Adopt These Practices for More Sustainable Lifestyles

Transitioning to a sustainable lifestyle does not have to be difficult or expensive. You can easily adopt sustainable lifestyles by making small, manageable changes in your daily routines. Given here are some simple, practical and budget-friendly steps that you can take.

Start with Small Swaps

• Choose reusable over disposable: Use cloth bags, metal straws, and refillable water bottles.
• Choose eco-friendly alternatives: Switch to bamboo toothbrushes, reusable food wraps, and cloth napkins.
• Choose refillable products: Opt for refill packs for household items like soap and detergent.

Shop Smarter

• Buy second hand: Buy from thrift stores, online marketplaces, and swap events to reduce waste.
• Support sustainable brands: Look for fair trade, organic, and cruelty-free certifications.
• Be minimalistic: Before making a purchase, ask yourself – “Do I really need this?”

Eco-Friendly Shopping and Fashion

• Buy quality clothes instead of fast fashion. Choose brands which offer sustainable choices.
• Choose cotton, linen, or handloom fabrics over polyester.
• Donate or swap old clothes instead of throwing them away.
• Repair and reuse furniture and appliances instead of replacing them frequently.

Adopt a ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’ Mindset

• Repurpose and repair: Repair and repurpose clothes, upcycle furniture, and use glass jars for storage.
• Recycle properly: Learn about local recycling avenues and ensure proper disposal.
• Say no to fast fashion: Buy fewer, high-quality clothing items that last longer.

Reduce Plastic Use and Waste

• Carry a reusable cloth/jute bag for grocery shopping.
• Use steel, glass, or clay bottles instead of plastic ones.
• Segregate waste at home: Wet waste for composting, dry waste for recycling.

Eat Affordably and Sustainably

• Eat seasonal and local food (e.g., mangoes in summer, leafy greens in winter).
• Reduce packaged food consumption (instant noodles, chips, colas) to cut plastic waste and consume healthier food.
• Eat plant-based meals. They are cheaper, healthier, and eco-friendly.
• Reduce Food Waste. Store leftover food properly, reuse food creatively, and compost scraps.

Reduce Energy Use and Conserve Water at Home

• Switch to LED bulbs. It saves electricity and lowers the bill.
• Unplug appliances and devices when not in use (TV, chargers, microwave, electronics etc.). Electronics use energy even when off.
• Use energy-efficient appliances. Look for the BEE Energy Star label.
• Use solar-powered water heaters if possible.
• Fix leaking taps and reuse RO wastewater for mopping and gardening.
• Take shorter showers to save water and energy.
• Collect rainwater. Use it for plants and gardening.

Choose Sustainable Transportation

• Use public transport (metro, buses) instead of private vehicles whenever possible.
• Prefer carpooling or electric rickshaws for short distances.
• If buying a vehicle, consider CNG or electric options to cut emissions.
• Walk or cycle for nearby errands. It is free and good for health!

Adopt Green Festival Celebrations

• Use clay or eco-friendly idols for Ganesh Chaturthi and Durga Puja.
• Prefer diyas over crackers for a Green Diwali.
• Use biodegradable decorations (banana leaves, marigold flowers) for weddings and pujas.

Create Green Spaces at Home

• Start a small balcony or terrace garden with herbs, veggies, and air-purifying plants.
• Compost wet waste to create natural fertilizer for plants.
• Use indoor plants to improve air quality.

Sustainable Banking and Investments

• Support banks and funds that invest in green initiatives.
• Prefer digital payments over printed receipts to reduce paper waste.

Support Local and Eco-Friendly Businesses

• Buy handmade products from local artisans instead of mass-produced or imported.
• Prefer zero-waste stores for groceries and essentials.
• Rent or borrow items (e.g., wedding clothes, furniture) instead of buying new.

Educate Yourself, Spread Awareness and Engage with the Community

• Follow sustainability influencers for tips and hacks.
• Participate in clean-up drives in local parks. Join tree-planting initiatives.
• Encourage neighbours and resident associations to adopt waste segregation and composting