The U.S. alone consumes 51 thousand trees and 60 million gallons of water daily for paper towels—the equivalent of 128 acres of the Amazon rainforest just for cleaning up spills.

Three years ago, I noticed how often I threw away dishwashing sponges. They were a Petri dish for germs, so I disposed of them regularly. But they take centuries to biodegrade. Thus, I have switched to a Skoy Scrub and been using the same one for three years. Our little everyday choices can make a difference.

Let’s hear what small changes our experts suggest for a more sustainable lifestyle.

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Your energy, transportation, food, and waste practices control the size of your carbon footprint. Reducing your footprint is best achieved by converting to renewable energy. Solar power lowers electricity costs and diminishes dependence on fossil fuels. Federal and state incentives make solar more affordable than ever before. Battery storage makes energy secure, powering homes when the main power is out.

Transportation is another significant contributor. Gas-guzzling vehicles are dirty and oil-hungry. Electric vehicles (EVs) save fuel and cost less to maintain. Carpooling, cycling, and using public transit reduce emissions. Traffic congestion and pollution would be reduced significantly if everyone who commutes worked from home half a day per week.

Hidden food waste is a massive problem. Abundant food is wasted daily. Buy only what is needed, compost scraps, and shop locally to reduce waste and emissions. Industrial farming squanders resources, while local production conserves water and benefits communities.

Plastic pollution is choking the planet. Oceans and landfills are filled with single-use plastics. Reusable bags, bottles, and containers prevent waste where it is not necessary. Recycling is beneficial, but reduction makes a bigger difference. Saving water is another simple solution. Low-flow devices and fixing leaks can save thousands of gallons annually.

Sustainability is not about perfection—it’s about progress. Every little bit helps.

Phill Stevens, Founder & CEO, Avail Solar

Make Practical Choices

Sustainability starts with practical choices. I’ve always believed that reducing waste begins with focused actions. I recommend sticking to buying only what you need, choosing products that last longer, and even opting for second-hand items whenever possible. These actions may seem insignificant, such as switching to a refillable water bottle, repairing or upgrading your old devices rather than constantly buying new ones, and reducing the use of plastic utensils, but they add up in the long run for our world.

Now let’s discuss the increasing problem of electronic waste. I do my best to recycle my old electronics with services such as EcoATM. It’s an excellent method of salvaging useful parts and preventing toxic waste from entering our environment. Plus, I’ve found that selling or donating devices that still work helps extend their life and eases the constant demand for brand-new items.

Energy consumption is another key area. Shifting to LED bulbs, eliminating unused appliances, and employing power-saving appliances minimize electricity consumption and emissions. Opting for public transportation, cycling, or carpooling reduces petrol consumption. Consumption of food items also matters. Consuming smaller portions of meat, purchasing seasonal and local foods, and eating food that doesn’t go to waste contribute to environmentally friendly living.

Alec Loeb, VP of Growth Marketing, EcoATM

Adopt a Mindset of Service

As a Chaldean, or Neo-Babylonian, I am inspired by my ancestors, who made extraordinary contributions to civilization. From inventing the wheel and developing agriculture to recording the first writer in history–a princess and priestess named Enheduanna–Chaldeans laid the foundations of human progress. They were astronomers who studied the stars to understand their place in the universe and believed in using their gifts in service to others. This ethos of service and ingenuity offers valuable guidance for living sustainably today.

Like Native Americans, Chaldeans had a deep respect for nature and understood the interconnectedness of all life. They lived in harmony with the Earth, recognizing that survival depended on balance and reciprocity. Their world also fostered a greater balance between male and female energies, with men and women working together for the higher good. Revisiting these ancient values, alongside modern methods, can teach us how to live more sustainably. Here’s how their wisdom, and my own experiences, influence my approach to sustainability:

Adopt a Mindset of Service: My ancestors saw service as a fundamental duty, believing every action impacts the greater whole. Sustainability begins with this mindset–reducing waste, conserving resources, and contributing to the planet’s well-being.

Reconnect with Nature: As agricultural pioneers, they understood the importance of working with the land. Planting gardens, supporting local farmers, and eating seasonally are simple ways to honor this connection while reducing our footprint.

Innovate Simply: Mesopotamians invented tools like the wheel and irrigation systems. Today, we can prioritize energy-efficient solutions, reduce consumption, and creatively repurpose resources–practices that blend innovation and simplicity.

Embrace Interconnectedness: Astronomers by nature, my ancestors viewed the universe as an interconnected whole. Likewise, sustainability requires recognizing that every choice–what we buy, how we eat, how we travel–affects the Earth.

Share Stories and Knowledge: Enheduanna, the first recorded writer, reminds us of the power of storytelling. Sharing knowledge creates awareness and inspires others to embrace sustainable practices.

The Chaldeans rebuilt after immense challenges, demonstrating resilience and adaptability. They did so by blending ancient wisdom with modern practices to create a sustainable world rooted in balance, service, and respect for the Earth.

Weam Namou, Author & Filmmaker, Unique Voices in Films

Consider Product Lifecycle

One of the most effective ways to live more sustainably is to consider two ideas about anything you own: where did it come from and where is it going?

First, by supporting companies that are committed to a better environmental future, we can each drive more corporate and macroeconomic shifts towards sustainable business practices. Brands that have taken pledges to donate a portion of revenues, plant trees, or donate goods for each purchase are examples of companies that have a positive ESG impact. These are the companies we want to shop at and support while avoiding ones that do not participate in these types of green activities. 

