Every day, our habits shape the world around us, often without us realising their true impact. From the food we throw away to the energy we waste, our routines contribute significantly to environmental challenges. According to the UN, about one-third of the food produced globally is wasted, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Yet, small changes—like walking instead of driving, reducing single-use plastic, or making our homes more energy-efficient—can make a noticeable difference. The question is: How can we balance convenience with sustainability? This expert roundup offers practical insights and simple steps that collectively lead to a greener, more mindful world.

Reduce Food Waste and Energy Consumption

It is not until the trouble these habits cause hits home that individuals understand the extent to which their daily routine affects the planet. Simple behaviors—throwing away food, keeping gadgets plugged in, and purchasing disposable items—cause pollution and deplete resources. Small adjustments reduce your footprint without inhibiting ease of use.

Food waste is an epidemic. The typical American household discards a substantial amount of groceries. That garbage produces methane, a more deadly greenhouse gas than CO2. Calculating meals, purchasing what you need, and keeping foods stored properly saves money and reduces waste. Another sneaky energy loss is standby power. TVs, microwaves, and chargers continue to draw power even when switched off. Using them on a power strip with a switch or unplugging them does the trick of stopping the wastage of power instantly.

Fast fashion is another significant issue. The fashion industry generates huge levels of carbon emissions and wastewater. Inexpensive clothing tends to go to the landfill after a few uses. Choosing quality over quantity, second-hand shopping, or shopping with sustainable brands makes a difference. Small changes such as cold washing and air-drying clothes save energy.

Small changes make a difference. Eating less meat, using a refillable water bottle, and not using single-use plastic help to minimize waste. Every decision counts.

Phill Stevens, Founder & CEO, Avail Solar

Walk More to Cut Emissions

Walk more, especially for small errands.

Every mile walked instead of driven offers tangible environmental benefits, particularly for short trips where cold-start emissions are proportionally higher.

While individual actions may seem small, the cumulative impact of many people choosing to walk can reduce carbon dioxide emissions. It is not going to change everything, but it is an easy start.

Beyond emissions, walking promotes a healthier lifestyle and fosters a stronger connection with the local environment.

Choosing to walk is a concrete step toward more sustainable transportation and healthier communities.

Evan Lorendo, Head of Africa, Lamor

Upgrade Home for Energy Efficiency

One of the most surprising everyday habits that impacts the environment is wasting energy at home—especially through inefficient windows, poor insulation, and leaving appliances running when not in use. Most people don’t realize how much energy (and money) they lose just by cranking up the AC to fight heat that’s coming in through leaky, outdated windows.

A simple change? Upgrade to energy-efficient windows, turn off lights and electronics when not in use, and be mindful of your thermostat settings. Even small adjustments, like using ceiling fans or closing blinds during the hottest parts of the day, can make a big difference.

We see firsthand how small improvements in your home’s efficiency can lead to lower utility bills and a smaller carbon footprint. It’s not about making huge lifestyle changes overnight—it’s about being more aware and making smarter choices where you can.

Richard Ramos, Owner, Green Energy of San Antonio

Travel with Reusable Items

The most surprisingly impactful environmental habit isn’t about what we buy but what we waste—particularly when traveling, where the average tourist generates nearly twice the waste they do at home. Last month, while leading a coastal California tour, I watched in dismay as a well-intentioned family discarded eight half-used hotel shampoo bottles, four partially consumed water bottles, and numerous barely-worn single-use items that collectively represent a massive waste stream that’s largely invisible to most travelers.

The simplest yet most effective habit change is bringing a “travel kit” consisting of just three items: a collapsible water bottle, a small refillable toiletry set, and a lightweight tote bag. After encouraging clients to adopt this approach, I’ve documented remarkable results—one family of four prevented approximately 72 single-use plastic items from entering the waste stream during a 10-day California coastal trip, while simultaneously saving nearly $95 they would have spent on bottled water and replacement items.

