10 things I changed so I can live a more sustainable life (and you can too!)

I LOVE finding simple, impactful ways to live more sustainably, happily, and affordably. I also love sharing what I discover with you so that you can do the same!

This month I tried 10 different ways to live a more sustainable life, and I’m excited to share them with you.

I used less meat and bought only from the local butcher.

We’re on a small island (oh, PEI, how I love you) and it’s easy to find a sustainable butcher to provide meat. My friend hooked me up, and not only was it cheaper to buy from them, but I felt more empowered to be aware of the amount we were eating. I chose to cut down a little on what we ate, and explore plant-based substitutes throughout the week.  

See if you can find a local supplier of meat at a cheaper price, and how it works for you to eat a little less than normal. 

Pro tip: Check a butcher’s or farm’s website. They usually have good deals for the meat you will probably use in a month or two. They also deliver using a lot less (if any!) plastic.

I replaced my store-bought spices, beans, cereals, and pasta with Bulk Barn buys.

Buying in bulk is where it’s at! Not only do you get better prices (noticing a theme here? Sustainability for the planet and your wallet!), but it cuts down on plastic waste - you can use your own containers (not during the pandemic though)

I put all my spices into jars and made a list of everything I normally use so that I could buy it in bulk from Bulk Barn. They don’t include the weight of the container (so you only pay for the spices you actually buy) and you can bring your own jars and bags so you don’t have to use plastic ones. 

You save money and plastic. Win-win :) 

Pro tip: Subscribe to the Bulk Barn newsletter to get up to 20% off for your purchases. 

I replaced most of my plastic Tupperware with glass containers with silicone lids.

I’m on a mission to use less plastic and have found that glass containers with silicone lids are what works best for me. So, I replaced some of the Tupperware with glass containers, which last longer and are better for the environment. 

Pro tip: Get silicone lids that are expandable. You can use those for a bunch of other things. You can always check your local thrift store for jars and glass containers.

I replaced all my spices containers with mason jars.

Mason jars are so underrated! This is how I store all my spices and bulk foods. You can buy them in sets of 6 or 12 and use them again and again for years to come. You can also repurpose your store-bought glass jars to save.

Pro tip: When you are moving the spices from their plastic container to a mason jar, make a list of the spices you will need to buy from the bulk store.  This will tell you what you need to buy and how many jars to bring with you. 

I bought produce that doesn’t come in plastic.

When I go to Sobeys or the Farmer’s Market, I make sure to choose a fresh, loose bunch of carrots, over the ones in plastic. 

Being more environmentally friendly can be as simple as choosing the option not wrapped in plastic over the one that is. 

Pro tip: Go to farmer’s markets every weekend and buy whatever is in season. This is the best choice for your wallet and the local economy!

I check the local stores before buying online.

In today’s day and age, we are so quick to shop online, but I’ve actually found I can often find better deals right here in PEI.

The other day I was looking for ice cube trays with lids. I needed them to freeze some herbs. I looked on Amazon and I found some trays for about $15, but guess what? I found the same trays in PEI, in a local store that were only $5. Shop local, and save money! 

Pro tip: Ask your social media friends and local bloggers where they buy a specific thing. You will be surprised how many people will share their finds!

I replaced my shampoo with a shampoo bar and my shower gel with a soap bar.

What a difference. I’m not sure if I love it because it’s new and exciting or because it’s such good quality!  A shampoo bar lasts for about 2 months but both my hubby and I are using it…and have you seen my hair? I have a lot of hair on my head! I don’t have to use a conditioner but I do like using argan oil. I’ve had the bar soap for 3 months now and I think it will last another 4-5 months.

Sometimes there are way more sustainable products out there that you might not have thought of. Don’t be afraid to do some research and look beyond store-bought shampoo or conditioner, and see if bars could work for you too. 

The only thing I like less about this swap is the soap residue on the bathtub.

Pro Tip: Look for bar soaps that have no beads and are made with natural ingredients. Extra points if the packaging is paper. Get a creamy soap because otherwise, it leaves a bit of a residue on your tub. 

I stopped buying cleaning products and started using baking soda and vinegar.
Fed up with dousing your home in chemicals? Then THIS is the thing for you. It’s crazy how fast this cleaning solution works. If you add some dish soap to it as well… you are set!
I like to mix 50% vinegar and 50% water with lemon juice or orange essential oil and store it in a mason jar for when I need it. Then, when it’s time to clean I have a ready-made cleaner that works and is environmentally friendly. 

Heads up that it doesn’t work for everything. I couldn’t clean an oven or the shower with this combo, no matter how long I waited or how much I scrubbed.

Pro Tip: Buy Vinegar and baking soda on sale. 

I started making my dogs’ food. 

I buy ground beef from my butcher and combine it with veggies and rice. My dogs have never been happier. Their stomachs used to get upset every time I would change their kibble… not anymore!

Not only is this cheaper and healthier, but I get to choose sustainable options and know where their food is coming from. I feel so much better feeding my dogs food that I know is well-sourced and good for them, rather than relying on mass-produced food that is totally unaccountable. 

I still buy some kibble from time to time, but not too often.

Pro tip: Buy sweet potatoes in bulk when on sale, chop them, and freeze them if you have the freezer space. 

I took the bus all year and biked in the summer

I love using public transport and riding my bike, and am lucky enough to be able to do so! Of course, this may not be available to you if you live somewhere rural, but if the bus or cycling are options for you, give them a go!

It’s also relaxing to look out the window on the bus, or cycle home on a beautiful day, so don’t automatically assume a car is your only option. 

Pro tip: You can claim the bus receipts for transportation on your personal taxes. 

Those are the ten simple changes I’ve made to help me live more sustainably. I’ve found it incredibly rewarding to explore how I can make impactful changes to my life, that will benefit my local environment and the planet too. 

These changes are not only good for the planet, but they’re also good for my health and my bank balance! Living sustainably doesn’t mean you have to suffer, it just means you need to plan ahead and find a new routine that works for you. 

What are your most impactful lifestyle changes? I’d love to hear from you!

— Claudia