Starting Fresh: 6 Easy Sustainable Living Tips for 2025
- Cameron Rosenthal
- Dec 3, 2024
- 9 min read
Updated: Mar 28
Is living sustainably as hard (or expensive) as it sounds?
If youāve ever wanted to create a healthier, eco-friendly homeābut felt overwhelmed by where to startāyouāre not alone. The good news? Making sustainable choices doesnāt have to be complicated (or cost a fortune).
As the new year rolls in, Iāve been thinking a lot about sustainability and how I can be more intentional about living an eco-friendly, toxin-free life. One thing Iāve realized? Going green doesnāt have to be overwhelming.Ā In fact, itās the small, mindful shifts that stick the longestāand make the biggest difference. Whether youāre ready to ditch toxic products, cut down on waste, or become a little more self-sufficient, Iāve gathered simple, practical sustainable living tips to help you live in harmony with the planetāwithout the stress.
How I Started My Low-Waste Journey
When I first thought about living more sustainably, Iāll be honestāit felt overwhelming.Ā Where do you even start? But hereās the thing: you donāt have to toss everything and start from scratch.
I took it one step at a time. As my household products ran out, I replaced them with non-toxic, eco-friendly alternatives. Not only did it save me money, but it also gave me the space to research and find brands I actually love. And now? About 95% of my cleaning and personal care products are sustainableāand the best part? The whole process felt easyĀ because I made gradual changes.
Feeling overwhelmed about starting your sustainability journey?
Donāt worryāyouāre not alone. Knowing where to begin can be the hardest part, but a little guidance can make it so much easier.
Inside, youāll find:
ā A simple, no-stress checklistĀ to help you make easy, sustainable swaps.
ā Monthly habit trackersĀ to keep you motivated and celebrate the little wins.
ā Practical tipsĀ to reduce waste, ditch toxins, and live a bit more earth-friendly.
You donāt have to do it all at onceājust start where you are. This bundle makes it easy to take that first step!
Progress Over Perfection: The Key to Sustainable Living
Sustainability isnāt about being perfectāitās about making small, mindful choices that add up over time. Whether youāre ditching single-use plastic, exploring zero-waste swaps, or simply being more intentional with your purchases, every step counts.
The best part? Once you start, it becomes second nature. Each small change feels empowering, and before you know it, you're well on your way to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Start where you are, and keep moving forwardāprogress over perfection!
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How to Set Realistic Sustainability Goals for 2025
Starting (or continuing) your sustainability journey in 2025? Setting realistic, achievable goalsĀ is the key to creating long-term habits that stick. Instead of overwhelming yourself with drastic changes, focus on small, manageable shiftsĀ that fit naturally into your daily routine.
Here are a few simple sustainable living tips to get started:
Donāt Stress Over Perfection:Ā Mastering compostingĀ overnight isnāt necessary. Start by simply separating food scrapsĀ and learning the basics at your own pace. Every small step forward makes a difference.
Start Small, Build Momentum:Ā Instead of an entire lifestyle overhaul, begin with one area of your homeālike the kitchen or bathroom. Small changes in one space create momentum for the rest.
Sustainable Parenting Made Simple:Ā Parents, start with easy eco-friendly swaps like reusable snack bags, stainless steel water bottles,Ā or silicone food coversĀ before taking on bigger commitments like cloth diaperingĀ or homemade baby food.
Sustainability isnāt about perfectionāitās about small, meaningful changesĀ that become second nature. Once those shifts feel effortless, youāll be excited to take on even more.
Is Sustainability Expensive? Hereās the Truth
Living sustainably doesnāt have to cost a fortune. In fact, true sustainability is about making mindful choicesānot buying a bunch of new products.
While there are eco-friendly products that can make your journey easier, theyāre not essential. The best approach? Start where you are, use what you already have, and gradually incorporate new tools if they fit your lifestyle. Sustainable living is a journey, not a race.
Below, Iāve linked all the products mentioned in this post. These are simply suggestionsāthereās no need to rush out and buy anything new! You might already have some of these at home, and if not, you can always add them over time if they fit your lifestyle.
š Your Sustainable Shopping List š
Sustainable Kitchen
Sustainable Storage & Organization
Sustainable Lighting & Power
Sustainable Laundry
Sustainable Shopping
Sustainable Gardening
Additional
Ready to Be More Self-Sufficient? Start Here!
