“Turn off the lights behind you.” This simple advice has urged many of us to save energy, save money, and by extension, save the environment. But this advice is both dated and simple: the household has changed dramatically over the years, and our ability to impact the environment goes far beyond energy consumption. Here are just some of the ways we can embrace sustainability and be environmentally friendly in our daily lives:

1. Use appliances wisely. Efficiency standards have soared in the last fifty years, and with them the actual efficiency of many household appliances. Changing machines call for changing usage. Improve your sustainability by adapting your habits to the capabilities of modern items. Check out this in-depth summary for advice about how to use dishwashers, laundry machines, how to most efficiently use today’s tools.
2. Eat your leftovers. The EPA found that the most common material sent to garbage dumps and landfills was food waste. Not only is much of that food serviceable to provide for those in need, but it creates a major environmental hazard as it emits greenhouse gases during decomposition. Eating leftovers and moderating how much food you buy and consume can help the environment and reduce costly waste.
3. Eat less meat. Not all foods have an equal environmental impact. The process—from producing, to packaging, to delivering—of creating meat and dairy products from livestock such as cows releases emissions, and so does raising those animals: livestock digestion emits methane, and using some nitrogen fertilizers releases nitrous oxide. Food consumption is estimated to create an 80% increase in global GHG emissions by 2050. Reducing consumption of livestock products can help to bring that down, while simultaneously avoiding some potential negative health consequences.
4. Travel smart. Transportation is one of the largest contributing sources to the world’s greenhouse gas levels. Help change that by being smart with your transport. Own a fuel-efficient vehicle. Minimize driving by planning errands and trips efficiently. If you can, avoid driving altogether by taking public transport or using an active form of transportation by cycling or even walking.
5. Be a mindful consumer. Every method mentioned is affected by how we choose to consume. Do your best to support companies who take serious meaningful actions to become more sustainable and reduce their carbon footprint. Shop for local produce to reduce the need to transport food long distances. Purchase goods designed to last longer and reduce and reuse by considering thrift stores for clothing. Upgrade appliances to more efficient modern versions to reduce emissions and save money in the long-term. Vote (for sustainability) with your wallet.

Being serious about sustainability means thinking seriously about aspects of life that we might not have considered before. There is no shortage of ways to reduce our carbon footprints and support the environment through daily decision-making. Check here for just one source of even more detailed breakdowns of how certain actions impact the world and how you can make a difference.

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