The United Nations Brundtland Commission defined sustainability as the "practice of meeting current needs without compromising future generations." This is something that we can all agree is important, but the problem most people struggle with is what they can do about it as an individual.
78% of people feel that sustainability is important, according to our research. And yet, most people I talk to don't know how to start becoming more eco-friendly, or what steps are the most effective.
This comprehensive guide provides practical, science-backed strategies to help you go green and adopt a more sustainable lifestyle.
From reducing plastic waste and conserving energy to making greener transportation and dietary choices, I'll show you easy-to-follow tips that you can start using today to improve your lifestyle, health, finances, and more!
Contents
To be eco-friendly, you must try to live in a way that does not cause harm to the environment. This includes everything from the products you purchase to how you travel, eat, and dispose of waste.
Learning the meaning of the term eco-friendly gives you a better understanding of the environmental impact of your daily habits and the importance of sustainable living in 2025.
There is a myth that living an eco-friendly lifestyle is more expensive. In fact, reducing waste and adopting greener habits actually saves you money if you know how to do it properly.
Download our free guide, and we'll share our top eco-friendly ways to save money.
The best way to start living a more eco-friendly life is to make small changes to your day-to-day habits.
This diagram shows some simple ways to become more eco-friendly, including reducing plastic use, recycling, composting, using less energy, and conserving water.
Some of my favorite ways to cut down on single-use plastic pollution include swapping plastic bags for long-lasting reusable bags like biodegradable organic cotton totes, carrying a refillable clean water bottle, and using reusable containers for storing food or shopping in bulk.
Every single-use plastic item you remove from your life prevents more waste from polluting oceans and harming wildlife.
The world produces around 400 Million Metric Tons of plastic waste yearly, and 10 Million Tons of that ends up in the oceans, so aiming for zero waste when it comes to plastic is one of the first things you should tackle.
Single-use plastics also pollute our drinking water. Plastic fibers were found in 83% of tap water samples worldwide, according to our research.
You should recycle and compost as much of your waste as possible to prevent it from ending up in landfills (the third-largest source of human-caused methane emissions in the US, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA)).
292.4 million tons of municipal solid waste are generated in the US each year, but only 32.1% is recycled or composted, and 50% end up in landfills, according to the US EPA.
The most effective recycling practice to help you get started is to check the curbside recycling requirements in your area and separate recyclables by material (paper, plastic, metal, and glass). It is also essential that you learn what the different recycling symbols mean to ensure that you don't accidentally send recyclable plastic to landfills.
For hard-to-recycle items that your curbside service doesn't collect, I suggest trying TerraCycle because they can recycle items that would otherwise end up in the trash.
Recycling manufactured materials is important, but you should also be mindful of how you dispose of your organic waste.
Composting is the natural process of decomposing organic materials, like food scraps and garden waste, into a nutrient-rich soil. It helps reduce food waste, enriches garden soil, and eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers.
When composting, you should aim for a 25-30:1 carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio of brown (carbon-rich) to green (nitrogen-rich) materials in your compost pile and chop all materials for faster breakdown.
Using less energy at home reduces your carbon footprint and saves money.
The average US household emits about 8,744 pounds (4 metric tons) of CO₂ annually from electricity use alone, according to the US EPA, and, based on the national average rate of 16.44¢/kWh, this costs $147/month.
If you follow these tips, you could use less energy and save CO₂ (and money) immediately.
To save even more, I also like to install a smart thermostat to optimize heating and cooling, air dry laundry outside in the sun, and unplug devices when not in use (or use smart power strips that cut electricity to electronics left on standby).
I cover all this in more detail (plus more tips for reducing your energy use and living a lifestyle that fights climate change) in my energy-saving tips article.
Conserve water at home to save energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and protect a vital resource.
Drinking water and wastewater account for 2% of energy use (and over 45 million tons of greenhouse gases annually) in the US, according to the US EPA.
Some of the most straightforward ways to start saving water (and the associated energy and greenhouse gases) are as follows.
