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In a world filled with mass consumerism and never-ending trending outfits, items and aesthetics, it can be hard to unsubscribe from the ways of the material world. Everything seems so urgent! You need this thing now! It’s a limited release! It may never come back! Between social media constantly showing us the latest must-have products and the pressure to keep up with ever-changing trends, the urge to buy something new can feel almost irresistible. Before you know it, your closet is overflowing, your drawers are filled with things you barely use and there’s already something else you’re being told you need.
In reality, mass consumerism may look fun, but it can also harm the planet in the long run. The constant cycle of buying, using and tossing things away creates a lot of unnecessary waste, according to The Climate Initiative, and keeping up with every new trend can take a bigger toll on the environment than we may realize.
Don’t worry—it’s not your job to save the planet all by yourself. You don’t have to completely change your lifestyle overnight or give up every little thing you enjoy to make a difference. Some simple swaps in your everyday routine to make your life a little bit more sustainable can make a bigger difference than you may realize. Whether it’s rethinking your shopping habits, finding new uses for things you already own or making small changes to your daily routine, living more sustainably doesn’t have to be complicated.
Here are five ways you can live a more sustainable life—without breaking the bank.
Use reusable water bottles and coffee cups
While reusable water bottles are common practice nowadays, you might want to consider switching out your plastic Starbucks cup for a cuter, reusable one! There are dozens of brands, styles and colors to choose from, making it easy to find one you like—bonus points, you’ll use less plastic.
Swap your deodorant for a refillable one
When you use refillable products like the ones Wild offers, you don’t have to sacrifice your favorite scents or effectiveness. Just pick a cute refillable aluminum case and one of their eighteen scents, then toss your old deodorant. When you use the last bit, simply twist the cartridge down, pop it off and recycle the cardboard packaging!
Don’t immediately throw things out because they’re broken
If you can, try mending favorite clothing items or repurposing them into something new. A stained T-shirt can be turned into a reusable paper towel or cleaning rag. Ripped pants can be fixed with a cute patch or work of embroidery, adding your own creative spin to your favorite clothes!
If it can’t be fixed, check out your local thrift shops
Stores like Goodwill, Plato’s Closet or the Salvation Army have a surplus of clothing already donated by others. You can browse clothes, shoes, furniture, seasonal decorations and more, all for a discounted price.
Try “Project Pan”
This internet trend encourages people to use up the makeup, skincare, body care and fragrances they have before buying new ones. The idea stems from the phrase “hitting pan,” which means reaching the bottom of an eyeshadow palette and knowing that you’re getting the most out of a product. This helps declutter massive, overwhelming collections down to practical, loved items.
At the end of the day, living sustainably isn’t about being perfect or giving up everything you love. It’s about being a little more mindful of the choices you make and finding ways to make your everyday life a little greener. You don’t have to follow every trend or buy every new thing to enjoy life! Start small, find what works for you and remember that even the smallest changes can add up over time. After all, the planet doesn’t need you to be perfect—it just needs you to try.