With the ongoing climate crisis among all of the other crap going on in the world, I’m doing my best to be a bit more sustainable in my everyday life. I am working towards being as zero-waste as possible as well. It’s truly the little things that add up and can make a big difference, and I truly believe these small actions can make a big difference in fighting climate change. Today, I’m sharing a few ways you can be more sustainable in your everyday lives. I am very open to hearing additional suggestions, please share them in the comments section at the end of this blog post!

Disclaimer: this post may contain affiliate links.

In the kitchen and your living space:

• Use reusable sponges, cloths, sponge cloths, tea towels, napkins, etc. rather than using napkins, paper towels, and plastic ware
• Choose sustainable materials such as wood, bamboo, or glass for the tableware, cutlery, tupperware, etc. rather than plastic
• Compost!!! Unfortunately, Kelowna is WAY behind the times and does not have a local composting program – but thankfully, Chickpeace Zero Waste Refillery and a few other businesses have a composting program set up. I bring my compost there weekly. They sell bins and reusable compost bags to help get you all set up at home.
• Eat leftovers, use all of the food in your fridge, buy less so food isn’t going to waste, and freeze any produce that may be starting to turn (or bake with it if you’re able, which works great for bananas!)
• Buy in bulk with your own reusable jars rather than buying things in plastic – this one is super important and something I am still working on.
• Bring a reusable water bottle, coffee cup/mug, utensils, etc. when you are out
• Use more natural cleaning products that are zero waste: lots of cleaners can be refilled in glass jars/containers and Chickpeace has some great options!
• Be aware of what you buy and the packaging it comes in – this can be very challenging as it can be difficult to avoid things wrapped in plastic, but do your best!
• Buy produce from a farmer’s market and bring your own bags for it. Also bring reusable bags to the grocery store instead of getting plastic bags.
• Have any more suggestions? Let me know in the comments!

Personal care:

• Thankfully there are more and more zero waste options becoming available. Here are a few suggestions:
• Zero waste deodorant: try from No Tox Life, Sustain Yourself, and Bite recently came out with one as well
• Zero waste toothpaste: try Unpaste tooth tablets, they offer both a fluoride or non fluoride version
• Zero waste cleansers and serums: Lush has some great options that I have been trying out recently that I’d recommend giving a go, and they have containers you can put their products in as well to keep fresh for even longer
• Zero waste shampoo and conditioner: there are many options out there including Lush, High End Hippie, and more. They have made a big difference with the health of my hair and I would highly recommend switching to a shampoo and conditioner bar for your hair!
• Zero waste toner: you can easily make a toner at home or can simply use rose water
• A more sustainable makeup option: Au Naturale is my go to. I have been using their products for years and they are absolutely amazing! Highly recommend checking out their products.
• If you can’t be totally zero waste, opt for refillable products and products made in glass jars/containers rather than in plastic (very hard, I am aware, but it’s a work in progress!)
• I am also working on trying to make my own skincare rather than buying, which I definitely feel is more sustainable as I have most of the ingredients already – but this is a work in progress so we will see how it goes! I have been successful so far at making my own chapstick, by refilling containers I already had – so much better than always having to purchase new plastic tubes when you run out.
• A few good websites I would recommend checking out if you are looking for more zero waste and sustainable options include Sustain Yourself, No Tox Life, Chickpeace Zero Waste Refillery which is local to Kelowna, Fill Kelowna, and Our Footprints Company. They all have great selections for personal care, living, and kitchen options.

Clothes:

• First and foremost, don’t buy so much stuff and only buy something if you are really going to wear it!!! Easier said than done, but try.
• Thrift! I’m sure we’ve all heard this one by now, so much better and more sustainable than buying new!
• Donate your old clothes or get them upcycled. Lots of companies use extra scraps as well, so you could always reach out to them and see if they are interested in taking them.
• Purchase from sustainable companies, and local sustainable companies are even better. There are a number of great options based in Vancouver. Ten tree, Lavendelle Lounge, and Vitae Apparel all offer activewear made from sustainable materials. Huha is a sustainable underwear company, and Supercrush is a sustainable hair accessories company that creates scrunchies, headbands, and more from locally-sourced materials. There are plenty of choices out there, and if you have any more suggestions, drop them in the comments!

Additional tips:

• Pela case has compostable phone cases that I absolutely love, plus a bunch of other cool options that are eco-friendly. Definitely check them out if you haven’t already!
• Saje wellness is another good option, not all of their things are zero waste but most of their diffuser blends and essential oils are in glass bottles, and some of their other personal care products are in glass as well.
• If you need something that you can’t find, try to borrow from a friend!
• Choose sustainable transit options such as transit, carpooling, biking, walking, etc.
• Eat less meat and more veggies – even better if they are locally and sustainably grown
• Support small businesses as often as possible!

I’ve come a long way in terms of trying to be more sustainable and eco-friendly, but I also know I have quite the journey ahead of me as well. Do you have any favorite sustainable tips? Share them below!