{"id":124912,"date":"2023-08-23T20:34:32","date_gmt":"2023-08-24T02:34:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/?p=124912"},"modified":"2023-08-24T06:52:52","modified_gmt":"2023-08-24T12:52:52","slug":"sustainable-living","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/sustainable-living\/","title":{"rendered":"Simple And Sustainable: 10 Eco-Friendly Tips for Everyday Life"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Note: This article on eco friendly tips is by contributing writer, Tammy Strobel.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When I started to simplify my life, my focus was on getting out of the work-spend cycle, decluttering, and learning how to manage my money. Over time, I shifted my attention outward and began to explore the connection between sustainable and simple living. Reading and watching short films \u2013 like The Story of Stuff<\/em><\/a> \u2013 shifted my perspective and helped me become a little more \u201ceco-friendly.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the best things I\u2019ve done is to consume less. For example, I stopped replacing perfectly good things with new things. I\u2019ve also experimented with composting, picking up trash for fun, learning new skills, and more. Enjoy these eco friendly tips I’ve learned while simplifying my life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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10 Eco-Friendly Tips for Everyday Life<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In this article, I\u2019ll share ten eco-friendly tips that I\u2019ve experimented with in my everyday life. I hope you\u2019ll incorporate a few of the ideas below into your daily routine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With that, let\u2019s dive in!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.) Stop buying stuff you don’t need<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Shopping for clothes used to be my favorite hobby. I put a stop to that habit, though. I was spending too much time and money at the mall. When I journaled<\/a> about my \u201clove\u201d of shopping, I realized I wasn\u2019t having fun. The activity didn\u2019t bring me joy; only stress and debt. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead of buying new clothes, I started to take better care of the clothes that I already owned. I also began to spend more money on durable clothes that would last for years \u2013 or longer. This is true of other purchases \u2013 like my couch and bed. Remember, it\u2019s okay to buy what you need<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re trying to stop buying stuff you don\u2019t need, try \u201cProject 333<\/a>\u201d or \u201cNo Buy July<\/a>.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2.) Repair your belongings <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Last year, I took an online class about sashiko<\/a>; the Japanese art of visible mending. I haven\u2019t been able to make beautiful running stitches<\/a> or geometric patterns (yet). I\u2019m still learning about the technique. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meghan Racklin, a writer with Vox , wrote an excellent article about sashiko. She said<\/a>, \u201cVisible mending insists that beauty can be built in the wake of a breakdown and that we can connect with one another even in times of rupture. That we can connect through our desire to challenge existing norms and to create a system that is more carefully considered and more thoughtful.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I love how this art form is a visible antidote to fast fashion<\/a>. Repairing one\u2019s belongings can be a rewarding and beautiful process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3.) Opt for sustainable transportation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A few months ago, I wrote about the joy of traveling on two-wheels<\/a> because we sold our car<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I said, \u201cCycling puts me in a travel mindset, it helps me clear my mind, and see my community from different angles. For example, driving our car didn\u2019t give me the opportunity to truly see our community. Since we sold the car, I\u2019ve cycled through new to me neighborhoods, discovered a bike bridge, and different bike routes. I feel like a tourist at home, and that\u2019s been a sweet experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I love being car-free again because driving less is better for the environment, and I\u2019m saving money. Plus, cycling encourages interesting conversations. I\u2019m more likely to talk to strangers (which boosts my happiness<\/a>). If you don\u2019t like biking, try walking to work, taking the bus, or carpooling with a friend to work or the grocery store. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

4.) Shop local <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On Saturdays, we usually cycle to our community farmer\u2019s market. We buy almond apricot bread, chocolate croissants, and produce from our favorite vendors. I enjoy shopping locally because it supports my community, we use less packaging, and it minimizes food miles<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5.) Conserve energy <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Summer heat waves<\/a> have prompted us to be mindful of our energy consumption. We do small things like unplugging electronics, using appliances during non-peak hours, adjusting the temperature in our living space, and more. For additional energy saving tips refer to this resource<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

6.) Reduce plastic use<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Beth Terry \u2013 author of Plastic Free: How I Kicked the Plastic Habit and How You Can Too<\/em><\/a> \u2013 inspired us to reduce the amount of plastic that comes into our lives. For example, I wash my hair with a shampoo bar, use refillable water bottles, and try not to purchase goods that are packaged in plastic. We\u2019ve relied on Terry\u2019s book for tips because it is \u201ca practical guide to ridding your life\u2014and the planet\u2014of plastic.\u201d  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

7.) Compost your kitchen waste<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Over the years, we\u2019ve experimented with a variety of composting techniques like vermicomposting<\/a>. It\u2019s an easy way to reduce food waste<\/a>, and it only takes a few simple steps<\/a> to get started. As my husband noted, \u201cit was fun feeding the worms our scraps and seeing them thrive.\u201d I agree!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8.) Pick up trash for fun <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The concept of \u201cpicking up trash for fun<\/a>\u201d motivated my husband and I to start picking up litter on walks. Author and humorist David Sedaris<\/a> inspired us, too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The amount of trash we grab on a short walk \u2013 and by the dumpster in our apartment complex \u2013 is staggering. For example, we collect roughly 15 pounds of garbage per week. To do this we only need a few tools \u2013 a trash grabber<\/a> and a large bucket. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Picking up trash might seem like a depressing activity. It makes me feel good, though. It\u2019s a visible way to make a difference in my neighborhood.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

9.) Volunteer<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

After the COVID-19 pandemic, I started to look for volunteer opportunities in my community. I discovered a non-profit organization that hosts events like tree planting, park cleanups, and more. I don\u2019t volunteer daily. However, volunteering regularly<\/a> connects me to my community and builds social trust. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Environmental activist Bill McKibben, a prolific author and educator, recently emphasized the importance of social trust, neighborliness, and paying attention to the world around us. He said<\/a>, \u201cWe\u2019re in a mess, but together<\/em> we have some chance of working our way out of it.\u201d  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

10.) Vote & Advocate <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This isn’t the most obvious eco friendly tip but could be the most powerful. Voting in local, state, and federal elections is one of the best ways for me to make an impact. In addition, I love the non-partisan organization IssueVoter<\/a>. They make it easy for me to follow the issues I care about, get alerts before bills pass, and track votes and outcomes automatically. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember \u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If more of us do the little things, it can result in big change in the world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Resources to help you <\/strong>add more of these eco friendly tips to your life.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for resources to help you live sustainably? Explore the list below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Books <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n