What’s particularly powerful about these small habit shifts is that they create a ripple effect of awareness that extends beyond the immediate waste reduction. As a Hawaiian tour operator beautifully explained after implementing similar practices, “When travelers bring their reusable items from home, they bring their home values with them too,” a perspective that highlights how simple habit changes can transform not just individual footprints but also influence the environmental practices of destinations that depend on tourism.

Joe Hawtin, Owner, Marin County Visitor

Use Microfiber-Catching Laundry Bags

One surprisingly impactful habit is how often we unknowingly contribute to microfiber pollution. Every time we wash synthetic fabrics like polyester or fleece, tiny plastic fibers shed and make their way into the ocean, where marine life ingest them. A simple change people can make is to use a microfiber-catching laundry bag. It’s a simpler and more practical solution than switching to natural fabrics like cotton or linen.

Another often overlooked problem is the impact of chemical-heavy cleaning products. Many household cleaners contain ingredients that, when washed down drains, disrupt marine ecosystems. Switching to eco-friendly, biodegradable alternatives or homemade solutions like vinegar and baking soda helps reduce this hidden form of pollution.

For me, protecting the ocean isn’t only about big conservation projects but making small, mindful choices in daily life. By being aware of these less obvious environmental threats and making simple swaps, we can protect our waters for future generations. When everyone makes small efforts, they add up over time.

Mohamed Moussa, Managing Director, Tornado Marine Fleet

Recycle Old Electronics Properly

When disposing of old electronic devices, it’s important to understand the harm they can cause when improperly discarded. Millions of gadgets are discarded annually, each one contributing to mounting heaps of electronic waste. Such gadgets are not ordinary trash; they contain toxic substances such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. When these end up in landfills, the chemicals may seep into the ground and water, causing significant pollution problems.

Recycling these electronic devices is highly beneficial. It reduces our toxic waste and recovers useful components such as copper, silver, and other valuable materials. You can exchange your old gadgets at certain stores. This keeps unused electronics from merely collecting dust at home or contaminating the environment.

I’ve noticed that many people buy new phones impulsively, without considering the fate of their old ones. These abandoned devices clutter up our homes and waste valuable resources. If we choose to repair, sell, or donate them, we not only give these devices a second life but also reduce the demand for brand-new ones. This translates into less energy consumed and fewer raw materials to be extracted from our resources, like those rare earth metals we hear about. Simply keeping your device for an extra year can make a massive difference in its environmental impact.

Alec Loeb, VP of Growth Marketing, EcoATM

Conserve Water with Better Garden Practices

Garden hose habits are brutal. People leave them running while watering or cleaning, wasting hundreds of litres. Use a pressure sprayer or rain barrel setup instead. Better yet, mulch your plants to trap moisture so you don’t need to water as much. It’s low effort and high reward.

Then there’s fish tank heaters. If someone’s running one all year, it racks up costs and energy without anyone thinking twice. Turn it off in summer. Or better yet, switch to species that thrive in room temp. Cuts power, keeps nature natural, and gives your wallet a break.

Gavin Bent, Marketing Executive, Ponds By Michael Wheat

Rent Instead of Buying Rarely Used Items

One of the most surprising everyday habits with a huge environmental impact is owning items that are rarely used—like power tools, party supplies, or small kitchen appliances. These products require massive amounts of resources to manufacture, package, and ship, yet often sit unused for 99% of their lifespan. For example, a drill is typically used for just 13 minutes in its entire life.

A simple shift? Renting instead of buying. Renting platforms like ours make it easy to borrow what you need from someone nearby—whether it’s a projector for movie night, a carpet cleaner for spring cleaning, or a waffle maker for brunch. It’s cheaper, smarter, and way better for the planet.

By making shared living part of everyday life, people can reduce overproduction, cut down on waste, and strengthen their local communities. Small change, big impact.

