Living sustainably may have drawn a few eye rolls in the past, but in the last 10 to 15 years a veritable paradigm shift has occurred in the general culture.  Climate crises, hazardous waste and pollution, greenwashing scandals, and mounting e-waste have made it pretty clear: our lifestyles must change. 

This doesn’t mean undergoing a mind-bending overhaul, however.  Attentive, small, conscious decisions can make a lasting impact.  

So voila!  Here are our Best 7 Examples for Living Sustainably to consider!

Best 7 Examples for Living Sustainably

1. Recycling Electronics

Annually-speaking, millions of tons of e-waste end up in landfills, releasing harmful chemicals like mercury and lead into the environment.  Recycling electronics tackles pollution and allows for the recovery of precious materials such as copper, silver, and gold.  These materials can then be processed and reused, lessening the reliance on mining and manufacturing fresh components.
Still better yet, recycling electronics is integral to the circular economy, a system designed to cut down on waste and preserve resources by reintroducing old materials (in this case, electronics) back into the market.  

So!  Make the right decision and support this cause, choosing a certified recycler that focuses on environmentally friendly methods, sustainability, and accountability in handling e-waste.

 

2. Planting Trees 

There’s just something to be said about planting a seed and watching it grow.  Beyond their aesthetic appeal, trees play a fundamental role by absorbing carbon dioxide, cooling urban areas, preventing soil erosion, providing habitats for wildlife, and (as if that weren’t enough!) lend a tender beauty to our community’s green spaces.

So get involved in tree-planting projects and help leave a legacy of cleaner, fresher air, and a more sustainable planet for future generations.

 

3. Using Reusable Products

Realizing the environmental damage caused by single-use plastics really underscores the need to implement reusable products.  Choosing reusable alternatives like durable water bottles, eco-friendly shopping bags, or even washable food storage containers is a practical step everyone can take towards living sustainably today and in the future.  Making these simple choices can truly have a positive impact, reducing the plastic footprint we’ve all been leaving behind for too long.

Moreover, long-term benefits of using reusable items go beyond environmental preservation alone.  In fact they help save money, lower the demand for manufacturing processes, and generally promote a mindset of intentional, sustainable consumption.

 

4. Rethink Driving / Carpooling

Yes, we know: our number four may not be an option for everyone, but we encourage you to seriously consider it.  If using a gas-powered car is unavoidable, you can still drive responsibly to reduce emissions.  How?  Driving at consistent speeds, avoiding unnecessary trips, and keeping up with vehicle maintenance are simple and easy ways to make a positive impact.

Still a better option, you can carpool, use public transportation or ride a bicycle to and from work.  Bike lanes, for instance, are becoming more and more common as communities become aware about sustainable living.  Similarly, carpooling has been gaining traction for some time as an effective way to combat traffic congestion and carbon emissions, making this a great option for living sustainability for years to come.

 

5. Choosing Local and Eco-friendly Businesses

When you choose to buy locally you reduce the emissions associated with transporting goods across long distances and support businesses that hold to eco-friendly practices.  Organic groceries, for instance, or shopping for used electronics, are just some of the options to consider when shopping locally.

As if that weren’t enough, supporting local businesses just feels good, strengthening regional economies and bonds in the community.  It helps support local businesses in prospering, and when those businesses are promoting eco-friendly practices, it’s easy to see why this option deserves a spot on our list.

 

6. Keeping Bees

Serving as a foundation for healthy ecosystems, bees are indispensable to biodiversity and pollination.  When families take up beekeeping, it becomes a unique opportunity to teach children about the natural world and the importance of living sustainably.

Caring for a hive as a family also encourages thinking outside the box, with children learning the intricate dynamics of bee colonies, how important pollination is, and preserving the environment.  Future conservationists will thank you, carrying this experience with them forever.

 

7. Secondhand Shopping & Upcycling

Okay, our last living sustainably example is really two-in-one.  The fashion and electronics industries are major contributors to waste and environmental degradation, but opting for secondhand goods and upcycling older items helps lessen the strain on landfills, giving these products new purpose.

And it’s fun!  Get creative with it; channel your inner Leonardo and turn an old ladder into a stylish bookshelf or repurpose a broken laptop screen into a picture frame.  Upcycling isn’t just about reducing waste — it’s really about making something unique while helping the environment.  Go ahead: apply a little imagination and take a long-forgotten old item to the next level.  Collectively, these efforts lead to a more sustainable future and encourage considerate, responsible consumption.

 

Final Thoughts

Living sustainably isn’t just another phrase working its way around the world; it’s a living revolution, a return to accountability and creativity that resonates deeply with humankind and our planet.  Whether you’re recycling an old laptop, planting a tree in the backyard, or finally getting with the program and ditching plastic water bottles, these small actions add up to heroic proportions.

At eAsset Solutions we believe in practicing what we preach.  It’s a way of life, championed from the very top.  Nearly twenty years ago, our CEO and President began this company in his garage with a vision for responsible IT asset management and today he continues to live that vision personally, from keeping bees and chickens to promoting eco-friendly practices in everyday life.  

Please contact us with any questions you may have and learn more about living sustainably by visiting our blogs!