Sustainability
Simple Sustainable Living Actions
The most effective way to live sustainably is to make sustainability a habit. This page contains a list of different big and little things that you can do to live more sustainably. Most of these ideas don’t require buying anything new (and most of these ideas will actually save you money). Start small, pick a few areas or tips where you want to start, and build up from there.
1. Mobile Phone Accessories - we carry them with us every day. What better way to consistently remind yourself of your commitment to the environment than by outfitting your phone with a fully compostable case. Because they won't just sit in a landfill for decades after you've upgraded your phone model, a Pela case will protect your phone and the environment too!
2. Write down what is inside of your fridge before you go grocery shopping! Plan meals around the food that needs to be eaten first.
3. E-books and Audio Books! Reduce paper, shipping and water waste by using E-books and Audio books. You can rent new and favourite books for free on apps such as Libby or support the author by buying the downloadable copy.
4. Say no to plastic straws. Instead, opt for a reusable glass or metal straw that you can use over and over again! You can even try using a collapsible straw for when you’re on the go.
5. Opt for loose-leaf tea (tea bags are made with plastic!)
6. Buy less than you think that you need. We tend to over buy on food so remove one meal from your meal plan because you'll most likely have an unexpected dinner out or leftovers!
7. Measure ingredients carefully! Follow recipes and adjust the amount of ingredients to the number of people eating.
8. Chop and store the produce when you get home from the store so creating meals is easy during the week.
9. Store your food properly so it doesn't go bad! Look for storage tips from sustainable cooks on how to store your produce plastic-free.
10. Check the dates on foods. Best-by, sell-by, and use-by are NOT expiration dates. There's no scientific way to predict the exact day something is going to expire so use your best judgement with smell and taste. If it tastes fine - it's probably fine to eat.
11. Drive less. Like WAY less.
12. Opt for riding your bike.
13. Grab public transportation.
14. Create a 30-minute rule. If it's under a 30-minute walk, walk or ride your bike.
15. Combine your trips so you're not ping-ponging back and forth.
16. Opt for LED light bulbs.
17. Install low-flow showerheads, taps, and toilets.
18. Look into gray water systems or catching rainfall.
19. Install solar panels and a solar battery. Don't own your home? Look into switching where your energy comes from with your electricity service provider or joining a community solar farm.
20. Seal all of your windows and/or replace them with more efficient double-pane windows.
21. Add insulation to your home.
22. Unplug your devices to prevent phantom electricity from being consumed.
23. Keep a bucket in your shower to catch the water while it's heating up and use it to water plants or flush the toilet.
24. Wash your clothes in cold water.
25. Hang your clothes to dry on the line instead of using the dryer. 32. Say no to freebies.
26. Invest in a water filter for your home to avoid buying bottled water.
27. Buy several reusable water bottles and keep them full of filtered water so you can grab and go and be out the door.
28. Bring your own cloth produce bags to the grocery store or the farmers market.
29. Say no to plastic cutlery when ordering takeout
30. Use refill soaps for your hands, dish, and laundry.
31. Opt for plastic-free produce and food.