Arman Sarhaddar, CEO & Founder, ivault

Adopt a Plant-Based Diet

Many might not realize it, but eating habits, especially the consumption of meat and dairy, significantly affect the environment. The production of these foods requires vast amounts of water, land, and energy while contributing to high levels of greenhouse gases. For instance, producing a single pound of beef consumes over 1,800 gallons of water. The livestock sector alone generates nearly 15% of all anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions worldwide.

Switching to a plant-based diet, even for just a couple of meals per week, can dramatically lower your environmental impact. Reducing your reliance on single-use plastics by opting for reusable bags, bottles, and containers can also contribute to significant environmental benefits. These simple changes don’t just save money in the long term; they also help in preserving our planet’s resources for future generations. Making these small adjustments in daily life leads to a healthier planet and can also inspire others to reconsider their environmental impacts.

Alex Cornici, Writer, Cheap Places To Go

Plan Meals and Use Leftovers Creatively

You know, it’s often the little, unassuming habits that add up to have a significant environmental impact. Food waste is a huge one. We’re so used to overflowing refrigerators and tossing out leftovers or produce that has gone slightly past its prime. Making a conscious effort to plan meals, use up leftovers creatively, and compost food scraps can drastically reduce the amount of waste going to landfills.

Another surprising culprit is our laundry habits. Washing clothes in cold water and air-drying whenever possible saves significant energy. And think about the sheer volume of single-use items we go through—plastic bags, disposable coffee cups, paper towels. Switching to reusable alternatives might seem like a small change, but collectively, it makes a real difference. For me, it’s been about adopting a “reduce, reuse, repurpose” mindset. 

Before discarding something, I ask myself if it can be repaired, repurposed for another use, or donated. It’s about shifting away from a culture of disposability and embracing a more mindful approach to consumption. These small changes, when adopted collectively, can have a ripple effect and contribute to a more sustainable future.

David Bui, Director & Business Specialist, Schmicko

Re-Wear Clothes and Avoid Over-Washing

Most people think the big stuff does the damage—cars, factories, and the like. However, it’s actually the daily over-washing of clothes that silently wreaks havoc on the environment. Every time someone runs a half-load or washes clothes that could have been worn another day, they waste water, energy, and detergent. Multiply that across a week, and you’re wasting hundreds of liters. Start there—re-wear clothes when it makes sense and stick to full loads.

Then there’s the addiction to dryers. Heat-drying every cycle isn’t just tough on your electric bill—it damages fabric and consumes kilowatts like popcorn at the cinema. Get a clothes airer. Use it. Even indoors. It may be boring, but it works. Changing that one habit can have an immediate impact. You’ll see less wear on your clothes, less heat in your home, and more money in your pocket.

Louis Georgiou, Managing Director, Essential Workwear

Install a Smart Thermostat

One lifestyle gadget that has made a significant impact on promoting sustainability in my daily life is a smart thermostat. Specifically, I use the Nest Learning Thermostat, which adapts to my schedule and adjusts the temperature accordingly, leading to reduced energy consumption.

An example of how it has helped me minimize waste and conserve energy is through its ability to learn my heating and cooling preferences over time. By analyzing my usage patterns, it automatically adjusts the temperature when I’m away or asleep, optimizing energy usage without sacrificing comfort. Additionally, its remote access feature allows me to control the thermostat from anywhere using my smartphone, enabling me to make adjustments on-the-go and avoid unnecessary energy usage.

Overall, the smart thermostat has not only helped me reduce my energy bills but also contributed to environmental conservation by minimizing energy waste in my home.

Edmund Jenkins, Travel Expert, Time To Backpack

Avoid Impulse Buying of Bathroom Products

There’s a silent leak in homes: bathroom products. Half-empty shampoos, forgotten vitamins, expired supplements. That whole drawer of “maybe later” items ends up in landfills. Stop impulse buying. Pick one of everything. Use it up before opening another. Less clutter, less waste, and a cleaner home.

Dimitri Zobnin, Managing Director, House of Enki

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