25 Easy, Sustainable Actions
Reduce Your Impact on the Planet
This list can help you save money, reduce your energy consumption, reduce your CO2 production, protect the environment and build community. Take a look at the actions below or print out the Easy Sustainable Actions flier to track your actions at home.
25 Easy, Sustainable Actions
Transportation & Energy Reduction
Utilize Alernative Transportation
One day a week bike, walk, bus, or carpool.
Combine Car Trips
Combine errands to the grocery store, bank, post office, etc., to reduce the miles traveled in your car and thus the CO2 production.
Air Dry Laundry
Hang your clothes up to dry instead of using your dryer.
Unplug
Unplug electronics when not in use to reduce energy consumption. Even when electronics are in standby mode, they are still using electricity.
Reduce Energy Usage
Lower your utility bill by turning off lights, reducing your AC use, and turning down your thermostat when possible.
Waste Reduction
Reduce Single-Use Plastics
Use reusable grocery and produce bags, stainless steel straws, and reusable travel utensils.
Use Reusable Containers
Use reusable food and beverage containers, such as water bottles, coffee cups, and lunch bags. Consider buying a reusable mug or bottle from one of your favorite local shops.
Reduce Food Waste
Food waste takes up massive space in our landfills, which produces methane gas, contributing to climate change. When food is wasted, the resources it took to produce and deliver it are also wasted.
Reduce Paper Consumption
Use electronic document signing, subscribe to eletronic bills and newsletters, use an online calendar or planner, and put a stop to junk mail.
Sort Recyclables
Properly sort recyclable items such as aluminum, plastic bottles, paper, cardboard, and glass. Consider posting a sign at your reycling station that clearly identifies what is recyclable in your area and which bin it should go in.
Food, Water & Agriculture
Support Local Agriculture
Join a CSA (community supported agriculture) and get to know your farmer, or visit a farmers market for fresh, locally produced food.
Reduce Meat Consumption
Consider more plant-based meals.
Compost Food Scraps
Cut back on food waste by setting up a compost system in your yard. Or find a local company that will process it for you.
Conserve Water
Use water wisely. Take shorter showers, turn off the water when brushing your teeth, and water your lawn at appropriate times of the day.
Garden
Plant a backyard garden or join a neighborhood garden project. Consider growing your own fresh food without the use of pesticides.
Economy & Consumer Choices
Shop Locally
When you shop local more money stays in your community. Buying from a locally owned business, conserves energy and resources in the form of less fuel for transportation and less packaging.
Choose Longer Shipping
When buying online choose longer shipping times. This practice reduces the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced when delivering your items.
Shop Secondhand
Buying secondhand items keeps them out of the landfill and reduces environmental impacts from the production of new items. Thrift shops can be found in nearly every city and town.
Vote with Your Dollar
Choose sustainable companies and products.
Energy-Efficient Appliances
When replacing household appliances consider energy efficient models
Action, Community & Resilience
Inspire Youth
Inspire youth to become envirionmental leaders. By giving our youth a voice they will become change-makers for current and future generations.
Educate Yourself & Others
Stay informed on the latest information about local, state, and nation-wide sustainability initiatives, climate change actions, and environmental protection efforts.
Connect with Nature
Having a connection with nature is beneficial for the well-being of both humans and the natural world.
Research Candidates
Research political candidates' environmental stance before you vote. Learn about local policies, practices, and your elected officials to meaningfully engage in topics that matter to you. You can engage in topics that matter to you.
Support Sustainability
Support organizations and actions that promote sustainability! Consider supporting the Sustainable Living Association. Take the Impact Pledge and learn how your daily actions can have a positive impact on global efforts to combat climate change.