Our guide to creating an eco-friendly bathroom includes a section to help you reduce water waste at home.
Once you've incorporated these simple daily habit changes, the next step is to make more environmentally friendly transport choices.
Reduce your environmental impact by choosing sustainable transportation options (such as carpooling, ride-sharing, or switching to electric cars) that use less fossil fuel and produce fewer emissions.
Transportation accounts for 28% of total US greenhouse gas emissions, the largest share of any sector (Fast Facts on Transportation Greenhouse Gas Emissions, EPA). So, the sooner you choose sustainable transportation alternatives, the sooner you reduce your eco footprint and improve air quality.
Limiting your car trips by walking, riding a bike, or using public transportation improves your health and finances, and reduces your environmental impact.
Owning and operating a new vehicle in 2025 costs $12,297 annually when you factor in fuel, insurance, maintenance, and depreciation, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA).
Public transportation moves large numbers of people at the same time and saves 37 million metric tons of CO₂ (the same as the annual electricity use of 4.9 million households) each year in the US, according to the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA).
Sharing rides with others is one of the most effective ways to immediately reduce your transportation emissions.
When you share a ride with just one other person, you reduce your annual greenhouse gas output by over 2,000 pounds (1 ton), according to the California Air Resources Board.
If you don't have anyone to carpool with (or even own a car), ride-sharing apps like UberX Share and Scoop help you connect with others to share a ride and reduce emissions. Some services, such as Lyft and Uber Planet, offer carbon offsetting trip options.
Swapping your gas guzzler for an electric or hybrid vehicle saves you money on running costs and reduces the amount of CO₂ you emit into the environment.
On average, gasoline cars emit over 350 grams of CO₂ per mile across their lifetime, hybrid and plug-in hybrid models emit about 260 grams per mile, and fully electric vehicles (EVs) average around 200 grams, according to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Climate Portal.
The savings (both financial and environmental) of driving EVs and hybrids really start to add up when you charge them using carbon-neutral energy sources like wind or solar. You do have to weigh up the initial outlay, though, as well-built EVs (such as Tesla) are expensive to buy.
What you eat (and where you buy your food) is just as important as everything we've covered so far.
Adopting eco-friendly eating habits means choosing foods and practices (such as eating more plants and supporting local, organic farmers) that lower your environmental impact while supporting your health.
US agriculture contributes 10.5% of national greenhouse gas emissions (USDA Economic Research Service, 2024), while worldwide agriculture accounts for 69% of total water use (Water Footprint Calculator, 2024).
The following eco-friendly eating habits reduce this impact because what we eat and where we buy it matter.
Adopt a more plant-based diet by making plants the centerpiece of your meals and gradually reducing your intake of animal products.
A plant-based diet (PBD) has the potential to reduce diet-related land use by 76%, decrease greenhouse gas emissions and eutrophication by 49%, and lower water use by 14-21% ("Plant-Based Dietary Patterns for Human and Planetary Health," Gibbs et al., 2022).
For the past year, I've slowly reduced my meat intake and aim to eat at least 30 different fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, herbs, and spices each week. I've lost weight and have a lot more energy as a result.
I made this diet change while becoming more active and working out more, so I needed to find new protein sources. My favourite plant-based protein sources are legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas), nuts and seeds, tofu, tempeh, quinoa, and nutritional yeast.
You don't need to fully commit to veganism to make a difference (I love eggs too much for that!). Even reducing meat consumption by swapping a few meals a week is a simple way to reduce your carbon emissions without giving up all animal products.
Choose locally grown and organic foods whenever possible to reduce the carbon footprint of your meals and strengthen your ties with the community.
It is estimated that fresh produce in the US travels over 1,500 miles and processed food over 1,300 miles before being consumed, according to The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT). Supporting local growers and organic farmers markets significantly reduces these numbers because your food doesn't have to travel far if grown locally.
Eating seasonally reduces the energy needed for greenhouse growing or long-distance transportation. Local food is typically fresher, more nutritious, and requires less preservation and packaging. Organic food is free from pesticide residue and other harmful chemicals.
