23 Small Changes to Live a More Sustainable Lifestyle in 2021

It seems that resolutions are somewhat passé, and not a moment too soon! But at the start of a New Year, I still love to consider how to make the year ahead better, more wonderful, than the previous one. You might have goals in mind for personal growth, health and relationships, but more than ever, moving towards a more sustainable lifestyle could be on your mind.

How to make changes for a sustainable lifestyle

If you’re anything like me, when you get an idea you want to throw everything at it. Sadly for me, this approach has too often led to a (somewhat catastrophic) crash-and-burn scenario. With every year that passes I move more towards a baby steps approach, and it is no different here. I firmly believe that the most effective, long-lasting changes come from a slow, steady journey of manageable adjustments to your way of life. 

That is to say, start with an imperceptibly small change to your lifestyle - one that feels so easy you barely notice it. If you like oat milk, try putting it in every coffee. Switch one car journey a week for a walk. Anything that feels manageable! The following week, add another, and another. Before you know it, like a mountaineer reaching the summit, you’ll look back and realise how far you’ve come. So, to inspire you to take that first step, here are 23 small changes you can make for a more sustainable lifestyle.

Reduce Plastic Use

Plastic has become woven into daily life, from our food to our bathroom products, but there are eco friendly alternatives out there.

1. Use reusable shopping bags

I always have some folded in my bag and in the back of the car, just in case!

2. Buy loose fruit and vegetables

It can often be more expensive, but if you’re able to afford the change, this is a really easy one.

3. Make your own staples

Bread is surprisingly easy to make at home, especially if you have a bread-maker. Likewise yoghurt is very straightforward and quite satisfying!

4. Use a sustainable razor

Standard razors are mostly plastic, but a safety razor or sustainable razor subscription provides the same benefits without the waste.

5. Use a recyclable or bamboo toothbrush

Besides being better for the environment, bamboo is much prettier in your bathroom!

6. Use reusable straws

You can try silicone, metal or bamboo - all work great.

Make changes to your home

Heating your home can be a significant source of energy consumption. 

1. Switch to a green energy provider

This is one of the easiest changes to make - you’ll significantly reduce your environmental footprint and you won’t be able to tell the difference!

2. Install a smart meter

This little contraption can significantly reduce the amount of energy you use.

3. Improve your insulation

Make the most of the energy you’re using by keeping it in!

4. Generate your own energy

More and more people are moving towards sustainable energy sources at home. There’s the initial outlay of having solar energy panels or wind turbines installed in your property, but eventually they can pay for themselves in reduced energy bills.

Change your diet

Few people are aware of this, but what you eat has a huge impact on how sustainable your lifestyle is. Animal agriculture and food waste are two of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, so making small changes to your diet can create real change for the planet.

1. Go meat free (even one day a week!)

Meat-free Mondays are particularly popular, but any day of the week works.

2. Buy local produce

Whether animal products or vegetables, buying local produce supports the local economy while reducing the airmiles associated with your food.

3. Reduce dairy intake

Milk alternatives are so much easier to find than they used to be - and lots of them taste great too.

4. Grow your own

There are so many benefits of growing your own fruit and vegetables - not only will your little plant friends be removing carbon from the atmosphere, they will provide you with delicious, planet-friendly food.

5. Consider alternatives to eggs

There are many different ways you can replace eggs in baking without noticing much change to the final product.

6. Replace cheese

Vegan cheese is much better than it was a few years ago! And there are other ways you can substitute cheese - such as with cashew ‘cheese’ made with nutritional yeast.

7. Make the most of seeds and nuts

These little powerhouses of flavour and nutrition improve just about every meal. We’ve found the transition to a plant-based diet much, much easier thanks to tasty seeds and nuts. 

8. Reduce your food waste

Food waste is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Simple steps like planning your meals in advance and making the most of leftovers, can make a real difference.

9. Buy ‘wonky’ vegetables

Supermarkets frequently reject perfectly good produce that doesn’t meet certain appearance standards. Buying this rejected veg saves it from landfill, vastly reducing methane emissions.

Make do and mend

It can take a huge amount of resources to make things, so one of the best things we can do for the planet is to get the most use we can out of an item.

1. Repurpose clothing

Turn old clothing into baby clothes or accessories.

2. Repurpose old homewear

Placemats can become wall hangings, and pretty much anything can be updated with glue guns!

3. Mend holes

Darning holes is surprisingly easy and very satisfying! Decorative mending is particularly beautiful.

4. Make your own handkerchiefs

One of the easiest ways to reduce your waste, transforming an old sheet into handkerchiefs is also super easy.

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