Sustainable habits that just make sense

We all know that sustainability is important. And we all know that our habits have an impact on the environment. But what many people don't realize is that small changes can make a big difference over time. Here are some sustainable habits that just make sense:

Buy groceries in bulk or better yet grow your own.

The best way to save money is to buy in bulk. If you have the space at home, grow your own food and save even more money (like we do!). Not everyone can do this but it's worth considering as a possibility if you have the space available. If that isn't an option for you, look into buying items that are in season locally grown or organic (if possible). It may cost a bit more initially but over time it will pay off when compared to buying things out of season or non-organic versions of the same item. Buying in bulk and sharing with friends and neighbours or freezing for later use is an excellent way to save both money and time.

Reuse glass jars for storage.

Glass jars are a great way to reuse items that you may have otherwise thrown out. You can purchase glass jars at the grocery store or, better yet, save your own from pickles, jams, etc., and use them for storage. Glass is an excellent food-storage option because it preserves freshness and flavour better than plastic containers do. As long as you’re careful about cleaning them before putting food in them, they're safe enough to use over and over again! You can also decorate and label them, which adds extra fun to the process (especially if you have children or if you are the kind of person who is mesmerized by supply organizing videos on YouTube).

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Make your own cleaning products.

You're probably familiar with the basic recipe: Vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice. It's a simple combo that can be used to clean just about anything in your home. And it doesn't rely on harsh chemicals or extra packaging, which means it's better for the planet (and you).

To get started, grab an empty glass jar and fill it halfway with water. Add 1/4 cup of vinegar, a teaspoon each of baking soda and lemon juice and give it all a good shake. You've got yourself an all-purpose cleaner! For more specific uses, you can find plenty of recipes online that cover anything from laundry detergent to heavy-duty cleaning solutions for your floors, tiles, and bathroom. It's a fascinating internet hole to fall into, if you like DIY and that feeling of accomplishment that comes from being self-sufficient and doing your bit for the planet.

Use reusable water bottles.

Reusable water bottles are a great way to cut down on waste and save money at the same time. You can buy reusable water bottles at most stores, and they come in many different sizes. If you're looking for an alternative to plastic or glass water bottles, bamboo is an excellent choice as it's naturally antimicrobial and compostable. Bamboo is also lighter than glass, so it'll make sure that your bag doesn't weigh too much!

Whatever brand you choose to purchase, make sure you research them beforehand to check that they are truly sustainable and not just jumping on the marketing bandwagon!

Shop at farmer's markets.

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Shopping at farmer’s markets is a great way to get fresh, local produce and support the local economy. By shopping at farmer's markets, you can meet the people who grow your food and learn about how they do it. What better way is there to know what you're putting into your body?

You can also learn about new varieties of fruits or vegetables that are in season. It's always nice when someone else does all of the research for you! Not only will this help keep you from getting bored with eating the same thing over and over again, but it could even inspire a new recipe idea or two!

Buy fresh foods in season instead of frozen or out of season canned foods.

Buying frozen foods has a higher environmental impact than buying fresh. That's because the process itself requires extra energy, as well as plastic packaging that must be disposed of after the food is eaten.

Frozen fruits and vegetables are often less nutritious than fresh ones, because many nutrients degrade during processing. Plus, even if you buy local or organic frozen produce, it has been shipped from a farm much farther away than if you had bought fresh food in season at your local farmers' market (or even from your own garden).

Cook meals from scratch instead of buying premade items that come in packaging that you'll have to throw away or recycle.

Cooking from scratch is cheaper and healthier, it's more fun, it helps you learn new recipes and techniques, and it helps you save money if you learn to plan meals. It also reduces waste!

Repair broken items rather than buying new ones.

Repairing broken items may seem like a difficult task, but it's actually much easier than you might think. There are many repair shops that can fix anything from your phone to your blender and even furniture. The best part is that repairing these items will be cheaper than buying new ones, saving you a lot of money!

If something breaks and needs fixing right away (like a computer or television), try asking around for recommendations on local repair shops before purchasing new pieces of equipment.

Small changes to our habits can make a big difference over time

The idea of making a big change to your life might seem daunting, but small changes add up over time. As you adjust your habits, there are a few things you can do to make sure the changes will last.

Keep it sustainable. There's no need to overhaul your whole lifestyle at once—you'll be more likely to stick with it if every step is manageable. Choose a few habits that work for you and then gradually add more as they become part of your routine.
Keep it affordable. It doesn't matter how much money or energy you save if you're struggling financially because of the way you live! Think about what would be most effective while still being affordable enough that it won't stress out either your wallet or your schedule too much; maybe that means buying reusable water bottles instead of plastic ones, starting small by biking instead of driving everywhere once per week, growing vegetables in your back garden...

You can do this! You don't have to go out and buy all new stuff or make major life changes. Just start with one small change and see how it goes. Over time, you'll find that there are many small things that add up to a big difference in your carbon footprint. The best part is that these sustainable habits will make your life more enjoyable too!