Little Things for our Planet

Saving our planet is a big deal. So, it's only fitting that many of the sustainable lifestyle changes we are told to implement are big as well. It's never a bad thing to shoot for the sky when it comes to living sustainably, but for those of us who might feel intimidated, it's important to remember that starting small is better than not starting at all.

If you're not quite ready to make the giant lifestyle changes like getting rid of all animal products, or switching completely to efficient electricity, here is a list of little things you can start doing today.

1. Stock up on mason jars

If you're anything like me, this one's probably got you excited! I love the aesthetic of mason jars, but there is also a whole lot of functionality behind their beauty. Once you have a big collection of mason jars, you'll start to see that there are tons of opportunities to swap out a plastic bar.

2. Go to a farmer's market

When it comes to food, buying local food can make a big difference! Think about all of the pollution that is generated by food being shipped across the country or the world. But when you buy from a farmer's market, you're buying food that was grown in your own community. So there's no pollution behind it because it didn't have to be shipped in. Also, small local farmers are much more likely to use sustainable practices than big corporations. So, look for a farmer's market in your area and pick up some of your grocery essentials.

3. Ditch plastic straws

Why are plastic straws so bad? It's difficult to imagine straws making a big impact because they're so small. But the reason they're causing so much harm is because so many people use them so often, and they all end up in a landfill. It takes about five minutes to drink a beverage with a straw, then it's immediately tossed. But, lucky for us, there are plenty of sustainable alternatives to plastic straws! You can pick up some reusable straws and bring them with you on your coffee run so you don't need a disposable one. If you forget your reusable straw, try drinking your beverage without one or using a paper straw.

4. Unplug your chargers

Have you ever heard of vampire power? Basically what it means is when your chargers are still plugged into the wall, even if your phone is unplugged, the chargers are still sucking up electricity. It's convenient to leave them plugged in all the time so you can just plug your phone in any time, but unplugging them is gonna save you some electricity!

5. Start using a nut for laundry detergent

Have you ever heard of soap nuts? It might sound strange, but these nuts really work as a clean, natural, and plastic-free alternative to laundry detergent.

6. Plant some trees

Trees are so good for our environment! You may not be able to plant a forest, but maybe you can add a few little trees to your backyard. Pick up some young trees from your local garden center.

7. Let it mellow when it's yellow

Yes, I'm talking about the toilet. This sounds strange and a little uncomfortable, but it's not hard to get used to. Flushing the toilet takes a lot of water, so reducing the amount of times you flush saves a whole lot.

8. Carry reusable bags with you

We all know the benefits of using reusable bags rather than plastic, but it's easy to forget to bring them to the store. The solution? Keep them in your car. Take them everywhere with you. You never know when you might want to stop to buy groceries! Another method that's worked well for me is putting a hook right next to my door where I hang my reusable bag so I don't forget it. And if you do forget, maybe try to limit your groceries to an amount you can carry without a bag.

9. Plant a garden

We talked about eating local food, and it doesn't get more local than your backyard! Planting a vegetable garden has so many benefits. First, it's great for the environment if you're eating food from your backyard. It also puts some healthy food right in front of you, and it's great for the bees! If you don't have a lot of space, don't let that limit you. Check out some urban farming hacks.

10. Thrift shop more often

Thrift shopping is a great option for clothes shopping! Fast fashion is harmful because it creates a culture of buying new clothes often and throwing them away quickly. But thrift stores are like recycling for clothes. You might even consider thrifting all of your clothes!

I hope these suggestions helped you see that living sustainably is doable. See if you can pick one or two from the list that you can get started on right now! If you liked this article, give it a share to spread the word about sustainable living.