How to Start Living Sustainably (Without Going Off the Grid)
A beginner’s guide to eco habits that actually fit into your life
So you want to live more sustainably… but you’re not quite ready to start growing your own kale, composting in your apartment, or giving up shampoo. That’s totally fine.
Progress, rather than perfection, is the goal of sustainable living. Small, everyday adjustments can save money, cut down on waste, and improve one's mood. Here are some easy, realistic ways to get started:
1. BYO — Bags, bottles, and bits
The reusable bag is the classic starter move. But once that’s in the habit bank, go further:
·Travel tumbler for your kopi or chai
·Reusable straw (bonus if it comes in a cute pouch)
·Glass jar or container when shopping bulk snacks or refills
You’ll be surprised how much single-use stuff you avoid just by being a little more prepared.
2. Rethink your period products
Pads and tampons are convenient… until you realize how many we throw away in a lifetime. Reusable options like cloth pads or menstrual cups aren’t as intimidating as they sound.
They’re washable, comfy, and once you get used to them — honestly, kind of a game changer.
3. Snack without the wrapper guilt
Love dried mango? Almonds? Cashews? So do we.
Buying them in bulk means less packaging, less waste, and a lot more snack freedom. You can mix and match, portion them how you like, and even bring your own container.
Zero-waste snacking is a vibe.
4. Upgrade your bathroom, gently
Your shampoo doesn’t have to come in a plastic bottle. Neither does your soap.
Shampoo bars, toothpaste tablets, and natural soaps are not only eco-friendly, they also look super aesthetic in your bathroom setup (we see you, Pinterest board).
Bonus: they last longer than you’d expect.
5. Take it one habit at a time
Don’t burn out trying to change everything overnight. Pick one thing, like switching to a reusable makeup remover pad or using a dishwashing loofah, and make that your thing for the month.
Once it’s part of your routine, stack on the next habit. Sustainable living becomes addictive in the best way.
Final thought:
You don’t have to live perfectly to live better. Simply begin modestly, maintain your curiosity, and see what suits you. The world needs millions of people working together, imperfectly, to achieve zero waste, not just a few individuals doing it flawlessly.