Sustainable Living Tips For Beginners

Many of us are looking to live a more eco-friendly life to minimize our impact on Earth. And while that might sound daunting, it’s surprisingly easy. All you have to do is make some slight adjustments and swapping some everyday household items for “greener” options. 

If you’re wanting to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle, here is what you need to know about Sustainable Living and some tips to get started:

What is Sustainable Living?

As we all know, many of our current activities are wreaking havoc on the earth. Sustainable living describes a lifestyle where someone tries to minimize their impact on the planet by reducing waste and using more natural products. It’s about adopting a “ leave no trace” mindset by cleaning up after ourselves and caring for the planet.

 And while you think that may mean sacrificing your shopping trips, vacations, and overall comfort -- trust me when I say, that isn’t true. You can still enjoy your favorite activities by just taking some small steps to make them more sustainable.

Why is it important?

Adopting a lifestyle that preserves our planet means preserving the future! 

I’m sure you’ve all seen the movie Wall-E. If you haven’t, what are you doing with your life? Go and watch it on Disney+ because it speaks to a very important message. 

Basically, if we don’t start cleaning up after ourselves, we will turn our own planet into an unlivable wasteland.

Tips for Sustainable Living For A Beginner

1.Stop Using Plastic

This is a big one. It’s time to stop using plastic containers, sandwich bags, straws, cups, utensils, dinnerware, water bottles, produce and grocery bags, toys, and cosmetic containers. There are some great alternatives for each of these that can help you become more eco-friendly.

Try using glass containers, reusable snack and sandwich bags, metal straws, refillable glass or metal water bottles, reusable grocery bags, wooden toys, and glass cosmetic jars. 

2. Use Cloth Options

Ditch those paper towels and start using cloth rags for cleaning or drying your hands. While paper towels are compostable (if they aren’t dyed) they often contain chemical cleansers.

You can DIY cloth cleaning wipes or even start using handkerchiefs instead of tissues. Get rid of dryer sheets and start using wool dryer balls.

And while you may think, “well I don’t really use them a whole lot,” they add up over time 

3. Avoid Single-Use Items

Coffee pods, paper cups, plastic flossers and plastic floss containers, paper plates, plasticware, and plastic shampoo and soap bottles are just a few single-use products. Without even thinking about it, you use these items and then throw them out.

One way you can stop using these is to think about how many times you can use something before you buy it. If the answer is one, then search for an alternative or find a way to reuse that product.

4. Shop eco-friendly companies

This might seem like it would be hard to do, but eco-friendly companies are literally EVERYWHERE. You can find dozens of options for sustainable clothing, home decor, beds, cosmetics, etc with just a quick search on the internet.

Then before you buy, check out how a company’s products are made. Do they shop local? Are their products organic? Do they use eco-friendly practices when it comes to creating the product? These are all questions you can usually find the answers to on the company’s website.

5. DIY When Possible

By creating things of your own, you will often use more natural solutions. You can make your own cleaning products with lemon, vinegar, and baking soda. You can create facemasks by using food in your fridge and pantry. You can make more natural candies, soaps, and even candles.

So before you go out and buy something, ask yourself, “Can I make this myself?”

How You Can Start Being Sustainable Right Now

Recycle and reuse! Make a separate container for recyclables. Many cities and counties have adopted a recycling program. But if yours has not, you can find a recycling center or bin near you and make a weekly drop off!

You can also walk or ride a bike when possible. If you live close to your job, consider hanging up your car keys on weather-permitting days and enjoy a nice walk to ride to work. It’s always much better when you start your day with sunshine and exercise anyway!

Our Fav Sustainable Products

At Interiors Green, we stock TONS of sustainable options for eco-friendly living. Here are just some of our favorite products!

Reusable Veggie Storage Bags - Ditch the plastic and keep your veggies fresh longer with these awesome reusable storage bags.
Cherry Bowl and Spoon - Great for baby’s first solids! This wooden bowl and spoon is a safe, natural, and non-toxic alternative to plastic.
de Buyer Mineral B Carbon Steel Cookware - This pan is free of harmful chemicals or synthetic coatings. It’s 99% iron and 1% carbon steel with a beeswax finish!
Multi-Use Laundry Basket With Handles - This basket is made from a reed called “la peuk.” The raw materials are organic and free from pesticides and herbicides.

We have a ton more options as well including paint, beds, pillows, wall plaster, locally-made cards, axes, perfume, etc. Make sure you follow us on facebook and instagram to keep up with our latest finds!