[Tiny Tips] – Live more sustainably – Every day in our lives we make decisions that affect the environment, climate, and other species. From what we eat to how many children we want, there are many things we can do to choose wildlife and reduce our ecological footprint to make more room for wildlife. Our individual actions matter – but we can’t do it alone. Share this page to inspire others and check out our action alerts to learn how to advocate for policy change.
12 ways to live more sustainably
Think twice before shopping.
Every product we buy leaves an environmental footprint, from the materials it’s made from, to the pollution emitted during manufacturing, to the packaging that ends up in a landfill or incinerator. Even if you can recycle or compost a product at the end of its life, the damage upstream has already been done. So before buying, ask yourself if you really need it. If you do this, consider buying used rather than new, and look for products made from more environmentally friendly materials with minimal packaging and shipping.
Ditch plastic and switch to reuse.
Plastic will never go away. At least 14 million tons enter the ocean every year, accounting for 80% of all marine debris. Thousands of seabirds, turtles, seals and other marine mammals die every year from ingesting or becoming entangled in plastic. You can start reducing plastic waste with a few simple steps: use reusable bags when shopping, avoid single-use water bottles, bags and straws, and avoid products made or packaged in plastic when possible (e.g. opt for packaging-free product). at the grocery store). Take every opportunity to switch from single-use to reusable products – every piece of plastic avoided is a win for the planet.
Take extinction off your plate.
Meat production is one of the most polluting industries on the planet, causing massive water use, pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and habitat destruction. So when you choose to eat more plant-based foods and consume less meat, you can reduce your impact on the environment. Additionally, food is the largest category of materials that ends up in municipal landfills. Nearly 40 percent of the food consumed in the United States is wasted, along with all the land, water, and other natural resources used to produce it. Avoid food waste by shopping wisely and plannedly, and make sure you consume what you buy.
Simplify the holidays.
Holidays, birthdays, weddings, and other celebrations are often overly lavish. For example, Americans generate 23% more garbage in December than in other months of the year. But the problem isn’t just extra waste. All the fossil fuels, trees and other natural resources used to make gifts, decorations, disposable tableware and wrapping paper dim our celebration of wildlife and the habitats they depend on. But you can redefine your celebration in a way that respects the land, water and wildlife. Instead of celebrating your next holiday with plastic decorations, excessive gifts, and disposable food and drink containers, you can decorate it with foraged plants, give homemade or used gifts, and use reusable Tableware provides plant-based meals.
Choose organic.
From coffee to fruit to clothes, choosing organic products can help reduce your impact on wildlife and the planet. More than 2 billion pounds of pesticides are sold in the United States each year. Pesticides are ubiquitous in fish and wildlife habitats, threatening the survival and recovery of hundreds of federally listed species. Pesticides also pollute the air, water and soil, and contaminate the food we eat. When gardening, avoid using pesticides in your home by growing organically. Creating wildlife habitat in your garden by planting native, pollinator-friendly plants and removing invasive species will attract beneficial insects and repel unwanted pests. When you choose organic, you keep harmful pesticides out of our land and water and protect farm workers, vulnerable communities, wildlife and your family.
Ditch fast fashion and animal-based textiles.
Fast fashion is a large, rapidly growing industry. The amount of new clothing produced each year has almost doubled over the past 20 years, and global fashion consumption has increased by 400%. The fast fashion industry is a significant contributor to the climate crisis, accounting for 10% of global carbon emissions. Animal textiles such as wool contribute to water pollution, widespread habitat loss through deforestation, and other damage to wildlife. Slow down your fashion habits, take care of your clothes, repair them when possible, and when you need new clothes, buy secondhand or participate in a clothing swap. If you need to buy something new, ditch the “green washing” and buy clothes made from truly sustainable materials, like organic cotton or Tencel, from brands that are built to last.
Be water wise.
As our growing population places increasing demands on the nation’s water resources and we face unprecedented drought, conserving water is critical. You can save water by taking shorter showers, fixing leaky toilets, and choosing low-flow, low-water-use appliances. Consider desiccation of your garden, a landscaping technique that uses native, drought-adapted plants that require less water and maintenance over time and provide habitat for birds and bees land and food. Additionally, livestock is one of the largest water-consuming industries. Changing your diet to meat and dairy products can also save water.
Drive less, drive green.
Transportation emissions from fossil fuels contribute to greenhouse gases, smog, soot and other harmful air pollution. But changing your driving habits can significantly reduce your carbon footprint. Whenever possible, walk, bike, carpool, use public transportation, or join a carpool or bike share. Consolidate errands to reduce the number of trips you take. Participate in or start a car-free day in your community. Ask local governments to invest in electric fleets and charging stations, and if you’re looking for a new car, consider buying one. It’s also important to keep your car in good condition with regular maintenance and tire pressure. Tuning can improve fuel efficiency – Tires that are 20 percent under-inflated can improve a vehicle’s fuel economy by 10 percent.
Green your home.
Just as keeping your car in good condition improves fuel efficiency, keeping your home in good condition improves energy efficiency. Make sure your home has adequate insulation and energy-efficient windows, and use programmable thermostats for more efficient heating and cooling, and, of course, energy-saving light bulbs for more efficient lighting. If your state allows you to choose your electricity provider, you should hire a company that generates at least half of its electricity from wind, solar, and other clean energy sources. Installing solar panels or a solar water heater on your roof also protects the planet and saves you money. Many states now offer incentives to help you make your home or rental more environmentally friendly at little or no cost. Call your energy provider to find out if they offer free energy audits or if they know of a company that offers free energy audits.
Boycott products that endanger wildlife.
Products made from animals on the endangered species list may not be purchased, sold, imported, or traded in the United States. However, if a plant or animal is not already on the list, it may still be harmed for the benefit of others. Additionally, some products harm endangered species by endangering their habitat, from clearing old-growth forests to using water that riparian species need to survive. To avoid harming wildlife, shop carefully, look for products made from sustainable materials like bamboo, and eat at restaurants that refuse to serve endangered species like bluefin tuna.
Fight for the right to choose when and if to start a family.
There are more than 8 billion people in the world, and our demand for food, water, land and fossil fuels is driving other species to extinction. Population growth and consumption are at the root of our most pressing environmental crises but are often overlooked. By promoting reproductive health, rights and justice, and gender equality, we can improve the health of people and the planet, as better education and access to family planning services can reduce family size and overall carbon footprints. Start the conversation by talking to your partner about family planning. Advocate for reproductive freedom in your community by supporting comprehensive sex education in schools and free and accessible contraception and abortion services.
Take action. Use your voice.
One of the best things you can do for wildlife and the planet today and in the future is to get involved in politics, both in your community and at the national level. Select candidates with strong environmental initiatives. Call on your representatives to adopt stronger policies to limit greenhouse gases, combat climate change, protect wildlife and public lands, and support access to reproductive health services. Vote with your wallet by donating to organizations working to end the extinction crisis. Sign and share action alerts, attend events and discuss with your friends the need to protect endangered species and address population growth and overconsumption.