How to Live More Sustainably [Top 101 Easy Ways to Go Green]
With the increasing impact of human activity and climate change, this is the right time for urban professionals to learn how to live more sustainably.
The choices we make in our daily lives have an impact on our surroundings and environment. We can significantly reduce our environmental impact by amending our daily routine habits and activities with sustainable choices and also save money in the process.
For instance, by switching from incandescent light to LEDs an average household can save about $225 in energy costs per year. Moreover, LED lighting uses up to 90% less energy and lasts up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs making it a sustainable choice.
In this article, we cover 101 ways how to live more sustainably that can help save both the environment and money. These are easy to implement and can help you go green with ease saving money in the process.
If you want to learn 11 simple ways to live a more sustainable life, watch the video below.
How to Live More Sustainably in 2025?
Here is a list of 101 best ways on how to live more sustainably. These have been split into various categories such as general ways, practices at home, practices while travelling, etc.
There might be some overlap as some of these practices can fall into more than one category. You can follow these steps to reduce your environmental footprint and live a greener life this year.
Golden Rules to Go Green:
Below we present the 10 golden rules to help you switch to a green lifestyle.
- Use What You Have: See what you already have and make the best use of it. Buy only if it is essential. This way you can limit your consumption.
- Reduce wastage: Repair that broken tap, take printouts only if necessary, and take only as much as you can eat on your plate. This way you can reduce wastage and save the environment.
- Use Public Transportation and rideshare: Take buses, trains, or bikes whenever possible to reduce car emissions. Rideshare on your way to the office.
- Swap or Buy Second-hand: Whenever possible swap with your friends, family, or relatives. If necessary, prefer shopping at thrift stores or online platforms for gently used items.
- Choose Sustainable Brands: Support companies committed to eco-friendly practices. Remember companies have to go the extra mile to make green products and we should encourage eco-friendly products by buying from them.
- Plant Trees and Participate in Cleanups: Support reforestation efforts by planting trees in your community. Join local beach, park, or neighbourhood clean-up events.
- Support Local: Buy from local farmers, small artisans, and businesses who employ sustainable practices to reduce your carbon footprint.
- Join a Community Garden: Grow your food and share the self-grown food with your friends, family, neighbours, etc.
- Reduce Meat Consumption: Try meatless meals or participate in Meatless Mondays.
- Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about environmental issues and share sustainability tips with friends and family to inspire them also to go green.
These are the 10 golden rules, which can help you go green in 2025. Now we move over to the category-wise ways how to live more sustainably.
At Home:
These are the practices that you can adopt at your home to live a more sustainable lifestyle.
- Switch to LED Bulbs: Save energy and money by using energy-efficient lighting in place of traditional incandescent lighting.
- Use Reusable Bags: Bring your bags for groceries and shopping.
- Compost Food Scraps: Turn kitchen waste into nutrient-rich soil for plants.
- Install a Programmable Thermostat: Regulate home thermostat and air conditioning temperature for energy savings.
- Fix Leaky Taps: Save water by repairing leaks in sinks and showers.
- Air Dry Laundry: Skip the dryer and hang clothes outside to save energy.
- Insulate Your Home: Improve energy efficiency by insulating walls and windows.
- Use Cloth Napkins: Replace paper napkins with reusable cloth alternatives. This can limit paper wastage.
- Reduce Phantom Energy: Unplug electronics when not in use to cut standby power.
- Opt for Eco-friendly Cleaning Products: Choose non-toxic and biodegradable cleaners.
Conserve Energy:
Did You Know that we could prevent greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from nearly 800,000 cars and save enough energy annually to light 3 million households if every American home replaced just one incandescent light bulb with an ENERGY STAR-rated CFL?
Just imagine how green that would be. This shows the immense potential that changing our habits can have on the world and our environment.
So now let us talk about a few energy-saving ways that you can follow and learn how to live more sustainably in 2025.
- Unplug Chargers: Disconnect phone and laptop chargers when not in use.