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs promote sustainable agriculture by connecting consumers and producers directly. By purchasing a CSA share at the beginning of the season, you help farmers cover upfront costs while receiving regular access to fresh, seasonal produce.
But it's not just your food that you need to buy at the right time and from the right place - where you buy your clothes (and other items) from is just as important.
When you shop sustainably (by embracing minimalism and mindful purchasing of eco-friendly products and brands) and consume less, you reduce waste and resource depletion, and often save money.
Fast fashion is the second most polluting industry in the world (after oil), and 87% of the material used to make fast fashion clothes ends up in landfills, according to our research. This is why choosing sustainable fashion is critical to reducing textile waste and pollution.
The following advice helps you buy less of everything (not just clothes) and prioritize quality over quantity.
Embrace minimalism and mindful purchasing by intentionally owning fewer, higher-quality items and making thoughtful decisions before every purchase.
Shopping at thrift stores or embracing upcycling is a great way to start mindful purchasing. You get peace of mind that your purchases do not require any new resources to make them, and you save on average $1,760 per year, according to CouponFollow.
Before buying something new, I always ask myself four questions (I like to call it my "buy or bye" checklist.
Home decluttering and mental wellness techniques, popularized by figures like Marie Kondo and The Minimalists, are a good place to start when you're trying to embrace minimalism. They help simplify your possessions, donate what you no longer need, and create a conscious consumerism relationship with material goods.
Choose eco-friendly products (such as refillable detergent and natural cleaning products) and ethical brands by looking for trusted certifications and prioritizing companies with a proven commitment to sustainability.
55% of consumers are willing to pay more for eco-friendly brands, according to our research, but you need to be careful not to fall for greenwashing (environmentally friendly claims without proof). The FTC Green Guides state that for a product to be labeled "eco-friendly," the packaging must explain why it is environmentally responsible.
Green certifications help give you peace of mind that your new purchase is genuinely sustainable. Some leading green certifications to look for include B Corp, USDA Organic, and 1% for the Planet.
Choosing eco-friendly products, brands that promote a circular economy, and green tech solutions is also essential when making home improvements.
Making eco-friendly home improvements by upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, improving insulation, installing renewable energy systems, and creating a greener garden lowers your home's environmental impact, reduces utility bills, and could even increase property value.
The residential sector accounts for about 21% of total US energy consumption, according to the US Department of Energy.
This significant portion of national energy use highlights how important the following eco-friendly home improvements and green building strategies are.
When replacing appliances, look for the Energy Star label, which identifies products that meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the Department of Energy (DOE).
Purchasing four certified appliances (clothes washer, clothes dryer, dishwasher, and refrigerator) saves you around $750 over the products' lifetimes ("ENERGY STAR® Product-specific Savings", 2022).
The EPA estimates you can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs (or an average of 11% on total energy costs) by sealing air leaks and adding insulation in attics, crawl space floors, and basement rim joists.
These upgrades conserve energy year-round while creating a more comfortable living environment.
Utilize renewable energy sources by installing solar panels, wind turbines, or other clean technologies to power your home without burning fossil fuels that contribute to climate change.
3.2 million US homes have solar panels installed, but it would take approximately 18.5 billion solar panels to produce enough energy to power the entire country, according to our research.
Most modern solar panels work even on cloudy days and can feed any excess power generated back to the grid. They also have battery options that allow you to store excess power to use after sunset.
Wind turbines may be suitable in some locations with consistent wind, but they are not as popular as solar panels.
Government incentives and rebates reduce the amount you have to pay when you switch to renewable energy sources. For example, the Residential Clean Energy Credit covers 30% of total system costs (equipment, labor, permits) for solar, wind, geothermal, and battery storage installations through 2032, according to the IRS.
Creating a greener garden is a fantastic way to improve your health by increasing vegetable consumption. A 253-square-foot food garden produces enough vegetables to supply an adult's USDA-recommended intake for 9 months ("Food Gardeners' Productivity in Laramie, Wyoming: More Than a Hobby," Conk et al., 2016).
