“One of the first conditions of happiness is that the link between man and nature shall not be broken.”

– Leo Tolstoy

The very survival of humanity depends on nature. It is because of Mother Earth and her generous natural gifts that humanity exists. Over the centuries, we have forgotten the benevolence of nature. With the rapid advancements in technology, we have been taking undue advantage of our natural resources. It is now come to a point where climate change has become a global issue. Many of us have understood the importance of sustainable living and protecting Mother Earth.

No matter how environmentally conscious you think yourself to be, you would be surprised to know that some of your small everyday habits have the greatest environmental impact. Some of these seemingly innocuous habits include driving your car everywhere or using plastic bags to washing your face or wasting a little of your food.

It is up to us to introspect and re-evaluate each and every one of our daily habits to find out which ones have a detrimental effect on the environment. After we discover this, we need to plan effective strategies to change these day-to-day habits and find environmentally conscious alternatives.

Switch to Plant-Based Foods

One of the most surprising everyday habits with a huge environmental impact is what we eat. Every meal—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—is a vote for the kind of planet we want to live on. Food production accounts for 26% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with 50% of habitable land and 70% of freshwater resources used for agriculture. Agriculture is also the leading driver of biodiversity loss due to habitat destruction and overexploitation.

The good news? It’s in our hands. The biggest change individuals can make is switching from animal-based to plant-based foods. This doesn’t mean going vegan overnight—small, realistic steps can make a big difference. Start by swapping beef for pork, pork for chicken, or committing to a meat-free day each week. Choosing organic, regenerative, and locally grown plant-based foods further reduces environmental impact. Every small shift adds up—you got this!

Oliver Dauert, Founder, Wildya – an action community for biodiversity builder

Unplug Devices to Save Energy

One everyday habit with a surprisingly large environmental impact is leaving devices plugged in when not in use. Many people don’t realize that electronics, even when turned off, still draw power, a phenomenon known as “phantom load” or “vampire energy.” This wastes electricity and increases carbon emissions over time. A simple way to change this is by using power strips with an on/off switch or smart plugs that cut power when devices are idle. 

I started unplugging my chargers and switching off my power strip at night, and not only did it reduce my energy consumption, but I also noticed a slight drop in my electricity bill. If more households and businesses adopted this habit, the collective energy savings would be massive. Small adjustments like this, when done consistently, have a real impact on reducing waste and conserving resources without requiring a major lifestyle change.

Georgi Petrov, CMO, Entrepreneur, and Content Creator, AIG MARKETER

Prune Trees Properly

One surprising everyday habit that has a significant environmental impact is improper tree pruning. Many homeowners unknowingly trim their trees incorrectly, leading to weak structures, disease vulnerability, and eventual tree loss. This not only reduces shade and air purification benefits but also increases the need for tree removal, which contributes to waste and carbon emissions. With over 20 years in the tree care industry and as a certified arborist, I’ve seen how proper pruning techniques can extend a tree’s life by decades, improving urban air quality and reducing the heat island effect in cities like Dallas. For example, a client once asked me to top their trees, a harmful practice that weakens trees but after educating them on proper thinning techniques, their trees have flourished for years, providing natural cooling and increasing property value.

To make a positive change, homeowners should work with certified arborists who understand proper pruning methods. Simple adjustments, like removing deadwood and strategically thinning branches instead of excessive cutting, can protect tree health while maintaining safety. Encouraging cities to adopt proper tree maintenance programs can also have a significant impact, as well-maintained trees reduce stormwater runoff and provide habitat for wildlife. We prioritize education and sustainable practices to ensure trees remain an asset rather than an environmental burden. Small changes in how we care for trees can lead to massive benefits for our communities and the planet.

Amaury Ponce, Business Owner, Ponce Tree Services

Reduce Food Waste

Having children with the hopes of future grandchildren, I want them to inherit a world that isn’t on the brink of collapse. Something I think of often and has gained momentum recently is food waste and how it’s wrecking the planet. Not just the guilt of tossing out leftovers, but the real damage: methane gas from rotting food, wasted water, wasted energy, all for something that never even got eaten. It’s ridiculous. So, I started making small changes. Planning meals better. Freezing extras. Getting creative with leftovers instead of letting them die in the fridge. Even composting what I can. Being mindful of our own environmental impact is enough to inspire change. If more families can adopt these changes and considerations, I believe the planet will be in better shape generations ahead.

Doreen Nunez, Founder & Creative Director, Mommy Rheum

Embrace Slow Fashion

It appears that fast fashion consumption is one of the most surprising everyday habits with a massive environmental impact. Many people don’t realize that the fashion industry is responsible for about 10% of global carbon emissions and enormous water waste. The constant cycle of buying cheap, trendy clothes leads to overproduction, pollution, and textile waste in landfills.

A simple way to change this habit is by embracing slow fashion—buying fewer, higher-quality pieces, supporting sustainable brands, and opting for second-hand clothing. For example, switching from impulse shopping to a “30-wear rule” (only buying an item if you can commit to wearing it at least 30 times) can drastically reduce waste. Additionally, platforms like ThredUp and Poshmark make it easier to buy and sell pre-owned clothing, extending the lifecycle of garments.

Small shifts in how we shop can have a big impact on reducing fashion waste and making our wardrobes more sustainable.

Pallavi Pareek, Founder & CEO, Ungender

Wash Clothes in Cold Water

One everyday habit that might surprise you with its environmental impact is the way we handle our laundry, specifically the temperature setting for washing clothes. About 75% of the energy consumption for a load of laundry comes from heating the water. Moreover, using hot water also leads to more microfiber release and degradation of your clothes, which contributes to the greater issue of microplastic pollution in aquatic environments.

Switching to cold water can drastically reduce these impacts. Modern detergents are well-equipped to tackle dirt even in cold water, ensuring that cleanliness isn’t compromised. By making this simple change, not only can we decrease energy use and lower our utility bills, but we also extend the life of our clothes and reduce microplastic shedding. It’s a straightforward yet effective step toward a more sustainable lifestyle.

Alex Cornici, Writer, Cheap Places To Go

Maintain Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems

One thing I wish more people understood about the impact of HVAC systems on energy consumption is that even small inefficiencies in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning can lead to significant increases in energy costs over time. A poorly maintained or outdated HVAC system can use more energy to maintain temperature control, which not only raises utility bills but also contributes to unnecessary environmental strain. The key is to invest in energy-efficient models, keep systems well-maintained, and be mindful of how often and at what settings they are used.

To be more mindful, simple habits like setting thermostats a few degrees lower in winter and higher in summer, ensuring that HVAC systems are regularly serviced, and sealing any drafts in the home can go a long way in reducing energy consumption. Additionally, using smart thermostats that adjust according to your schedule can optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort. By understanding the true impact of HVAC on our energy use and making conscious choices, we can reduce our environmental footprint and save on costs.

Shehar Yar, CEO, Software House

Reduce Online Shopping Impact

Excessive online shopping significantly harms the environment through increased packaging waste and carbon emissions from delivery. While the convenience of e-commerce is appealing, it leads to a large carbon footprint from fossil fuel-powered transportation. Furthermore, the non-recyclable packaging contributes to substantial landfill waste. Consumers can help mitigate these negative effects by making more conscious shopping choices.

Mohammed Kamal, Business Development Manager, Olavivo

Use Reusable Travel Items

One small but impactful change travelers can make to minimize their environmental footprint is to bring a reusable water bottle, coffee cup, or even cutlery.

Jana Trtíková, Travel Blogger, DreamyAdventurers

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