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There is a growing awareness of the need to lead a more balanced, sustainable lifestyle that is kinder to animals and the planet. This is especially apparent when considering the significant impact that mankind is having on the environment. You may be wondering what you can do to make a difference and reduce your own carbon footprint. Here are 7 actionable ways to build sustainable living habits in 2022.

Eat More Sustainably

The food we eat has a big impact on the environment. Choosing to eat more of certain types of food and less of others can make a big difference if you want to live a more sustainable lifestyle. Red meat has the biggest impact, as it has a higher carbon footprint than other food type. The high volume of water and energy used in factory farming meat is responsible for polluting the groundwater, air, and soil. Cutting back on meat consumption and choosing sustainably sourced seafood and a plant-based diet will significantly reduce your overall carbon footprint.

Shop More Sustainably

As a consumer, you have the power to choose where you spend your money. By choosing to purchase from businesses that support sustainable practices, you can help create a more sustainable lifestyle. A simple first step is to use reusable shopping bags and make a commitment to always bringing them along when you visit the shops.

Purchasing smaller quantities of food and reducing waste will have a positive impact. Try to avoid deals that offer multiple items for a discounted price, as they often encourage people to consume more than they need. You can help by asking yourself if you really need something or if you just want it. You can also help by recycling and donating unused items instead of throwing them away.

Travel More Sustainably

We are all aware that using motor vehicles and flying on a regular basis leaves a larger carbon footprint. The next time you need to get from A to B, consider if the journey can be made using public transport, a bicycle, or on foot. If the journey is for work or a meeting, can it be done virtually? Small steps in your travel habits can make a big difference.

Reducing Single Use Items

The first step in mitigating the impact of single-use items and therefore plastic pollution is to avoid single-use plastics. This includes items such as water bottles, straws, plastic cups, and plastic bags. While some of these items can be recycled, most end up in landfills where they break down and contaminate the soil. This can also result in the plastics entering the waterways and later the food chain as well.

Get Into Upcycling

When it comes to dealing with old, seemingly unusable items, it can be easy to simply throw them away. However, with a little time, care, and creativity, it is possible to give them new life through fun DIY projects. Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Reupholstery, turning beaten old chairs into modern upbeat designs for your living space
2. Old wooden shutters can be painted and repurposed into a manner of things like cabinet doors or magazine racks
3. Old dressers can be transformed into vanity units or serving carts
4. Old window frames can be turned into framed art wall hangings
5. Even seemingly throwaway items like wine corks can be jazzed up into stylish bottle toppers

There are endless possibilities for creativity and self-expression when it comes to upcycling. Once you start looking for ideas, you’ll find there’s a whole world of exciting DIY projects to explore that’ll have a positive impact on your sustainable living regime.

Create a Sustainable Health and Beauty Routine

When it comes to sustainable living, even our beauty routines can make a difference. The products we use on our skin, hair, and nails can all have an impact on the environment. Here are a few tips for sustainable beauty shopping: Look for vegan friendly, cruelty-free soaps. These will be gentle on your skin and won’t require animal testing.

Choose shampoos and conditioners that are made with sustainable ingredients. You can even find options that are packaged in recycled materials. Look for moisturisers and makeup that are free of harmful chemicals. These are better for your skin and won’t pollute the environment.

Make Your Home More Sustainable

The final step in our list is making your home more sustainable. You can do this by switching to a green energy supplier and improving your home’s energy efficiency through insulation and other measures. Washing your clothes at a lower temperature can help conserve energy. There are many other ways you can make your home more sustainable, such as using energy-efficient appliances, natural cleaning products, and hanging your laundry outside to dry.

Conclusion

If you’re ready to start a more sustainable lifestyle the most important thing you can do is to make a start. Remember you don’t have to do it all at once. Take small, simple steps adding something new here and there until you get to a place where you are happy. Remember every little helps.