A food garden also saves you money. In 2021, food gardening delivered an average return on investment of 757%, according to RubyHome, which means that for every $100 you spend on growing your own, you harvest $757 worth of veggies.
Native plant landscaping and organic gardening practices (eliminating chemical pesticides and fertilizers) are also a great way to attract wildlife to your garden. I like to plant native species that thrive in local conditions and attract pollinators and birds (milkweed and goldenrod are two of my favorites).
Where possible, I also practice permaculture principles (such as observing and interacting with nature to restore biodiversity and producing no waste).
By taking on board as much as possible of what we've covered so far, you'll be well on your way to taking responsibility for (and reducing) your impact on the planet. To take it to the next level, you should consider participating in community projects and advocating for a better future.
Get involved in your community and advocate for environmental change by joining local initiatives, educating others, and supporting policies that protect the planet. Your individual actions matter, but collective efforts can result in faster and more widespread change.
And it's heartwarming to know that we're not alone. More than 75.7 million Americans (over 28% of the population) volunteered through organizations in 2023 and contributed almost 5 billion hours of service valued at $167.2 billion, according to AmeriCorps.
Participate in local environmental initiatives by joining hands-on projects that restore, protect, and improve your community's environment.
Join a litter picking event to clean up your neighborhood, support eco-tourism efforts, help maintain urban gardens, or volunteer with organizations like One Tree Planted, whose reforestation projects have planted over 12.2 million trees across 26 states.
Educate others about sustainability by sharing practical knowledge, fostering open conversations, and supporting environmental learning in your community.
Sustainability education is incredibly powerful when it begins at an early age. At a public high school in Washington state, students who took an environmental education class scored higher on the state science assessment than those who did not, according to the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE).
Sharing your sustainable habits, answering questions, and supporting local workshops or community programs are powerful ways for adults to inspire change without being preachy.
Keep those in power accountable by supporting environmental policies, promoting ethical investment, and campaigning for better sustainability legislation. This is essential because, as of 2025, 57% of Americans say the US government is doing too little to protect the environment, according to Gallup's annual Environment poll (conducted March 3-16).
Some things I like to do to try to implement change at a policy-making level are support organizations like WWF, stay informed about UN climate agreements, and contact elected officials about local environmental policies.
Even with all this advice, you will still have days when meeting your sustainability goals feels overwhelming and hopeless, so I'd like to finish with some tips on overcoming challenges in sustainable living.
To overcome the inevitable challenges you will encounter when trying to implement the advice in this guide, you need to avoid falling for the common misconceptions, find a sensible balance between convenience and eco-friendliness, and stay motivated.
62% of US citizens feel unable to make sustainable choices due to financial limitations, according to Doconomy AB, but following the advice below increases your chances of success, regardless of your financial situation.
Eco-friendly living is more accessible, affordable, and effective than most people realize, so don't let common myths hold you back.
Eco-friendly practices, such as reducing energy consumption, buying energy-efficient appliances, and growing your own veggies, all give cost savings in the long run.
Sustainable products have also improved dramatically in performance and availability. This is perfectly highlighted by the increasing mileage range of modern EVs. In 2024, the median (middle value) EV range was 283 miles, according to the US Department of Energy. This is more than four times higher than the median range for 2011.
Focus on finding a realistic balance between convenience and eco-friendliness by starting with the easiest/cheapest tips (such as walking instead of driving) before tackling the more challenging/expensive ones (such as replacing all your inefficient appliances).
Real-world problems and considerations get in the way (for example, most Americans would compost at home if it were convenient and free, according to Waste 360). So, it is essential to be kind and forgive yourself when you occasionally make a mistake or convenience wins the day.
Remembering your "why" (such as preserving nature, fighting climate change, or creating a healthier world for your kids) helps you stay motivated and consistent when things get challenging.
I like to do the following three things to keep myself accountable.
And, above all, don't quit! Your consistent efforts and those of others will create meaningful environmental change over time.