- Turn Off Lights: Make it a habit to switch off lights when leaving a room.
- Maximize Natural Light: Open curtains and blinds during the day to reduce lighting needs.
- Close Doors and Vents: Focus heating or cooling on occupied rooms to save energy.
- Use Energy-saving Mode: Set devices like computers and TVs to energy-saving settings.
- Install Solar Panels: Harness renewable energy such as solar power to power your home and reduce bills.
- Limit Air Conditioner Use: Use fans, open windows, or set timers for efficient cooling.
- Invest in Smart Power Strips: Cut off power to devices on standby automatically.
- Insulate Water Heaters: Wrap water heater tanks with insulating jackets for efficiency.
- Upgrade to Energy-efficient Windows: Improve insulation and reduce heat loss or gain.
In the Kitchen:
- Meal Prep: Plan meals to reduce food waste and also save time during your busy days.
- Cook from Scratch: Minimize packaged foods by cooking meals from fresh ingredients.
- Use Reusable Containers: Store leftovers in glass or metal containers instead of plastic for a healthier lifestyle.
- Say No to Plastic Wrap: Switch to beeswax wraps or silicone lids for food storage.
- Invest in Energy-efficient Appliances: Upgrade to eco-friendly refrigerators, stoves, and dishwashers to save energy.
- Compost Kitchen Waste: Create a compost bin for food scraps like fruit peels and coffee grounds.
- Ditch Single-use Plastics: Choose stainless steel straws, bamboo utensils, and cloth produce bags.
- Grow Your Own Herbs: Have a small herbs garden in your kitchen for fresh, home-grown flavours.
- Use a Water Filter: Cut down on bottled water waste by filtering tap water at home.
- Buy Local Produce: Support nearby farmers and reduce transportation emissions.
Reuse at Home:
- Repair Instead of Replace: Mend clothes, fix broken appliances, and extend product life.
- Repurpose Glass Jars: Use old jars for storing pantry items, spices, or DIY projects.
- Get Creative with Upcycling: Turn old clothes into rags, or wine bottles into vases. Remember the golden rule, reuse and reduce.
- Use Cloth Diapers: Opt for reusable cloth diapers for babies instead of disposables.
- Make DIY Cleaning Products: Create non-toxic cleaners using vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils.
- Upcycle Furniture: Refurbish old furniture with paint, fabric, or creative techniques.
- Host a Clothing Swap: Trade clothes with friends to refresh your wardrobe sustainably.
- Donate Gently Used Items: Give away books, clothes, or household items to local charities. This can help your old clothes get reused and reduce the impact on the environment.
- Create a Reusable Gift Wrapping Station: Use fabric, scarves, or newspapers for gift wrapping.
- Designate a Reuse Area: Keep a basket for gently used items that can be repurposed or shared.
While Traveling:
- Pack Light: Less luggage means lighter planes and reduced fuel consumption.
- Use Reusable Water Bottles: Refill bottles at water stations to avoid single-use plastic.
- Choose Eco-friendly Accommodations: Stay at green hotels or eco-lodges. This way you can reduce your carbon footprint.
- Explore by Foot or Bike: Walk or bike to explore cities and reduce carbon emissions.
- Support Local Eateries: Try local cuisine and support small, sustainable restaurants.
- Offset Your Carbon Footprint: Prefer purchasing tickets that have low carbon emissions mentioned on them. Donate to carbon offset programs for flights or travel.
- Take Public Transit: Use buses, trains, or subways for sightseeing and transportation.
- Leave No Trace: Respect nature by packing out trash and minimizing environmental impact.
- Use Reef-safe Sunscreen: Use this sunscreen to prevent any damage to coral reefs and marine life while swimming.
- Volunteer Abroad: Join conservation projects or beach cleanups during travels.
Recycle and Reduce Waste:
- Know Your Local Recycling Rules: Understand what can be recycled in your area.
