Living more sustainably doesn’t have to mean living less luxuriously or spending any extra money, it just means living more conscientious. Here are 10 ways you can live a more sustainable life without changing your day to day life or spending any extra money.

  1. If you are a human being…register to be an organ donor. It may sound crazy, and maybe even controversial but is actually a way for you to give back without AFFECTING your current life at all.
  2. If you order food out…reuse the plastic takeaway containers. If you take a lunch to work you can take them in those instead of using foil or one-use bags.
  3. If you use paper towels for cleaning or napkins…you can re-purpose old linen towels instead of buying paper towels. Cut up the towel into smaller sections and they can be used for anything and instead of throwing them out after one use, you can wash them and they’re good as new.
  4. If you drink water…refill water bottles with tap water. If your water isn’t clean, find a nearby water station to fill up.
  5. If you go shopping…bring your own bags when shopping for food, clothes, or really anything. It may even save you money because a lot of stores charge extra for bags. If you get any plastic bags, reuse them as garbage bags, poo bags, lunch bags, etc.
  6. If you buy coffee…bring your own to-go cup when you order coffee to go or opt to sit in and ask for a mug, that way you still get your coffee but no extra waste.
  7. If you go food shopping…make a list and only buy what you need. This will lower your food waste. If you have any local farmers markets or farm shops, try to buy your produce there to support local businesses and chances are it’s a higher quality product. Also, opt for free-range meat whenever possible.
  8. If you have unwanted items…if they’re in good condition, donate or resell them. Your junk could be another person’s treasure.
  9. If you drive or get taxis often…try to carpool when you can or better yet walk. If you have time you should walk there instead of driving or getting a taxi, it will save you money and increase your fitness. If walking isn’t an option, carpools limit pollution.
  10. If you order things online…save the packaging and reuse them if you can. Similarly to the plastic bags, these bags can be used to mail something else or made into garbage bags. You can use cardboard boxes for wood burning fireplaces, or ask your neighbors if they could use them.

Making these small changes shouldn’t affect your day to day life or cost you extra money, but they will reduce your waste and carbon footprint. If you try any of these or do anything else, please leave a comment to let me know!