I like to think I’m “pro Earth.” I rarely use a straw, I own reusable canvas tote bags (which I often forget to take into the grocery store, but still…), and my favorite winter coat is made out of recycled water bottles (yay, Patagonia!). But truth be told, I know I could be doing so much more to reduce my carbon footprint. I’m just not ready to start a compost pile and I don’t own an electric car, but I’m all about the idea that small steps to sustainability can make a big difference. I’m searching for little ways to improve – some of the ones I’m working on are below.

Stop using single-use plastics.

Okay, this one is pretty obvious, but I’ll say it one more time, mostly to remind myself! Those plastic baggies, straws, and Dasani bottles don’t just disappear when the trash truck takes them away. A plastic water bottle takes 450 years to decay! So yes, it’s a little bit of a pain, but this is a small step that can really make a big difference.

Consider more eco-friendly cleaning solutions.

I love my Softscrub, and sometimes you just gotta use it, but I’m learning that vinegar and baking soda can go a long way to clean many things. Plus, it’s just plain FUN when the baking soda fizzles up, right? It’s like a little science experiment every time!

Eat more meatless meals.

Hey, this one I’ve got down! It’s one of the tenets of Nurture & Nourish that you don’t have to eat meatless at every meal to make a difference for your health or our planet. EVERY meal counts. So if you’re looking for an easy dinner for your next Meatless Monday, try One Pan Gnocchi with Roasted Vegetables or Polenta Cakes with Summer Tomato Sauce. Sustainable, healthy, and delicious!

Donate your gently used items rather than throwing them out.

I’m about to go through my entire closet and every bin of off-season clothing in my house and pare it way the heck down. I used to think if I liked something, I needed to buy one in every color, but honestly, since the pandemic I wear about six items of clothing. It’s ridiculous. I’d rather donate all of this stuff and give someone else a chance to wear a ribbed turtleneck in black, cream, red, forest green, rust, and marigold (which, truth be told, is not my color). P.S. this is a true story.

Shop local and/or second-hand.

The flip side of this, of course, is that when I do shop, I like to buy local. It’s a lot cooler to have some earrings made by a local artisan than something mass-produced. Oh, and here’s an easy (and kind of fun!) small step to sustainability – when’s the last time you checked out a library book? I’m going to renew my library card and save the Amazon driver umpteen trips to my house!

Choose sustainable transportation when you can.

This kind of depends on where you live. I live about four miles away from the grocery store in a town that has limited sidewalks, so that’s probably a no-go for me. But if you can, consider walking, biking, carpooling, or public transportation when possible. I at least plan to combine my errands to be more efficient and save some trips.

Reduce food waste.

Oooh, this one is me. 👋 I regularly overshop, cook extra big meals thinking we’ll eat leftovers for lunch, and then promptly forget to look in the back of the refrigerator when noontime rolls around. It’s shameful. I plan to shop more mindfully, cook just what we’ll eat, and make sure those glass containers are front and center in the fridge.

Conserve energy.

I can hear my dad on this one! Turn off the lights when you leave a room. Unplug devices and appliances when you are not using them.

Grow your own food and/or support local farms.

Not much of a gardener? I hear you! See if you have a local farm that you can support through a CSA (community supported agriculture). I write a check in early spring, then get the gift of a box of fresh produce every week, all summer long! It’s the best! Check here to see if there is a CSA near you. And, of course, support those farmers markets and local farm stands!

Spread the word!

As humans, we pick up cues from those around us all the time. Be the example (without being a preachy show-off, please!). Use your cute lunchbox at work (with the nifty reusable baggies). Share your farmers market bounty with the neighbors. Post about your favorite second-hand shop on social media.

I’m convinced that you don’t have to produce your own energy by riding a stationary bike in your basement to make a tremendous difference for the health of our planet. By taking a few small steps to sustainability, we can move the needle. I hope this gives you some ideas – have fun with it – and let me know how it goes!

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