- Create a Recycling Station: Have separate bins for paper, plastic, glass, and metal.
- Reduce Junk Mail: Opt-out of paper catalogues, flyers, and unwanted mail subscriptions. This will help save paper.
- Choose Products with Minimal Packaging: Avoid excessive packaging when shopping.
- Repurpose Cardboard Boxes: Use for storage, shipping, or DIY projects.
- Recycle Electronics: Take old phones, computers, and gadgets to e-waste recycling centres.
- Donate Unwanted Items: Give away clothes, books, or furniture to thrift stores or shelters.
- Compost Yard Waste: Use grass clippings, leaves, and branches for composting or mulching.
- Use Rechargeable Batteries: Reduce single-use battery waste with rechargeable options.
- Minimize Food Waste: Plan meals, freeze leftovers, and store food properly to prevent spoilage.
Water Conservation:
- Fix Leaks: Repair dripping faucets, toilets, and pipes to save water.
- Use a Rain Barrel: Collect rainwater for gardening or outdoor cleaning.
- Shorten Shower Times: Take efficient showers or install a water-saving showerhead.
- Reuse Water used for Cooking: Save cooking water for watering plants or cleaning.
- Capture Cold Water: Collect running water while waiting for hot water to be used elsewhere.
Sustainable Gardening:
- Plant Native Species: Support local ecosystems and wildlife with native plants.
- Companion Planting: Use companion planting to naturally repel pests and promote growth.
- Mulch Garden Beds: Use organic mulch to retain moisture and reduce water needs.
- Create a Bee-friendly Garden: Plant flowers that attract bees and other pollinators.
- Avoid Chemical Pesticides: Use natural pest control methods like neem oil or companion planting.
Conscious Consumerism:
- Research Before Buying: Check product labels for eco-friendly certifications and ingredients.
- Choose Quality Over Quantity: Invest in durable, long-lasting items instead of disposable ones.
- Support Sustainable Fashion: Buy from ethical brands or choose second-hand clothing.
- Mend Clothing: Learn basic sewing skills to repair clothes instead of tossing them.
- Share and Borrow: Borrow tools, books, or kitchen appliances from neighbours or friends.
- Attend Clothing Swaps: Exchange clothes with others to refresh your wardrobe sustainably.
- Go Paperless: Opt for digital receipts, bills, and subscriptions to reduce paper usage.
- Use a Library: Borrow books, movies, and music instead of buying new copies.
- Invest in Quality Kitchenware: Choose stainless steel or cast iron cookware for longevity.
- Repair Shoes and Accessories: Fix worn-out shoes, bags, or belts instead of replacing them.
Mindful Living:
- Practice Minimalism: Declutter your space and focus on essential items.
- Practice Mindful Eating: Reduce food waste by savouring meals and portioning correctly.
- Support Ethical Practices: Choose fair trade, cruelty-free, and organic products.
- Practice Conservation: Turn off taps while brushing your teeth and take shorter showers.
- Opt for DIY Gifts: Create homemade gifts like candles, soaps, or baked goods.
- Attend Sustainable Events: Join eco-friendly workshops, markets, or festivals.
- Educate Others: Share sustainability tips and resources with friends and family.
- Volunteer for Green Initiatives: Offer time and skills to local environmental organizations.
- Reduce Disposable Items: Use cloth towels, handkerchiefs, and utensils instead of disposables.
- Choose Fair Trade Coffee and Tea: Support ethical beverage sourcing practices.
- Practice Gratitude: Most importantly, appreciate and strive to protect the natural world for future generations.
Summing Up
You just saw 101 Ways how to Live More Sustainably in 2025. These ways are easy to implement and can readily become a part of your daily life.
Reclimatize Warriors, adopting these ways allows you to do your bit and create a greener and healthier environment for future generations. Whether it’s minimizing water usage, choosing eco-friendly products, or reducing and reusing, you can easily follow the above steps to create a positive difference in the world and sustainably create a better future.