Have you ever thought that living sustainably was too complicated, expensive, or only suitable for those who dedicate their lives to the environmental cause? In reality, none of this is true!
With small daily gestures and simple choices, you can contribute to the well-being of the planet without sacrificing practicality and comfort.
This guide is designed for those who want to make a difference by adopting sustainable practices in their everyday lives. Sustainability is not an unattainable goal: it is the sum of many small actions that, if carried out by many, can generate a big impact.
By following these 10 practical tips, you will discover how to reduce your environmental impact in a simple, economical and, above all, effective way.
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"I graduated from the Polytechnic of Milan in 2002 and until 2015, Architecture and interior design were my profession. I followed the construction of prestigious seaside villas, city homes from large lofts and very organized studio apartments. Space management has always been an exciting challenge for me. Today, when I design an object made with recycled sails, I put its functionality in the foreground, enhancing it with a new and sustainable aesthetic." |
Replace the Bottles with a Water Bottle
Single-use bottles are one of the biggest sources of pollution. Switching to a reusable water bottle is a small gesture that can make a big difference. Choose a stainless steel or glass water bottle to avoid the release of chemicals. Remember to wash it regularly to prevent the accumulation of bacteria.
If you prefer to bring water to the table, use filter jugs . Tap water in Italy is highly controlled and often safer than many bottled waters. Using a jug not only reduces waste, but saves you from carrying heavy packages of water bottles. If you decide to continue using plastic bottles, make sure you dispose of them correctly in the plastic bin and check that the bags are tightly closed to prevent them from scattering.
Use Reusable Shoppers
Since single-use plastic bags have been replaced by compostable ones, many of us have discovered the benefits of fabric shopping bags . These bags can be used hundreds of times, washed and even repurposed for other purposes. Choose foldable and lightweight models, so you can always have them on hand.
Reusing even the old plastic bags you have at home is a great way to extend their life cycle. A bag reused several times is a bag that does not immediately end up in the trash.
Choose Bulk Shopping and Refillers
Buying foods and products in bulk is one of the best ways to reduce packaging. If possible, visit specialty stores that offer products without packaging. For detergents and household products, use refills , which allow you to refill empty containers instead of buying new ones.
Even in traditional supermarkets you can adopt sustainable strategies: buy cheese, cured meats and meat at the counter instead of choosing pre-packaged products. In addition to reducing waste, you will only buy the amount you need, avoiding waste.
Reuse and Repair: Give New Life to Objects
Before you throw something away, ask yourself: can I fix it or transform it? This mindset reduces the amount of waste and promotes upcycling, or the art of transforming waste materials into valuable objects.
Repairing an object instead of replacing it extends its life cycle and reduces resource consumption. Shoes can be taken to the cobbler, umbrellas can be repaired, and many household objects can be repaired with a few tools. Not a DIY expert? There are young craftsmen who offer repair services with a modern and sustainable spirit.
Discover the Power of Upcycling
Projects like Rivelami , which transform waste materials into unique and useful objects, are an example of circular economy. Supporting brands that promote upcycling means contributing to a more sustainable future. You too can do your part:
- Transform old items into home accessories or decorations.
- Choose products made from recycled or reclaimed materials.
- Support brands that promote sustainability.
Upcycling is not only an ethical choice, but also a creative one. Every transformed object tells a story and represents a step towards a more responsible world.
Reduce Water and Energy Consumption
A conscious use of natural resources is essential. Reducing water consumption is easier than you think:
- Turn off the water while you soap yourself in the shower.
- Choose a shower over a bath to save precious liters.
Another important habit is to optimize energy consumption :
- Turn off lights and appliances when you're not using them.
- Use LED bulbs and turn down the heating by one degree.
These actions not only help the environment, but also reduce your bills.
Walk, Bike or Take Public Transport
Reducing car use is another step towards sustainability. For short distances, walking or cycling is not only environmentally friendly, but also improves your health. When possible, choose public transport to help reduce CO2 emissions.
Choose Quality, Not Quantity
In fashion and everyday purchases, focus on quality . For example, investing in a pair of durable jeans can be cheaper in the long run than buying cheap items that wear out quickly. The Cost Per Use (CPW) concept helps you assess the true value of your purchases.
Choose clothing and items that last, avoiding accumulating items that will soon end up in the trash.
Reduce Food Waste
Organizing meals and making a grocery list are simple strategies to avoid waste. Save leftovers and reuse them in new recipes, such as quiches or soups. Even scraps, such as coffee grounds or banana peels, can be used to fertilize plants or create compost.
Switch to Natural Detergents
Replacing chemicals with eco-friendly alternatives is easier than you think. For example:
- Citric acid : excellent for descaling and softening clothes in the washing machine.
- Marseille soap : a natural and versatile detergent for the home and laundry.
For skin care, try a homemade scrub with sugar, olive oil, and honey. These simple remedies prevent the release of microplastics into the environment.
Check Digital Consumption
Digital activities also impact the environment. Reduce the energy consumed by servers by deleting unnecessary emails and turning off devices when not in use. Limiting continuous streaming not only helps the environment, but also promotes personal well-being.
Conclusions: Every Gesture Counts
Adopting a sustainable lifestyle is not an impossible mission, but a journey made of small steps. From reducing plastic to saving energy, every gesture contributes to creating a better world.
You don't have to do everything and you can't change your lifestyle from one day to the next: the first step is awareness and knowing that small gestures can really do a lot.
Want to do more?
Discover the Rivelami project, which transforms waste materials into unique objects and promotes the circular economy. Choose today to live more sustainably and leave a positive impact on the planet.
