As passionate as I am about making sustainability accessible, figuring out how to be more sustainable in 2021 can seem like too much of a challenge. The world is a scary place right now and piling sustainability onto an already full plate can feel o v e r w h e l m i n g .
That’s why we created this list of five ways to be more sustainable TODAY.
These changes are great ways to reduce your impact on the environment and—bonus—they won’t add to your calendar or take away from your wallet 
1. Audit Your Trash
If you’re a little grossed out by this one, I get it. No one wakes up in the morning excited to go through their trash. But stick with me because waste audits can be a game changer when it comes to sustainability.
Here’s the thing…
How much trash we produce is a direct reflection of the resources we’re taking from the world and the waste we’re putting back into it.
To try a trash audit at home, start with an empty waste basket and then collect all of your trash for a day, a week, or whatever timeframe works best. I like to try for a week because it gives a good sample size. If you recycle, set those items aside so you can include them in your count.
When the audit period is over, categorize and count your trash. How much plastic did you throw away? Any cans? Paper? How many recyclable items accidentally landed in the trash?
Once you identify areas where you produce a lot of waste, think about how you might limit that consumption as you move through your day.
👉 Visit our step-by-step guide to learn how to do a waste audit.
2. Curb Your Consumption
One of the most passive ways to be more sustainable is to stop. buying. stuff. Everything new comes with a new environmental footprint.
And the more we can reduce our consumption, the more we can do to reduce the manufacturing, packaging, and transportation of that stuff.
But HOW can we do that in such a consumer-driven world?
Start small with a no spend day and make a note of what you wanted to buy—this can be a great way to familiarize yourself with your habits as a consumer. If you find yourself in need of a necessity, shop your closet or pantry first.
Then, if you absolutely must make a purchase, do what you can to buy used, choose a low-waste option, or support a local sustainable business.
Speaking of which…
3. Give Your Shopping a Glow Up
If you’re like most people, there are always certain things you need to replace on occasion. Whether it’s a new outfit for work or an updated kitchen appliance, our STUFF likely isn’t going anywhere.
So, our best option is to reduce the frequency of new purchases while also improving the sustainability of those items.
Ready for a new blender? Research brands that offer refurbished inventory. Styling your closet for a new job? Check out your local thrift shop or choose a clothing rental service.
Sustainability can start to feel restrictive but it doesn’t have to be that way! The simple act of reframing processes like shopping can make a huge positive impact.
4. Go Veg
Studies show that at least 14.5% of annual global greenhouse gas emissions are due to livestock production.
It’s also estimated that every five-ounce chicken breast equates to about nine square feet of habitat loss and over two pounds of greenhouse gases.
As alarming as those numbers are, we could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1.2 million tons of CO2 if everyone in the US went vegetarian for ONE DAY.
And if you’re on a budget, going vegetarian—even for one meal a day—can help you save a ton of money.
5. Spend More Time Outside
This may not seem like a super actionable way to be more sustainable—but spending more time outside is one of my favorite ways to connect to nature and remember my WHY.
It’s hard to stay passionate about the environment when you spend the whole day on Zoom calls or buried in spreadsheets.
Not only is spending time outside good for your health, it reminds us of the emotional, cultural, and personal value of our environment. Plus, time spent outside is time spent without electricity—so you’ll automatically reduce your ecological footprint for the day.
Don’t believe me? Get outside, take off your shoes, and wriggle your toes in the grass! You’ll be glad you did.
How To Be More Sustainable in 2021
The best ways to be more sustainable will always depend on your budget, schedule, and a host of other factors. If you’re interested in becoming more sustainable in 2021 but don’t know where to start, The Evergreenie’s sustainability coaching tools can help you get on the right track.
How do you incorporate sustainability into your day? Drop it in the comments below and we’ll add it to our list