Looking to grow your own food and live more sustainably? Explore our digital shopĀ for practical gardening guides and resourcesĀ designed to help you succeed. Whether you're starting your first gardenĀ or want to level up your skills, you'll find expert tips, step-by-step instructions, and everything you need to grow with confidence.
Shop now and start your self-sufficiency journey today!
6Ā Simple & Impactful Sustainable Living Tips for 2025
Create a Low-Waste, Toxin-Free Home
This year, Iām making simple yet impactful changes to reduce wasteĀ and create a toxin-free home. Sustainability isnāt about perfectionāitās about small, intentional swaps that lead to lasting change.
Easy Ways to Reduce Waste & Toxins at Home
Meal Planning for Less WasteĀ ā Planning meals ahead helps minimize food waste and save money.
Upgrading My Composting SystemĀ ā A countertop compost binĀ makes it easy to collect scraps and reduce landfill waste.
Ditching Single-Use ItemsĀ ā Swapping disposable napkins and plastic bags for cloth napkinsĀ and silicone storage bagsĀ creates a more sustainable kitchen.
Non-Toxic Kitchen SwapsĀ ā Choosing BPA-free, chemical-free cookware and storageĀ for a healthier home.
Buying in BulkĀ ā Shopping from bulk binsĀ cuts down on excess packaging and reduces overall waste.
Sustainable & Non-Toxic Swaps to Try
Glass Food Storage ContainersĀ ā Durable and non-toxic.
Beeswax WrapsĀ ā A reusable alternative to plastic wrap.
Silicone Baking MatsĀ ā A great swap for parchment paper.
Glass Food Storage Jars ā Store bulk purchases in style.
šWant to DIY your own non-toxic products? Try myĀ Easy Homemade All Purpose CleanerĀ &Ā Easy Homemade DIY Deodorant Recipes
Ā Make Nature a Priority
Spending time outside has become a core part of our routine, and weāve found ways to make it both fun and educational. Prioritizing nature has not only helped us disconnect from screens but also deepened our appreciation for the changing seasons.
Here are a few ways weāve made outdoor time more special:
Explore with Family Hikes & Nature Adventures
Weāve started scheduling regular hikes to explore new trails, and every outing feels like an adventure! To make it even more engaging, we use apps like Ā iNaturalistĀ to identify plants and MerlinĀ to learn about birds along the way. For a fun, interactive twist, games like PokĆ©mon GOĀ add an extra layer of excitement.
Embrace the Seasons & Reduce Screen Time
One of the best changes weāve made is limiting screen time to weekends. This simple shift has been a game-changer, encouraging us to spend more time outside and appreciate the beauty of each seasonāwhether itās tending the garden on a sunny day or taking a crisp fall walk.
Create a Kidās Potion Table
Inspired by MotherBlue, I set up a potion tableĀ for my daughterāa magical indoor space where she explores herbs, flowers, and natural elements. Itās been such a fun, hands-on way to learn about nature, even when weāre inside.
Start a Small Garden Project
Gardening is a wonderful way to connect with nature while teaching kids where food comes from. Weāve started a small vegetable patch, and watching the plants grow has been an exciting and rewarding experience. Itās also a great way to introduce sustainability and healthy eatingĀ in a hands-on way.
Check out my gardening guides to get started:
3.Ā Simplify & Slow Down: Embrace a Balanced, Sustainable Lifestyle
Sustainability isnāt just about protecting the environmentāitās also about creating a lifestyle that feels balanced and sustainable for your well-being. This year, Iām focusing on simplifying my life and slowing down to enjoy lifeās simple pleasures. Hereās how:
Clear the Clutter
Iām committed to decluttering my home by keeping only the items that bring joy or serve a purpose. Using recycled wicker storage binsĀ and a portable label makerĀ has made organizing so much easier and more efficient.
Slow Down & Enjoy Life's Simple Pleasures
Taking time to slow down and appreciate lifeās simple moments is essential to living sustainably. Whether itās enjoying a warm cup of tea while reading a book or baking bread on a quiet afternoon, slowing down is key to feeling more present. Loose-leaf teaĀ and my sourdough starterĀ are go-to items for these moments. Need a new recipe? Try The BEST Cinnamon Roll Recipe with Vanilla IcingĀ for a comforting treat.
