How You Can Simplify Your Sustainability

By Ava Wygant

In our modern world, we are bombarded with information about how to protect the environment and stop climate change. There is endless research and plenty of proposed solutions. Thousands of environmentally friendly products have hit the market– some more helpful than others— and there are dozens of techniques that individuals can implement into their daily lives to combat the issue. Despite the abundance of resources and products available, consumers are still choosing to purchase traditional, less sustainable options. A recent survey states that 65% of respondents want to buy sustainable, purpose-driven products, yet only 26% do so. 

If we have all of the resources available, why isn’t real change happening?  

The answer is multifaceted, but one reason is that consumers are unmotivated to change. The hundreds of green and eco-friendly products on the market can overwhelm options and be inconvenient for consumers.  Some of these products and strategies are helpful, but the overload of information and products can confuse consumers who are less familiar with sustainability. Being an eco-citizen can be complicated and the hurdles of living sustainably are not to be discounted, but there are still simple solutions that can make our world more environmentally oriented. 

I have compiled a list of sustainable swaps that I find simple, no-stress, and broadly impactful. My recommendations will put you in the mindset of an environmentalist, without facing the complications and inconveniences of cutting out societal staples.

Reduce your red meat intake

Red meat (beef and lamb) has the highest greenhouse gas emissions of any animal based protein in the agricultural industry. Beef requires an estimated 28 times more land, 11 times more water and produces 5 times more greenhouse gas emissions than its livestock counterparts (pork and poultry). The agricultural industry is a huge problem for the climate, but a shift towards more poultry and plant-based alternatives in your diet can be extremely meaningful.

The food production industry contributes to about 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions, while animal production contributes to 14% of global emissions.  In a 2022 article, The World Resources Institute states that if red meat consumption in high-consuming countries declined to about 1.5 burgers per week, it would eliminate the need for associated deforestation and agricultural expansion. You can still eat red meat and be sustainable, just less of it! Enjoying a weekly burger or steak and choosing poultry and plant-based foods for the rest of the week can invoke serious change in our world, join us and #UNLITTERyourdiet! 

Photo by Our World in Data

Buy second-hand before shopping retail

There are currently enough clothes on the planet to dress the next six generations. Six generations are our great great great great grandchildren. The fashion industry is extremely resource-intensive, as the average t-shirt requires 2,700 liters of water for production. The average wears per item of clothing is decreasing and global textile consumption is increasing. There are countless second-hand marketplaces to choose from and find a new closet staple. Whether it be your local GoodWill or an online store such as Poshmark or Depop. I’ve found some of my best and most unique items while thrifting, and I believe you can too. Try only buying new when absolutely necessary, but I bet you can find something even better while thrifting.

Recycle the Obvious

This may sound conspicuous, but recycle the obvious! Recycling is a complex process with numerous rules which can lead to consumer confusion and discourage people from recycling. The national recycling rate is 32% meaning 32% of all municipal waste is recycled. This may sound like a decent amount, but the EPA suggests that 75% of municipal waste is recyclable. When you know something is definitely recyclable, recycle it. This may be paper, aluminum cans, glass, cardboard, and certain plastics. Being in a waste-conscious mindset will translate into other parts of your daily routine, and help you notice your waste.  

Ditch the to-go beverages

The environmental impact of your to-go cup may seem negligent, but roughly 16 billion to-go cups are used and thrown away each year. Our society favors quick disposal and convenience, leading to environmental consequences that we are already observing. Invest in a reusable cup and bring it to your favorite coffee shop. Starbucks offers a $0.10 discount for bringing your own cup and is now taking reusable cups at drive-throughs. Local coffee shops often provide reusable mugs, just ask. One less thing that goes in the trash is one less contribution to environmental degradation. 

Think before you buy

Finally, in all cases, it's crucial to pause and reconsider before purchasing something. Whether it be groceries, clothing, luxury items, or a cup of coffee, everything carries an environmental footprint. Consider not just the immediate need or desire, but also the broader implications of your consumption choices. Ask yourself questions like: Where did this product come from? How was it produced, and what resources were used? How long will it last? This mindful approach to consumption will help you make more informed choices that contribute to sustainability. 

I challenge you to adopt at least one, if not all, of these strategies for at least a month. These simple yet effective shifts will prove that sustainability doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. The key lies not just in adopting grand gestures, but in embracing simpler, everyday choices that collectively make a substantial difference. Start with small, manageable swaps like reducing red meat consumption and ditching single-use items, and go from there. You don’t have to be the most sustainable person or uproot your life to save the planet. If we all try to implement small sustainable practices every day, we will make a major impact with less effort and more mindfulness. 

Let’s try and make the world more sustainable together!