The Lazy Person’s Guide to Living More Sustainably
Let’s be honest—some sustainable living tips sound like a full-time job.
Grinding your own flour? Hand-stitching clothes from vintage curtains? Composting in a city apartment? If you've ever wanted to live more eco-consciously but don’t want your life to turn into a survival reality show, this post is for you.
Here’s a list of actually doable things that reduce waste, make you feel like a responsible adult, and (bonus) still let you binge-watch your favorite series in peace.
1. Set a “Single-Use-Free Zone” in Your Home
Instead of overhauling your life, start by banning single-use items in just one room—say, your bathroom. Swap the plastic toothbrush for bamboo, toss the makeup wipes for reusable pads, and let that zone be your tiny planet-saving bubble. Small space, big ripple.
When your identity shifts, your choices follow. Suddenly, bringing a reusable bag isn’t a chore—it’s just what people like you do.
2. Make Your Bin Less Tempting
Want to cut down on waste without overthinking it? Start by making your trash can just a bit harder to reach—tuck it under the sink or in a cabinet instead of leaving it out. That tiny inconvenience gives your brain a moment to reconsider: Can this be reused, recycled, or repurposed? Suddenly, not everything feels like trash.
3. Embrace the ‘Almost Empty’ Lifestyle
That last bit of shampoo? Use it. The almond butter stuck to the sides of the jar? Scrape it. The whole “sustainable” thing begins with appreciating what you already have. (Plus, it’s weirdly satisfying.)
Embracing the almost-empty lifestyle isn’t just about stretching your budget—it’s about shifting your mindset. When you start to see value in the “last little bit,” you waste less, buy less, and become more aware of your consumption habits. It's one of the easiest (and most overlooked) ways to live lighter on the planet.
4. Redefine Shopping as “Curated Acquiring”
Impulse buys and eco-living don’t mix. Before you buy anything—especially household items—ask: Will I still want this in six months? Will it serve a real purpose, or just fill space? Better yet, check if there’s a version made from natural or reusable materials.
For example, instead of grabbing another plastic container, consider a glass jar with a bamboo lid—it looks better, lasts longer, and can be reused endlessly. When you treat shopping as a form of mindful curation, every item you bring home feels more intentional—and far less disposable.
5. Learn the 3 R’s That Actually Work
No, not reduce, reuse, recycle (though those are cool). We’re talking about the kind of R’s that actually stick—the ones that shape your mindset, not just your trash bin:
- ✅ what you don’t need
- ✅ how you use what you have
- ✅ when it really matters
These simple questions can help cut through the noise and keep you focused on what truly counts. That’s how sustainable habits become lifestyle shifts—not Pinterest projects that last a weekend.
6. Host a “Stuff Swap” Instead of Shopping
Want to refresh your space, wardrobe, or kitchen gadgets? Invite friends for a swap party. Everyone brings 5 items they don’t want. Everyone leaves with a treasure. It’s free, fun, and incredibly satisfying when you realize you just scored a cute bowl and saved it from landfill. You’ll clear out clutter, share stories behind your items, and maybe even spark a new tradition that turns “old” into exciting again.
7. Get Cozy with Secondhand First
Need something new-to-you? Check secondhand platforms before defaulting to retail. It’s not about being cheap—it’s about being choosy. Vintage, pre-loved, reclaimed—call it what you want, it’s still stylishly sustainable. Plus, hunting for treasures with a past often leads to finds with more personality (and fewer carbon footprints) than anything mass-produced.
8. Let Nature Decorate
Sometimes the most beautiful home décor doesn’t come from a store—it comes from outside. A twisted branch picked up on a morning walk. A single dried flower tucked into a repurposed glass jar. A smooth river stone resting quietly on a shelf, holding the memory of an afternoon by the water. These little treasures are free, zero-waste, and full of character. No shipping. No packaging. Just vibes.
And if you're feeling creative, even the simplest stone can be turned into something personal. Try painting a river stone with acrylics—whether it’s a mandala, a tiny landscape, or a simple splash of color. It’s meditative, sustainable, and surprisingly fun. Need a bit of inspiration? This beginner-friendly video is a great place to start.
Let nature do the decorating—and you just add your touch.
9. Don’t Try to Be Perfect (That’s Wasteful Too)
Striving for eco-perfection often leads to burnout—and ironically, more waste. Tossing out usable things just to replace them with eco-friendly versions doesn’t always help. It can make sustainability feel like an all-or-nothing game, and that’s not the goal.
But here’s the truth: sustainability isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being mindful. Use what you have. Start small. Forget the guilt trip and focus on making better choices more often. That’s how real change sticks.
Final Thought
Sustainable living doesn’t have to look like a Pinterest board or cost a fortune. Sometimes, it’s just about making slightly better choices over and over again—while still living your regular, messy, wonderful life.
Need help finding low-waste swaps that don’t feel like a chore? We’ve curated the kind of eco-essentials that actually fit into real life. Think: bamboo, beechwood, loofah, silicone, and other planet-friendly heroes that don’t scream “hippie science fair.”