Set Boundaries & Prioritize What Matters
One of the best ways to maintain balance is by setting boundaries with work and social commitments. This allows me to focus on what truly mattersātime with my family. A planner for intentional livingĀ helps me stay organized and intentional with my time.
Sustainable Products to Try:
Recycled Wicker Storage BinsĀ ā Helps keep clutter in check.
Loose-Leaf Tea SetĀ ā Encourages slow, mindful moments.
Planner for Intentional LivingĀ ā Stay organized while setting mindful goals.
Portable Label MakerĀ ā Stay organized by labeling your storage spaces and decluttering items that donāt spark joy (hello, Marie Kondo!).
4.Ā Eat More Seasonally & Locally: A Sustainable Approach to Food
As a vegetarian, foodĀ is one of the most powerful ways I connect with the earth. Eating seasonallyĀ and locally not only supports the environment but also enhances the flavor and nutritional value of meals. This year, Iām excited to dive deeper into sustainable eating habits. Hereās how Iām doing it:
Shop at Local Farmerās Markets
One of my goals this year is to shop more at local farmerās marketsĀ and learn about seasonal eating. reusable market toteĀ Ā and produce storage containersĀ help keep everything fresh and organized. Supporting local farmers not only reduces our carbon footprint but also strengthens our community.
Explore New Plant-Based Recipes
Iām excited to try new plant-based recipesĀ using ingredients that are fresh and in season. A classic favorite of mine is Moosewood cookbookāitās perfect for experimenting with vegetarian meals and discovering new ways to incorporate seasonal produce into my meals.
Get the Kids Involved in Cooking
Cooking is a great way to connect kids to nature and help them understand where food comes from. This year, Iām involving my little ones more in the kitchen with a kid-friendlyĀ wooden Montessori cooking set. It makes cooking safe, fun, and educational, and itās a great way to teach them about sustainable food practices.
5.Ā Use Less Energy, Live More Simply: Easy Ways to Reduce Your Energy Footprint
Reducing our energy footprintĀ is an essential step toward creating a more sustainable, eco-friendly home. In 2025, Iām focused on making small changes that not only reduce our environmental impact but also help us live more simply. Hereās how:
Dry Clothes Naturally
One of the easiest ways to cut down on energy use is by air-drying clothesĀ instead of relying on the dryer. A bamboo drying rackĀ orĀ retractable clotheslineĀ are natural alternatives that help reduce energy consumption and keep clothes fresh without the extra cost of electricity.
Mind Your Energy Use
Being mindful of our energy use throughout the day makes a huge difference. Iām committed to turning off lights when not in use and unplugging devicesĀ to prevent wasted energy. Using a Bluetooth power stripĀ is a smart way to cut down on phantom energy use, giving me more control over which devices are powered on.
Upgrade for Better Energy Efficiency
Small energy-efficient upgradesĀ around the house can add up over time. Switching to Solar-powered outdoor lightsĀ and LED smart bulbsĀ are easy swaps that help reduce waste and lower energy consumption, all while providing better lighting options for our home.
6.Ā Deepen Connection to Earth
More than anything, I want to nurture a sense of gratitude and respect for the world around me. My personal intentions for this include:
Journaling about the little ways nature shows up in my daily life. A guided nature journal or recycled paper notebook makes it easy to reflect on daily moments of gratitude.
Learning more about native plants and how to support pollinators in our garden. This book on native plants (make sure to choose your correct region!) and a pollinator-friendly wildflower seed mix are great ways to get started. Visit your local botanical gardens to learn more about a variety of native plants.
Spending more time in the garden and growing with the seasons. If you're just getting started, check out my Gardening for Beginners Guide and Spring Garden Prep E-Book for tips on creating a thriving, eco-friendly space.
Letās Grow Together
Sustainability is a journey, not a destination, and I know Iāll learn and grow as the year unfolds. These goals feel personal and purposeful, but Iām also open to the surprises life might bring along the way.
What are your intentions for 2025? Iād love to hear in the comments how youāre planning to embrace a more mindful, sustainable lifestyle this year.
šæ Ready to make sustainable living easier?Ā Check out the digital shopĀ for eco-guides, resources, and tools to help you live greenerāwithout the hassle!
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