16 Little Life Changes The Planet Will Really Appreciate

Bonus: Most of these things will also save you money.

1. Invest in a stainless-steel drink bottle.

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Not only does it save you buying and throwing out countless plastic bottles, it also keeps your water icy AF.

2. Make your coffee at home or invest in a reusable coffee cup.

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Takeaway coffee cups aren't as recyclable as you might think, as most are lined with plastic.

3. Swap cling wrap for beeswax wraps.

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These reusable cotton wraps coated in beeswax are perfect for wrapping fruits, vegetables, breads, cheeses, and everything else you'd normally cover in plastic before putting in the fridge.

4. Quit asking for straws in bars.

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Your gin and tonic will taste the same without that plastic tube, promise.

5. Visit op shops and markets instead of buying new clothes from the mall.

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The fashion industry is the third-most polluting industry in the world. Buying recycled, second-hand clothing saves it from going into landfill.

6. Go meat-free one day a week.

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The less meat you eat, the lower your carbon footprint.

7. Purchase sustainable seafood where possible.

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This helpful Greenpeace guide rates canned tuna brands in terms of sustainability and ethical practices.

8. Grow your own herbs.

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Generally, herbs sold in supermarkets are packaged in plastic bags. Save yourself the money and waste by setting up your own indoor garden.

9. Buy in bulk where possible.

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Bulk food stores mean you can take your own paper or material bags to shop, eliminating a shitload of unnecessary packaging.

10. Buy recycled toilet paper.

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Make up for all that office paper you ~forgot~ to put in the recycling bin.

11. Swap your body wash for packaging-free soap.

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If you have dry skin, natural ingredients like avocado, coconut oil, and shea butter won't dry you out.

12. Say no to plastic utensils whenever you can.

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If you're heading home or back to the office, save the plastic and grab a metal fork from the kitchen.

13. Unplug your appliances at the wall when you're not using them.

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This tip will save you money, too!

14. Don't ask for receipts unless you actually need them.

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Thermal paper receipts (i.e. the shiny ones where the text fades away in time) are coated with chemicals that don't belong in the recycling bin.

15. Wash your clothes in cold water and avoid using the clothes dryer.

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Washing in cold water uses way less energy than washing in hot water. Also, always try to do full loads of laundry only.

16. Try an extra layer of clothing before you put on the heater or electric blanket.

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It's cosy and better for the environment.