. Many high-end brands such as Stella McCartney, Vivienne Westwood and Tiffany & Co are actively embracing sustainable business practices. Their products not only offer longevity, but also reassurance that they were produced in an environmentally-conscious way.

 

2 – Go Reusable 

It’s time to kiss goodbye to single-use plastic and invest in some reusable items. This is a pretty hot trend right now anyway so there are lots of eco-chic items out there so that you can accessorize as you save the planet. I recommend you start by purchasing the following items:

• Reusable coffee cup 
• Metal or bamboo straws 
• Canvas tote bags for shopping (these look way cooler than plastic bags too, let’s be honest.) 
• Refillable water bottles 

3 – Ditch Chewing Gum 

Remember the rumor that chewing gum stays in your system for seven years if you swallow it? That wasn’t true, but it does stick around on Earth for about five years after you spit it out. Gross. I was surprised to learn that chewing gum is around 80% plastic, so it’s not an environmentally friendly (quasi) snack at all. Also, I personally hate the sound of people smacking their gum so that’s a nice bonus for me, too. 

4 – Go Plant-Based 

Meat and dairy are not good for the planet. Industrial farming has a huge environmental impact. It causes huge carbon emissions, loss of wildlife and water pollution to name but a few problems. Red meat and cows’ milk products are among the worst offenders, since they cause more emissions than all of the world’s transport vehicles combined. 

Now, I’m not saying you have to go full-on vegan – or even vegetarian – but switching animal products for plant-based alternatives is a big step towards a more sustainable lifestyle. It’s okay to start small, for example, taking part in meat free Monday or swapping cow’s milk for oat, almond or soy. Often, we consume animal products without even thinking about it but being more mindful of your meat and milk consumption is an easy way to shrink your carbon footprint. 

5 – Use LED Bulbs 

LED light bulbs last 3-25 times longer than the regular kind and they use 25-80% less energy. Basically, even if you pick the least environmentally friendly LED bulb out there, you’ll still be making a difference to your energy consumption – and saving money on your electricity bill. It’s a win-win situation. 

6 – Recycle

Most of what we throw away can actually be recycled. Taking a few minutes to sort out your empty containers and packages before you trash them can have a positive effect on the planet. Instead of throwing old clothes away, why not sell them on sites like Depop or donate them to a local charity shop or clothing bank?

7 – Turn It Off

Again, this one’s a no-brainer and it just requires a little forethought and mindfulness. Unplugging and switching off your electronic devices can make a really big difference to your carbon emissions over time. If you struggle to remember, write post-it notes to yourself around the house or set reminders on your phone. 

8 – Cycle or Walk Where You Can 

We all know that cars are no friend to the environment but I’m not asking you to give up your vehicle. However, walking or cycling when you can is a sustainable mode of transport. It’s not just good for the planet, either. There are significant benefits to your physical and mental health, too.

9 – Plastic Free Personal Care 

It’s surprisingly easy to eliminate plastic from your bathroom cabinet. There’s an ever-growing demand for plastic-free personal care items, which means there’s plenty of choice out there. Opt for:

• Shampoo bars, or a refillable bottle of shampoo, though the latter is harder to find. 

• Toothpaste tabs rather than disposable plastic tubes of toothpaste. 

• Refillable deodorant – bonus points for natural deodorant!

• Reusable razors. Those disposable ones aren’t that great anyway! 

10 – Don’t Waste Food

I’m all for composting, but it’s important to minimize your food waste as much as possible. Meal planning and prepping is a good way to ensure that everything gets eaten. If a product is about to go to waste, why not try to donate it instead of throwing it away? 

So there are my top tips for sustainable living! For more on conscious living, why not check out the best cruelty free skin care brands?