Living a More Sustainable Lifestyle – 5 Simple Tips
Have you decided to make some changes in your life this year to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle?
If so, you're not alone. After all, the start of a new year is when many people take steps to improve their lives or change some old habits. One of the most significant changes you can make is to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle. This is a great way to save money while also helping to protect the environment and live more intentionally. Fortunately, you've come to the right place for advice on shifting to renewable energy and creating a sustainable home.
Importantly, don't let perfection be the enemy of your good intentions. Do what you can now and be proud—this is not about needing to meet some kind of unrealistic ideal.
Keep reading to learn more about creating a sustainable lifestyle with these five simple ideas.
1) Buy Clothes at Second-Hand Shops
One excellent way to make your house more of a green home is to buy fewer brand-new items. Second-hand shops typically have many of the latest fashions at great prices, as well as desirable vintage pieces. Thus you'll continue to wear the clothes you love without spending a fortune.
Second-hand Shops, Online and Physical to check out:
2) Use Alternatives to Plastic Food Storage
And when you do go shopping, it's important to make the switch from paper or plastic to cloth. Keep in mind that most stores offer reusable bags to customers at a low cost. Even if you have to buy several for your shopping trips, they are definitely worth the investment.
You can actually use cloth bags for many years. Just remember to toss them in the washing machine every once in a while to keep them clean. The same is true for reusable sandwich bags.
Plastic wrap is a tried & true way to seal food items. Consider an alternative that will save you money over time, a beeswax wrap. It's available in all sizes and in lots of cute prints too!
Additionally, glass food storage containers offer a more sustainable alternative to their often less durable plastic counterparts. Additionally, they can double as serving bowls. Even better, everyday grocery items come in glass jars—free reusable containers!
3) Start a Garden
One of the best things to create a sustainable home is to plant a garden in your backyard or your community gardening space. For starters, this is a great way to ensure that your family has a plentiful supply of healthy foods to eat. It will also help save money on your grocery bill, reduce waste, and it's a proven stress reliever.
The key is to plant various vegetables and focus on eating those foods first before buying produce items from the store.
4) Install a Solar Power System
In recent years, an increasing number of homeowners have discovered the tremendous benefits of switching to renewable energy. That's because solar panels and accompanying batteries & other accessories are both eco-friendly and help save a ton of money on monthly energy bills. Plus, they boost property value, so you'll be able to get your money back when you're ready to sell your home.
Here's a great resource that will help you locate an experienced solar provider near you.
5) Drive an Electric Car
Do you drive a gas-guzzling car? Now is the time to switch to something more fuel-efficient. The best strategy is to trade your old ride in on an electric vehicle. If that's not in the budget, look for an option that gets better fuel economy.
Journey to a More Sustainable Lifestyle
There are some great benefits to embracing a more sustainable lifestyle. For starters, it brings greater awareness of how you choose to spend your resources—money, time, and energy. This is a considerable part of intentional living.
But don't get caught up in overly polished eco-friendly narratives seen on social media or by the more well-to-do. Perfection isn't the name of the game; it's taking small steps to help you live a more healthy, fulfilling way of life that can save you money!
Tiny house living is one of the most sustainable housing options, compared to larger new homes and older inefficient houses.
Read our new book, The Beginner's Guide to Tiny Houses, for more on how tiny home living can benefit you, what your options are, and if it's right for you right now.
