17 Sustainable Lifestyle Hacks
Bring a trash bag…
…when you go hiking! Pack out what you bring in but also pick up other people’s litter that you come across. It’s the WORST mood killer when you’re amidst so much beautiful nature and suddenly come across garbage that someone carelessly tossed aside.
2. Reusable grocery bags
I love how much this cuts down on my plastic use, PLUS I can fit soo much more groceries in my reusable bags. Win-win!
3. Shop bulk
This saves a ton of waste…think of all the packaging you won’t need to throw out! Bonus if you bring your own containers. I shop my nuts, herbs, and grains in bulk at my local co op and use mason jars.
4. use Silicone storage bags
Ditch the plastic zip lock bags and go silicone instead! I have ones for the freezer and regular storage.
5. Beeswax wraps and…
6. …glass containers/mason jars
More non plastic food storage options!
7. Linen napkins
I absolutely love the vibe from linen napkins AND the fact that they help save on paper. Plus is it just me or do they work better? I always find that I end up using like 5 paper napkins but just 1 linen napkin is good!
8. start a Compost pile
This turned out to be way easier than I thought! Not at all intimidating. I was actually gifted my compost box, but everything was found on amazon. The compost bin was a kit that was super simple to put together, and then I also have a small food waste bin for the kitchen. It has a charcoal filter in the lid so the food waste that goes inside doesn’t smell. When my little bucket is full I bring it out to the compost pile! Leaves and grass clippings also go into the compost. I keep a metal rake by the bin so I can “stir” it and mix it up. Easy!
9. Ditch the paper towels and instead…
…use microfiber cleaning cloths! I actually LOVE how these clean and use them for everything. And the best part? I can keep reusing them! However here’s a heads up for ya: microfiber contains micro bits of plastic. There have been studies that show when washed, very small amounts of that plastic can end up in the water. When I learned this, I had already invested in purchasing microfiber cloths, otherwise I probably would have considered other options. I use a cloth as much as I can before tossing it in the laundry hamper it to reduce washes.
10. homemade all-purpose cleaning spray
Saves on plastic waste PLUS you know exactly what ingredients you’re using to clean your home.
1/4 cup Dr Bronner’s castile soap
Water
Amber glass spray bottle
That’s it!
11. Homemade “clorox wipes”
with the microfiber cloths! THIS is the recipe I use.
12. instead of a swiffer…
…try a Cuban Mop! I use this with my microfiber cloths to dry swiffer the floors (hello dog fur) and to mop. Super simple and I LOVE how sustainable this is!
13. Bar soap all the way
Hand soap for the bathroom and kitchen, body soap for the shower, and shampoo and conditioner bars for hair washing days too! Bar soaps last way longer than liquid soaps, are less expensive, plus are more environmentally friendly due to the lack of plastic waste. Win win!
14. Go homemade instead of buying when it comes to skin care
Check out my recent blog post where I give you ALL my super simple homemade skin care recipes!
15. Grow a garden
Not only is it a nice thing to do for the bees, but it’s an AMAZING way to really connect with your body and appreciate the food you eat.
16. Bring your own…
…re-usable cutlery, metal straws, to-go coffee mug, and water bottle! These are things I never leave the house without. When I grab coffee from my fav local shop I like to bring my own straw and mug to save on waste. My water bottle is like my lifeline…it helps me remember to drink water throughout the day and prevents me from buying bottled water.
17. Spend time in nature
If you take the time to be with our sweet Mother Nature, how can you not want to be the best steward of our Earth?
