70+ Ways to Make Your First Sustainable Switch
Switching to sustainability is a whole ocean of possibilties, and it can be overwhelming to make the first move. It is important for us to know that it is not about going all in, it is about taking the first step, and it is different for everyone. Just because you love having meat for your dinners does not mean you can not try opting for plant based milk products. It takes time and we don't have to be perfect at it.
Here's a list of things you can begin with:
FOOD & KITCHEN
Quit or moderate meat inatake: if you're a regular consumer, you can gradually reduce your intake. There are multiple alternatives available in the form of mock meat.
Plant-based dairy products: that includes milk, butter, cheese, ghee, yogurt, paneer
Grow your own herbs like basil (pesto), tulsi, neem, spinach, curry leaves, lemongrass
Regrow your vegetables like potatoes, onions, celery, and lettuce.
Coffee: Switch to fair trade coffee
Fruits and Vegetables: Buy organic
and only eat seasonal fruits.
Compost your leftovers: Install a separate bin for your kitchen compost.
Store your groceries, condiments, and grains in mason jars instead of Tupperware and other plastic.
Invest in cloth napkins instead of using disposable paper napkins.
Tea: Stop using tea bags. Use strainers, or boil your tea leaves along with the rest of the ingredients.
12. Ditch plastic straws; return the straws if you get them with your juice boxes.
13. Buy a stainless steel straw. It is also more sustainable than bamboo straws.
14. Buy freshly baked bread (it usually comes wrapped in brown paper and does not use preservatives)
15. If not, collect the film plastic over many months and get it recycled at a station near you.
COSMETICS & TOILETERIES
15. Shop Vegan and Cruelty-Free Brands
16. Do not buy products with mineral oil in them.
17. Swap your make up tools with eco-friendly ones.
18. Use reusable cotton or bamboo make up remover pads.
19. Opt for multipurpose products.
20. Bamboo Toothbrush is the way to go.
21. Switch to soap and shampoo bars instead of liquid bottles.
22. Go for natural products.
23. Repurpose your mascara wands
24. Use old toothbrushes as cleaning tools.
25. Switch to the conventional metal razors from disposable ones.
26. Buy eco- friendly floss
27. DIY skincare
HOME & APPLIANCES
28. Reuse old jars and bottles as containers, lamps, or planters.
29. Declutter your wardrobes, storage units, dead storage on a regular basis.
30. Don't discard old clothes. You can reuse, upcycle, or donate them.
31. Limit dry cleaning, and switch to eco-friendly detergent powders.
32. Save Water: Sounds familiar? Well, here's a reminder.
33. Unplug chargers and other appliances when not in use.
34. Use solar appliances wherever you can.
35. Switch from single-use batteries to reusable ones.
36. Repair, not replace
37. Use LED bulbs rather than CFLs
38. Make space for windows and let some natural lighting seep in during the day.
39. Turn off your wifi box before going to bed at night.
40. Start using the staircase instead of the elevator. You're not just saving energy but also keeping yourself fit.
41. Buy concentrated cleaning products
42. Use matches instead of lighters (at least while you're at home)
43. Repurpose old furniture, or buy it at a thrift store
SHOPPING
44. Carry your own shopping bag
45. Ask for online bills and receipts
46. Check for minimal and sustainable packaging
47. Buy only what you need and in the quantity you need.
48. Look for certifications: Fairtrade, Vegan, Cruelty-Free
49. Buy Secondhand
50. Prepare lists of what you need, before you start shopping.
51. Shop from local artisans, vendors, producers.
52. Do not buy bottled water.
53. Use a picnic basket instead of plastic bags while you're shopping for fruits and veggies at the local vendor.
FASHION & CLOTHING
54. Declutter your wardrobe.
55. Assess your style and buy only what you like.
56. Upcycle old clothes (visit a local tailor if need be)
57. Try maintaining a Capsule Wardrobe
58. Learn basic sewing skills to repair small tears and damages in your clothes
59. Ditch fast fashion. Look out for thrift stores and sustainable fashion brands.
60. Hang dry your clothes instead of using the dryer.
AT WORK
61. Think before you print, most of our communication can happen online
62. Clean and empty your inbox regularly.
63. Car pool to work
64. Use an eco-friendly printer, specially for business cards.
65. Activating 'sleep mode' on a computer for a year can reduce 136kgs of C02 emissions.
66. Use refills for everything
67. Rent or issue books instead of buying new ones.
68. Use sustainable browsers like Honest and Ecosia that use their ad revenue to plant trees
PETS
69. Adopt, don't buy pets
70. Look for sustainable food alternatives
71. Buy peet toys made of recyclable materials (say no to plastic!)
72. Buy non-toxic pet shampoo
73. Ditch your car and take your pet out for a walk to the local store
74. Use recyclable poop bags
FITNESS & LEISURE
75. Cut down on Netflix and invest your time in a new physical or creative hobby
76. Make a fitness routine (yoga, running, any dance form), and save yourself a medicinal prescription
77. Invest in a sustainable yoga mat and eco friendly workout clothes and equipment.
Remember that the most sustainable option is the one you already have! Use what's still left, finish the meat, wear out your current wardrobe and wait for the eye shadow palette to get over till you make that switch.
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