25 simple ways to adopt a greener, waste-free life

In a world where extreme weather events, animal extinction and plastic pollution seem to a headline in every other news cycle, it’s important that we stop to ask: what can we do?

And whereas these are conversations that need to happen in governments and through conservation bodies in order to have a global impact, it’s also important that it is reflected in our lifestyle choices and how we choose to run own homes.

Whether we acknowledge it or not, our decision today will ultimately affect our children and tomorrow. Two years ago, the death of Sudan (the last male white rhino) would have been nothing but a Twitter hashtag, a moment on my timeline that may have caused me to stop and think about it for a second but nothing more. Today, knowing that my daughter will never get to see an animal that I had the pleasure of meeting and experiencing in my lifetime fills me with a deep sadness; but more so, a sense of responsibility to ensure she inherits a world that I would be proud to leave behind.

Here are simple things you can do to live a more eco-friendly, waste-free life:

  1. Use less paper
  2. Eat less meat
  3. Stop using plastic bags
  4. Remember to switch off the lights when they’re not in use
  5. Reduce time spent in the shower
  6. Plant trees
  7. Buy locally grown products
  8. Stop littering
  9. Buy recycled products
  10. Protect wildlife
  11. Grow your own food
  12. Turn off the water when brushing teeth
  13. Print less
  14. Start a compost pit
  15. Get a re-usable glass water bottle
  16. Don’t use products with microbeads
  17. Work from home when you can
  18. Water plants early morning or evening
  19. Shop wisely so you don’t throw away food
  20. Skip the disposable straw
  21. Carpool if possible
  22. Store food in glass containers
  23. Opt foe electronic billing
  24. Fix any leaky faucets to prevent water waste
  25. Donate items you no longer need or use

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