Let’s be honest: living a “zero-waste” lifestyle can look exhausting. Between composting in a tiny apartment, making your own toothpaste, and fitting a year’s worth of trash into a mason jar, sustainability often feels like a full-time job.
But here is the good news: You don’t have to be perfect to make a difference.
In fact, the world doesn’t need a handful of people doing sustainability perfectly; it requires millions of people doing it imperfectly. If you want to reduce your carbon footprint without overhauling your entire life, this guide is for you.
Here are ten practical, easy, and genuinely low-effort ways to be sustainable starting right now.
1. The “Cold Wash” Laundry Switch
Washing your clothes in hot water uses a massive amount of energy—90% of the energy used by a washing machine goes solely toward heating the water!
- The Easy Fix: Turn the dial to “Cold.” Modern detergents are formulated to work perfectly in cold water. You’ll save energy, lower your electric bill, and your clothes will actually last longer without heat damage.
Other ways to conserve energy at home:
- Switch to LED light bulbs.
- Unplug devices when not in use.
- Use a smart thermostat to optimize heating and cooling.
Not only do these steps lower your carbon footprint, but they also reduce utility bills.
2. Embrace the “Ugly” Produce
Food waste is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. When food rots in a landfill, it releases methane.
- The Easy Fix: Don’t dig to the back of the shelf for the perfect apple. Buy the single bananas that are detached from the bunch (they usually get thrown away). Eat your leftovers. It requires zero extra effort—just a mindset shift to “eat what you buy.” If you haven’t already, check out the “Too Good to Go” app to save surplus food from your local restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores.
3. The 24-Hour Shopping Rule
Fast fashion and impulse buying are enemies of the planet. Producing cheap goods requires immense water and chemical resources.
- The Easy Fix: Implement a waiting period. If you see something you want online, put it in your cart, but wait 24 hours before checking out. You will be surprised how often the urge to buy fades, saving you money and saving the planet from one more shipped package.
4. Unsubscribe from Physical Mail
Junk mail isn’t just annoying; it’s a waste of paper, ink, and transport fuel.
- The Easy Fix: Spend 5 minutes online registering with services like DMAchoice (in the US) or similar “do not mail” registries in your country. It’s a one-time task that stops pounds of paper waste from entering your home every year.
5. Go Meatless on Mondays
The meat industry is a leading cause of deforestation and water usage. But you don’t have to go fully vegan to make an impact. Simply eating more plant-based meals already makes a difference.
- The Easy Fix: Commit to “Meatless Mondays.” Swapping beef for beans or pasta just one day a week significantly reduces your carbon footprint. It’s not a lifestyle overhaul; it’s just dinner.
When shopping for fruits and vegetables, prioritize local farmers’ markets. Plan your meals and store food properly to reduce food waste.
6. Sustainable Tech Habits: Make Your Gadgets Last, Opt for Used or Refurbished
We often overlook our digital footprint, but our obsession with upgrading technology is a major environmental issue. The manufacturing of smartphones and laptops requires mining rare earth minerals, and “e-waste” (electronic waste) is toxic to landfills.
How to be sustainable with your tech: The most eco-friendly phone is the one you already have. Instead of upgrading every time a new model drops, try to squeeze an extra year or two out of your devices. Use a heavy-duty case and screen protector to prevent damage. If your battery life is suffering, pay to replace the battery rather than the whole cellphone. When you absolutely must buy new tech, look for “Refurbished” or “Renewed” electronics first. Buying pre-owned from marketplaces is even better (and cheaper!). Finally, never throw old cables or phones in the trash—locate a local e-waste drop-off bin (often found at stores like Best Buy or Staples) to ensure the metals are recycled properly.
To extend the lifespan of that outdated computer, smartphone, or tablet, resell, trade in, or donate it (if still usable). Buyback platforms like Gadget Salvation give electronics a second life while paying cashback to the sellers.
7. Turn Off the Tap
It sounds cliché, but it works. Leaving the water running while you brush your teeth wastes up to four gallons of water every time.
- The Easy Fix: Turn it off. It requires zero physical effort and saves thousands of gallons of water a year.
8. Ditch the “Convenience” Settings
Many of our appliances are set to “high energy” modes by default.
- The Easy Fix:
- Turn down the brightness on your TV and monitor.
- Set your dishwasher to “Eco-Mode” (or skip the heated dry cycle).
- Set your fridge to the recommended temperature (37°F/3°C), not the coldest setting.
9. Bring Your Own Bag (Keep it in the Car)
The hardest part of reusable bags is remembering them.
- The Easy Fix: Don’t store your bags in the kitchen; store them in the trunk of your car or by your front door. If you forget them, don’t beat yourself up—try to carry your items out by hand if you only bought a few things.
Better yet, get yourself a foldable bag (like Baggu), put it in your pocket, and ditch the car altogether (at least on some days). Instead, opt for a walk, a bike ride, or public transit as greener options.
10. Switch Your Search Engine
You search the web every day. Why not plant trees while you do it?
- The Easy Fix: Switch your default browser or homepage to Ecosia. It works just like Google, but they use their ad revenue to plant trees in areas that need reforestation. It requires absolutely no behavior change on your part.
Also, consider limiting your AI usage, as it consumes significantly more energy than a traditional search engine. Facts can be found on Ecosia. And a simple math calculation can be performed with a standard calculator. Instead, be specific with your prompts to get the right answer the first time and avoid unnecessary generation when AI help is unavoidable.
The Bottom Line
Sustainability doesn’t require you to live in a tiny house or sew your own clothes. It’s about making small, conscious choices that fit into your actual life. Pick two or three tips from this list to start today—your wallet and the planet will thank you.