Are you looking to green up your life but don’t know where to start? Here are ten simple steps to get you started in adopting a more sustainable way of living. From mindful kitchen choices to eco-conscious cleaning practices to just having the correct amount of air in your tires, these simple actions are designed to make a positive impact and guide you toward a greener, more sustainable lifestyle.

1. Add More Plants – Many houseplants are great natural air filters; for example, use mother-in-law’s tongue aka snake plant in bedrooms for nighttime oxygen release. Peace lilies and Boston ferns are great for humid rooms, reducing mold spores, while weeping figs help remove formaldehyde from living areas.
2. Create Your Own Cleaning Solution – Create eco-friendly cleaning products using Castile soap to reduce plastic waste and harmful VOCs. Make a simple kitchen spray by mixing 50ml of castile soap with 800ml tap water in a spray bottle, and add a few drops of essential oils like tea tree oil for antibacterial properties.
3. Bake to Benefit Soil – Rotate your flours to replenish soil nutrients used by crops. Opt for alternatives like spelt and emmer flour, which have similar baking properties to wheat but also benefit the soil.
4. Shop Responsibly and Alone – Choose in-person shopping, specifically for clothing, especially local, over online purchases to reduce carbon footprints. I know it’s more fun to shop with a friend but shopping alone can help you make more mindful decisions, resulting in purchasing less stuff and avoiding unnecessary returns.
5. Learn Basic Sewing Skills – Knowing how to sew on a button extends the life of your clothing. Utilize online tutorials to acquire this simple skill, contributing to sustainable fashion practices.
6. Reduce Disposables – Cut down on cotton consumption due to its high water footprint. Switch to reusable makeup removal options like Face Halo brand makeup remover and bamboo pads for toners and nail polish remover.
7. Opt for Eco-Friendly Packaging – Choose beauty products packaged in post-consumer recycled plastic or glass, minimizing environmental impact. Brands are increasingly adopting recycled materials, from luxury to mass-market products.
8. Unplug Devices – Turn off electronic devices at the wall to conserve energy, reducing your carbon footprint and potentially lowering utility bills.
9. Consume Less Meat – Embrace a more plant-based diet by reducing meat consumption, even if just for a few days a week, to contribute to a significant reduction in your carbon footprint.
10. Check Your Tires – Keeping your tires inflated properly helps with fuel consumption. Tires that are under inflated by even just a quarter can cause a 2% increase in fuel consumption. Regular vehicle maintenance, removing unused roof racks, and avoiding unnecessary weight in your car contributes to fuel efficiency.

These are just a few basic ideas to get you started on greening your lifestyle. Small changes can make big impacts on habits and routines. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get to it.