Four Easy Ways To Be More Sustainable

AD |Sustainability is something we’re all more aware of these days, and we’re all trying to do our bit to help. That being said, it can all be really overwhelming. But there are some simple smaller changes we can all make fairly easily. By doing so, you’re contributing to a healthier and happier society in general for future generations to continue enjoying. So with that being said, here are four easy ways to be more sustainable when shopping.

Use Reusable Shopping Bags

With a lot of places being more conscious in their choice of packaging, shopping bags are something that you can take more effort in. I know here in the UK (and many other places), you now get charged for plastic bags, so reusable ones are encouraged. But, more often than not, these are still plastic bags. In an effort to be more sustainable, try something like a canvas tote bag instead.

Try Veganism

Photographed: Lime & Basil Edamame Spaghetti Recipe

Vegan beauty products and going vegan, in general, can be a great way of being more sustainable. By shopping and going vegan, you’re taking away less from the environment by using less water and adding less greenhouse gas emissions.

Many vegan companies also take more of a conscious effort when it comes to manufacturing and distribution.

It’s not something that you have to transform across your whole lifestyle, and certainly not overnight. But it can definitely be good to try veganism to some extent because it may help to contribute and reduce your wastage on the planet. Whatever you can manage can help, even if that’s just food, or even one day a week.

Consider What You Really Need

Think about the purchases you make on a daily, weekly, and even monthly basis. There may be times where you’ve bought something and you actually didn’t need it. Anything that you buy can contribute to wastage and it’s important to consider whether it’s something you can go without.

Doing this could be a great way to help towards sustainability but to also have less clutter in your home. When you’re out shopping, have more awareness when buying things and question whether or not you need something before parting with your money.

I know this sounds obvious, but it’s easy to get caught up in flash sales and buy anything you like. But items sold that cheap often have incredibly unethical production methods, and a lot of waste involved.

Think about what you need, and what you already have. If you don’t need it, think about what you already own. The item may still get a lot of love and be worth it, but if not, try to save money and the planet.

Shop In Charity Shops

Charity shops are a great way of buying second-hand clothing and belongings that people no longer needed. Instead of chucking things out, recycling them to other homes reduces waste. Being able to shop sustainability is a big contribution to the environment and charity shops definitely help contribute to a healthier world because it’s not using anything new.

I know you’ll have heard this before, and of course, it doesn’t always work depending on where you live and availability. But, you can find some real gems at incredibly affordable prices sometimes. It’s always worth a look before you buy something brand new.

Try donating your unwanted pieces too, even if you can’t find the perfect item you’re looking for, your piece could be that item for someone else.

Bonus Tip:

Try Seasonal Produce!

I mentioned being vegan, but you can also eat seasonally. Eating in season is cheaper – there’s more of it to feed the demand, and it has to travel less. Reducing the air miles in your food can make a huge difference. Check out my Strictly Seasonal archives for more information and recipe inspiration when it comes to seasonal produce.

Suggested Post: What’s in Season in Spring?

Being more sustainable in life is definitely needed and something that you can contribute to on a daily basis. It’s the small changes that can sometimes make a big difference, so if you’re able to, make some of these smaller changes.

Do you do many of these things at home?

Until next time,

Sophie

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