We can all contribute to the well-being of the world we live in The best part is that you can start in small ways in your own home. No, we’re not talking about only getting rid of all your clutter, although that’s always good to do now and then. The choices we make every day — the clothes we buy (the ones we need and the ones we think we need!), the food we eat, and the products we use in our home, all impact the environment in more ways than we’d imagine. 

Changing your lifestyle can feel overwhelming. Don't fret — it’s not hard to sustainably. Here is a list of some easy ways to make a difference, one choice at a time.

 1. Think before you buy!

So many of us are guilty of buying more than we need. With social media influencing our purchasing decisions, we are often compelled to try out the newest products — be it  clothes, food, gadgets, and more. Sometimes we pick out toys for our kids and their rooms end up feeling like toy stores themselves! 

A great resource is The Roundup where they share eco-friendly tips 

Do I really need this item in my home? Will I be able to do without it? Pausing for a moment and asking ourselves these questions will give us the clarity we need before making unnecessary purchases. And the less you buy, the less waste you will generate.

2.  Sustainable food choices

One of the significant contributors to landfills is the food waste that we generate. You can start small by avoiding processed foods, which will be good for your waistline, energy levels, and the planet too! Small changes in your shopping cart can go a long way to reducing plastic waste, energy use, and thereby reducing your carbon footprint. Serving yourself smaller portions and getting seconds as needed will also reduce food waste from over-serving. Another small change with a big impact involves eating more plants and less meat. The latter contributes to carbon dioxide emissions during their processing. A simple ‘Meatless Monday’ concept is a good start towards eating sustainably. From there, try cutting it out of one meal every day.

3.  Fix what is fixable

A great way to use less and waste less is to recycle what you already have. If you look for things around the house that are reusable, you will find ways to repurpose them. Fixing what is broken will help reduce your landfill contribution and improve your financial health! Use old containers to store groceries, cut up old t-shirts to use as rags, and polish dull jewelry to make it look brand new.

4.  Ditch everything that you will use once

Every single-use object contributes to waste: plastic cups and straws, plastic bags, facial wipes, paper towels (and many more items — you get the gist!). Although convenient, these items cause more harm than good since their use is limited. Instead, opt for reusable cloths, metal straws, reusable bags ( We love stasher), and reusable water bottles.

4.  In everything you do — think organic!

With the influx of brands focused on sustainability, it's time we put our money to work. Buy items that are made responsibly with the environment in mind. Choose wooden toys instead of plastic ones, cleaning agents that contain non-synthetic ingredients instead of chemicals, natural ingredient shampoos, shoes made from plant-based & recycled materials, energy-saving lightbulbs — the list is endless! Make a conscious effort to look for ethically produced goods. Research brands that support sustainable practices and share them with your friends.

A great resource for eco-friendly products and tips on ways to live more sustainably is The Roundup.