Protecting the environment is a responsibility we all share—but that’s easier said than done. In today’s world, it’s far too easy to get stuck in familiar, waste-producing habits without the proper guidance on how to make lasting change.

If you are looking for simple ways to live a greener lifestyle, you’re in luck. Here are 10 easy sustainable lifestyle choices anyone can do to help reduce your carbon footprint and work toward protecting the environment.

Here are 10 easy sustainable lifestyle choices to help reduce your carbon footprint and work toward protecting the environment.

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Bring a Water Bottle

Purchasing a permanent water bottle (instead of buying new plastic bottles when you need to hydrate) is a great way to reduce waste as well. While it may be a bit more cumbersome, you’ll not only help save the planet—you’ll also save money in the process.

Switch to Canvas Bags Instead of Plastic

One simple way to reduce waste is to make the switch from plastic bags to canvas bags when you’re out shopping. Americans use approximately 100 billion plastic bags per year, which requires as much as 12 million barrels of oil to create. Switching to canvas bags not only reduces the need to produce more plastic, it prevents them from ending up in a landfill or out in nature.

Start Carpooling

Vehicles are one of the major producers of greenhouse gasses. According to the US Department of Transportation, approximately 44% of the billion personal car trips taken each day are made with only one seat occupied. So carpooling with a spouse or a friend even just one day a week can help reduce carbon emissions that are harmful to the environment.

Start a Compost Pile

Composting is another easy way to cut back on unnecessary waste. So much of what we throw out can be repurposed, especially organic material. Composted material makes great fertilizer, reducing the need for chemicals and pesticides, making it better for the environment than throwing things away. If you’re worried about the smell, there are ways you can easily create a DIY compost bin that will house the material and control the stench.

Replace Plastic Materials with Eco-Friendly Alternatives

Plastic is everywhere, and it can be difficult to escape entirely. But anywhere you can find ways to swap out plastic objects and containers for more eco-friendly alternatives can be a great way to live more sustainably. One example would be swapping out bulky plastic bins for eco-friendly folding storage bins in your home or office. This is not only helpful for the environment; it can also keep you organized and reduce clutter as well.

Eco-Friendly Art Projects

If you have children, working on eco-friendly art projects can be a great way to teach sustainable lifestyle choices from a young age. Creating leaf coasters or eco-friendly placemats using organic materials can be a great alternative to other activities that will only lead to the creation of unnecessary waste.

Reduce Your Meat Consumption

Eating less meat is another good way to help the environment. About half of all the habitable land on the planet is used for agriculture–and out of all the land used for food production, 77% of it is used for raising livestock. This also produces a ton of greenhouse gasses that are harmful to the planet. So reducing your meat consumption can go a long way toward eliminating the need for so much life stock. You don’t have to become a vegetarian overnight but making more natural food instead of processed meats and other proteins can go a long way toward living a more sustainable lifestyle.

Make Sustainable Fashion Choices

The fashion industry is another major contributor to carbon emissions, largely because “fast fashion” trends tend to encourage waste. Paying attention to the brands you buy from and making more sustainable fashion choices can go a long way toward reducing your carbon footprint. Modern women’s fashion is full of brands making eco-conscious decisions when it comes to water consumption, material production, and packaging. Just taking the time to research which brands are committed to sustainability can help you decide where to shop.

Find Ways to Reduce Your Energy Bill

Reducing your energy bill can not only save you money, it’s also better for the planet. You’d be surprised at how much energy you’re wasting unnecessarily. Simple tricks like turning off lights and unplugging phone or computer chargers when they are not in use or filling in any gaps or crevices causing a draft in your home can help you preserve energy so you only use what you need.

10. Plant a Garden

Planting a garden is another great way to live a more sustainable lifestyle. Whether you’re looking to plant a small personal garden in your backyard or you want to get together with your neighbors and start a community garden, fostering new plant growth is great for the environment. New plants absorb CO2 and other air pollutants while also producing new oxygen. Plus, they can also be a great source of fresh fruits and vegetables for your whole family.

So, if you’re looking for simple ways to live a more sustainable lifestyle, start with any of the above tips. You can implement them all at once if you’re feeling ambitious or take it one step at a time. Any changes you’re willing to make, no matter how small, will contribute to creating a more sustainable world.

About the Author

Carolyn Mitchell is a freelance writer and content strategist with a passion for home décor. She can often be found re-painting and updating the furnishings in her home, and she is also a dedicated cat mom to two adorable kitties.