Second, it is important to consider where things go when we are done with them. Are they being thrown out? Was there a chance they could be composted, recycled, or donated? If you are trying to live a more sustainable lifestyle, reducing the amount of trash you produce is a great place to start. Food and yard scraps can be composted at home or in a community garden. Old clothes or household items can be repurposed, sold, or donated. Disposable plastics can be replaced by glass, paper, or discontinued altogether. Over time, this can help reduce the amount of pollution in natural environments.  

By taking the time to think consciously about where things come from and where they go after we are done with them is a good way to frame how we see the things around us and prevent unnecessary waste.

Jack Lovely, Founder, CEO, The Vitallist

Declutter for Sustainable Living

Living sustainably starts with decluttering your home. By keeping only what you truly need, you reduce waste and make space for eco-friendly choices. Swap plastic for glass or bamboo, invest in long-lasting products, and donate unused items. Small changes, like using energy-efficient appliances or starting a compost bin, can make a big difference. At Revive My Spaces, we help you organize your home to make sustainable living easy and achievable. It’s all about creating a space that’s functional, beautiful, and kind to the planet.

Lauren Hammer, Founder & Lead Organizer, Revive My Spaces

Integrate Sustainability at Work

When you spend most of your waking hours at work, sustainability can’t just be something you practice at home–it has to be part of how you run your business, too. As the managing partner of a recruiting firm, I wanted to ensure our office wasn’t just another corporate space mindlessly burning through resources.

For us, the shift started small. We swapped out single-use plastics for reusable alternatives, digitized as much of our paperwork as possible, and made sure our office was stocked with energy-efficient lighting and appliances. But beyond the basics, we also looked at sustainability from a business operations standpoint. Instead of defaulting to in-person interviews that required candidates and clients to travel, we leaned into video calls when possible, cutting down on unnecessary emissions. And when we did meet in person, we ensured our travel was intentional, maximizing each trip for multiple meetings.

Even in recruiting, an industry that isn’t necessarily thought of as “green,” there are real ways to build sustainability into the business. It’s about being mindful–whether that’s choosing a greener office space, working with vendors who share your values, or simply encouraging employees to embrace small changes, like using public transit or reducing waste.

At the end of the day, sustainability isn’t about making one big, sweeping change–it’s about consistently choosing better habits. And in an industry like ours, where relationships and long-term thinking are key, it just makes sense to build a business that’s designed to last in every way.

Jon Hill, Managing Partner, Tall Trees Talent

Start with Small Changes

Living a more sustainable lifestyle starts with small, everyday actions that reduce personal impact on the environment. One of the most effective ways is to reduce energy consumption by using energy-efficient appliances, switching to LED bulbs, and unplugging electronics when not in use. Another significant change involves adopting a plant-based diet or reducing meat consumption, as the agricultural industry, particularly livestock farming, contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.

Using public transportation, biking, or walking instead of driving can also make a big difference in reducing carbon footprints. On top of this, individuals can prioritize recycling, composting, and avoiding single-use plastics, which helps in reducing waste and conserving resources.

Additionally, supporting sustainable brands and buying second-hand goods or items made from eco-friendly materials can positively influence consumer markets. Finally, educating others on sustainability and taking part in local environmental initiatives can create a broader impact, inspiring more people to make conscious choices for the planet. Every small step counts toward living more sustainably and creating a lasting, positive change.

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

Prioritize Energy Efficiency

Sustainability starts with day-to-day, hands-on choices. Efficiency in energy offers a huge opportunity. Installing LED bulbs, employing smart thermostats, and turning off non-essential devices prevent waste. Solar panels reap dividends in the long run as they lower the use of fossil fuels. Energy-efficient insulation and long-lasting roof materials further aid by keeping homes warm inside and preventing the need to constantly heat and cool them. A well-constructed roof extends the life of a home and prevents waste of materials over time.

Water conservation is also an important priority. Low-flow appliances, rainwater harvesting, and xeriscaping greatly reduce water consumption. Leaks are fixed and appliances are run efficiently to avoid waste. Reducing single-use water bottles and plastics is also important. Reusable containers, bags, and refillable water bottles reduce landfill inputs, while food waste composting produces natural fertilizer rather than generating waste.

Buying from local and sustainable companies makes a long-term difference. Supporting companies that are concerned with responsible sourcing and long-lasting materials has a greater impact. Home renovations provide another option–selecting sustainable roofing, reclaimed wood, and energy-efficient windows maximizes efficiency and longevity. Each choice creates a more sustainable future. Careful choices today create long-term advantages for homes, communities, and the world.

Shantell Moya, Business Owner, Roof Republic

Switch to LED Lighting

Switching to LED is such a simple way to cut down on your electricity use. I’ve found that LEDs not only use less energy, but they also last much longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. This means you’re saving energy and reducing waste, which are great ways to be more sustainable in your daily life. 

Another simple step is using smart power strips. Many appliances draw power even when turned off, which is called phantom load. A smart strip automatically cuts power when devices aren’t in use, saving energy effortlessly.

And with heating and cooling in your home, which typically consume the most electricity, I recommend investing in a programmable or smart thermostat. Setting one to match your daily patterns can really reduce energy waste. Pair this with solid insulation and sealing up any leaks, and the difference in your energy bills can be substantial.

Consider making some simple changes in behavior too. Things like switching off lights when they’re not needed, running appliances during off-peak times, and maximizing daylight use can have a big impact.

Bobby Lynn, Owner, Livewire Electrical

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