In recent years, the call for global sustainability has been louder than ever, and with environmental and economic shifts, the demand for smarter choices has increased. From smart energy consumption to prioritizing green technologies, small changes today can lead to big impacts tomorrow.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global renewable capacity is expected to increase exponentially over the next 5 years, meaning more of our energy will come from renewable resources. Switching to renewable energy at home or work can save money and the environment.
Your choices today will determine the world you leave behind for future generations. Adopting sustainable practices into everyday life may seem daunting initially, but everyone can make a big impact with regular efforts.
Here are 15 ways to help you make meaningful progress toward a greener future in the new year.
1. Switch to Renewable Energy
The first step towards sustainability is transitioning to renewable energy. In 2022, renewables provided nearly 30% of global electricity.
By choosing green energy, you’re reducing your carbon footprint and supporting a sustainable, forward-thinking economy. Consider options like solar panels, solar water heaters, or hydroelectric systems, depending on where you live.
2. Adopt Energy-efficient Appliances
I bet you’ve been using that old washing machine for years. Now is the time to upgrade to energy-efficient appliances, saving energy and reducing utility bills.
According to a report, energy efficiency can reduce energy demand by up to 40%. Besides financial benefits, it also lowers greenhouse gas emissions, making it a win-win for the wallet and the planet.
3. Reduce Water Usage
The average person in America uses about 82 gallons of water each day, but simple changes like preventing leaks, installing low-flow taps, and using water-efficient appliances can reduce your household consumption.
If each family reduces water waste, it could save billions of gallons annually, conserving all the energy resources is takes to treat and pump water back into the system.
4. Cut Down on Food Waste
Nearly one-third of all produced food globally is wasted every year, equating to around 1.3 billion tons. Most of that gets dumped into landfills and turned into waste.
To combat this on a household level, start by planning meals and storing food properly. Small changes, like reusing leftovers or donating excess food, can prevent waste and help fight hunger in your local community.
5. Support Sustainable Fashion
The global fashion industry produces more than 100 to 150 billion items of clothing per year and, due to its extensive production processes, is responsible for about 10% of global carbon emissions.
You can support sustainable fashion by opting for clothes made from organic or recycled materials, donating unwanted items, or shopping at thrift shops to significantly reduce your environmental impact.
6. Embrace Sustainable Transportation
According to the US EPA, transportation produces nearly 28% of greenhouse gas emissions, making it the largest contributor in the United States. Switching up your transportation routine is the best way to reduce emissions while also promoting physical activity.
Walking, biking, or taking public transport instead of driving can shave down your carbon footprint.
7. Reduce Single-use plastics
Over 380 million tons of plastic are produced yearly, and nearly half of that is intended for single-use only. How wasteful is that? Most of it ends up polluting oceans as it takes billions of years to decompose.
The best way to be more sustainable is to reuse, reduce, and recycle almost everything. Alternatives like cloth shopping bags, metal straws, and refillable water bottles can eliminate excessive plastic waste.
8. Green Landscaping
Green landscaping is also called sustainable or eco-friendly landscaping, as it involves designing and maintaining outdoor spaces.
Adding native plants to your landscaping reduces the need for excessive watering, fertilizers, and pesticides, as these plants are naturally adapted to the local environment.
9. Choose Organic Foods
Opting for organic foods will keep you and the planet healthy. Organic farming avoids synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, which can harm soil health, water quality, and biodiversity.
Studies show that organic agriculture produces less environmental impact than traditional farming methods. Better yet, the foods from organic harvests are richer in antioxidants.
10. Eat a Plant-based Diet
A survey report shows that if everyone in the U.S. skipped meat and cheese just one day a week, it would be like taking millions of cars off the road for a year—proving the importance of plant-based diets.
Additionally, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains has numerous health benefits, including a lower risk of diseases.
11. Use Eco-friendly Cleaning Products
Traditional cleaning products have harmful chemicals that can pollute indoor air and waterways when they go down the drain.
In contrast, eco-friendly cleaners are made from natural, biodegradable ingredients that are safer for the house and the environment.
12. Composting
Composting involves recycling organic materials, such as fruit and vegetable scraps, and yard waste into nutrient-rich compost.
In fact, organic waste makes up about 30% of what you throw away. When it decomposes in landfills, it produces methane, a harmful greenhouse gas. Instead, by harnessing the power of organic waste in your own backyard, you’ll improve soil health by enhancing its structure, moisture retention, and nutrient content.
13. Start a Home Garden
A small vegetable garden can yield enough food to put fresh produce on your dinner table pretty regularly.
Additionally, growing your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs ensures you know exactly how they were cultivated, allowing you to avoid pesticides and chemicals often used in commercial farming.
14. Participate in Community Cleanups
Joining a community cleanup is a powerful way to give back to your local environment. These events focus on cleaning up parks, beaches, rivers, and other public spaces, helping to remove litter that can harm wildlife and pollute ecosystems.
Approximately 44 million tons of plastic waste were in landfills in the United States last year. Participating in cleaning efforts can help reduce this waste.
15. Educate and Inspire Others
Educating and inspiring those around you is one of the most powerful ways to make sustainable changes. Share knowledge about eco-friendly practices and the importance of sustainable living. This can create a ripple effect within your community.
Through random conversations, social media, or organized workshops, your efforts can make a big impact and motivate people to adopt greener habits.
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Aqsa is a passionate writer who loves spending her free time jotting down her thoughts. But that’s not all. She is a devoted mom to two boys and a skilled pharmacist specializing in hematology. When she’s not running after her energetic kids, you can find her lost in a good book or writing beautiful words. A nature lover at heart, she enjoys exploring the outdoors, staying active, and always seeking ways to learn new things.
