Making the switch to a more sustainable lifestyle can be daunting. I know because I’ve done it. Luckily, more companies are embracing a greener future and the sustainable changes that go along with it. From reusable packaging, compostable material, and regenerative agriculture, there are many improvements large and small companies are making. If you’re unsure of where to begin on your sustainable living journey, here are 3 easy sustainable switches you can make today.
Sustainable Switch 1 – Reuse Items
Reusing items like water bottles and shopping bags are simple ways to cut down on how much single-use plastic you use.
You’d be hard-pressed to shop in a store that didn’t offer some type of reusable bag. I remember first seeing the large bags at Marshall’s, and now they’re basically everywhere.
By spending a few cents to maybe a dollar, you can help lower your plastic consumption.
Finding a water bottle you love will seriously change your life. Not only will it help you save money by not needing to buy water as often, but you’ll never be thirsty again.
Even if you’re traveling, having a reusable bottle is easier than ever. Many airports have water fountains that have spouts to refill bottles after passing through security. I love my Takeya brand metal bottle.
Other great and easy sustainable switches I love are using reusable cotton rounds and a soap saver pouch. I purchased my cotton rounds from my friend Shauna, who handmakes every piece she sells on her site, The Living Greene.
I also purchased my soap-saver pouch from her, too. The pouch holds your bar of soap so it doesn’t wash away too quickly sitting in the shower, while also doubling as a washcloth! They’re the best of both worlds.
Sustainable Switch 2 – Start Thrifting
Thrifting items can be fun and rewarding. I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Thrifting is exactly that! Just because someone donates an item to Goodwill or the Salvation Army doesn’t mean it’s old or worthless.
I have personally donated many things that either didn’t fit my body or style, no longer had a purpose in my home, or I just didn’t feel like I needed them anymore. My “trash” surely became someone else’s treasure.
You can find many things in thrift stores that are brand new with tags or expensive items for a fraction of their retail cost. By purchasing thrifted items, you’re helping to decrease the number of items that potentially end up in landfills and our oceans and decrease reliance on fast fashion.
Sustainable Switch 3 – Shop Locally
Shopping locally is great for the local economy and the greater good. Shopping locally can typically save you money due to the decreased distance the products traveled to get to you.
The less distance the products need to travel, the lower their carbon footprint. Shopping locally is also great for getting fresher, in-season goods like fruits and vegetables. You may also get the chance to know exactly where your food has come from, which is very empowering.
This is an easy sustainable switch that can be accomplished by visiting local farmer’s markets or even checking your grocery store for items that are labeled “locally sourced” or something similar.
What is an easy sustainable switch you’ve made? Let me know below!
xoxo,
