5 Ways To Be More Sustainable

Earth Day is all about embracing our commitment to sustainability and environmentalism. Sometimes though, it can be a little tricky to maintain a sustainable lifestyle - or so you think!

There are a multitude of ways you can contribute to a healthier, happier planet, and they don't require a total upheaval of your regular way of life!

If you're looking for easy ways to join the fight against climate change and lead a more sustainable life, read on!

1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

You've heard it all over the place when it comes to sustainability and environmentalism, it's basically the catchphrase: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! When making purchases it's always a good idea to keep in mind three things: 

1. Does this purchase have a functional use or is it more of an impulse buy that will go to waste? 

2. Can I get multiple uses out of this purchase, or will it have to be discarded after one use? 

3. If it is a single-use purchase, are the materials recyclable? 

2. Save Water

Saving water may seem like a big task, but it can actually be a pretty easy adjustment!

Something as simple as not leaving the faucet running when washing dishes, produce, or even your teeth, can have a substantiable impact. 

If you're a houseplant and/or garden enthusiast, you might be wondering how it's possible to save water when you have a green collection to take care of. Worry not - there are some simple tricks to water conservation for your plants as well! 

When it comes to watering your plants, they actually prefer rainwater. Instead of watering your plants with water from the tap or store-bought bottles, try setting up rain collection basins. 

Place buckets or troughs outside your home that can collect rainwater the next time it rains; you can then use this water to water your plants!

3. Opt For Reusables 

Single-use plastic is one of the leading causes of pollution. However, it is an issue with a simple solution. By opting for reusable products, such as reusable water bottles, metal silverware, and cloth shopping bags, you are helping to eliminate the use of single-use plastics and subsequent pollution. 

What is single-use plastic? Single-use plastic is a product composed of plastic material, than can only be used functionally once before needing to dispose of it. 

4. Grow Your Own Produce

This suggestion is more time-consuming and commitment oriented than the rest of this list, but boy is it fruitful!

Growing your own veggies, fruit, and herbs, not only is a great way to save money on produce, but it also has many positive impacts on your health and the environment an:

1. By growing your own produce, you are reducing your carbon footprint. By not buying produce from the grocery store, you are minimizing the demand, which in turn contributes to the reduced use of fossil fuels being burned by produce transport vehicles. 

2. Growing your own garden organically, and free of pesticides, prevents the possibility of water and air pollution often occurring in large-scale produce operations.

3. Studies have shown that growing your own vegetables tend to result in eating more vegetables, both in and out of your home. - Kind of a no brainer! 

4. Produce you grow, tends to taste better too!

5. Research, Grow, and Keep Trying

Becoming sustainable will take time and conscious decision making, but it is worth it! Whether it be opting for no straws in your drinks, growing your own garden, or even installing solar panels, no effort is ever too big or too small when it comes to protecting our planet. 

Don't get discouraged or feel like you're not doing enough, and definitely don't give up on your sustainability journey! Keeping the Earth happy and health for generations to come, starts with us!