Easy ways to live sustainably and reduce your footprint on earth.
Did you know that Sydney was one of the first cities in the world to live sustainably by joining the Global Destination Sustainability Index? Sydneysiders are one of the first to start reducing footprint and working towards a simpler life with less impact on the earth.
Everything we do has an impact. From the rubbish we throw out, to the toilets we flush. Even the way we use technolog leaves some form of imprint on the earth.
And unless you want to live barefoot with no car or mobile phone in the middle of a rainforest, there is a strong likelihood you will always leave some form of footprint behind somewhere.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. There are multiple ways you can help reduce your footprint, and none of it requires you to move out to the middle of nowhere to disappear off the grid.
Here are 6 simple ways to help you reduce your footprint and live more sustainably.
Switch to an ethical financial investment:
When it comes to securing your future, why not make a choice that benefits both you and the planet?
Companies like Australian Ethical are working with organisations who they believe are helping create a better world, whilst also investing for the funds’ investment strategies and objectives. In ding this, they help you to support renewable energy, community development, and much more.
Australian Ethical is among the country’s original ethical investors. Since 1986, they have made ethics the starting point for all of their investments.
Switch off your devices:
Despite the world being completely digital, you can make a conscious choice by switching off devices when needed. This could be whilst you’re at work, sleeping or when you’re exercising or going for a scenic walk.
Most devices will allow you to accept emergency calls from specific contacts when the phone is switched off. This allows you to have some downtime away from your device, which not only reduces your screen time and is better for your body. It also helps reduce the amount of energy coming out or your phone whilst it sits in standby mode.
LED lights on chargers and devices all contribute to unnecessary power consumption. It might not seem like a lot, but remember, it’s not just you. Standby energy used throughout Australia equals tonnes of greenhouse gases that could be saved by simply turning them off.
Dry clothes on the line instead:
Dryers are certified energy guzzlers. If you embrace the art of air-drying on a clothesline or rack, you can save tons of energy. Your electricity bill will be greatly reduced, and it’s also much better for the planet.
There are multiple options available now to suit your living arrangements, whether you’re in a house with a yard, or an apartment with a small balcony. Check out brands like Ikea who thrive on developing products for small living spaces, like units and apartments to help you switch from the dryer to the clothes line.
This is an eco-chic ritual that you can start right away, helping you to save the planet – and your finances – one laundry load at a time.
This timeless practice of air-drying your clothes will also make them softer and imbue them with the freshness of the outdoor air. Once you start air-drying, you’ll never look back.
Reduce water usage:
Saving the planet isn’t just about conserving electricity. You should also think about the amount of water you use on a daily basis. If you master the art of the short shower, you can save significant amounts of water.
You don’t have to keep every single shower to a strict two minutes. There are days when washing your hair or doing your at-home beauty routines might take longer.
However, if you can cut your daily shower down to a quick, cleansing rinse, you will already be on track to saving tonnes of water every year, and reducing your water bill each month.
Give your car a break:
When possible, switch your car keys for a pair of comfortable walking shoes. Not only do you get to cut out the emissions made from your car, but you also get fitter.
There’s a reason that the Hot Girl Walk has become such a prevalent TikTok trend—it’s good for your body, good for your mood, and good for the planet. Create a playlist of your fave songs to strut to and walk as much as you can in and around the CBD.
For longer journeys, consider public transport. Public transport in most cities in the world including Sydney is fairly decent and easy to work with. And with the addition of the light rail, it has become a lot easier for people to travel in and out of the city from suburban locations outside of the main Sydney hub.
Although electric cars are becoming increasingly popular throughout Australia, their batteries and production can still have harmful effects on the environment.
Wear ethical clothing and shoes:
A lot of clothing labels are now switching to more sustainable fabrics which have both been properly sourced.
This includes some shoe brands who are also using better materials to create natural rubber soles for sneakers and comfort shoes which break down a lot easier than standard rubber used on most sneakers, which can take decades to break down.
Ethical clothing and shoe brands don’t always have a huge price tag to go with it either. Brands like P.E Nation, DK Active, Outland Denim, Boody, CHNGE, PACT and Kathmandu are some in Australia who use sustainable fabrics for their clothing and underwear range.
You don’t need to replace your whole wardrobe, but you can certainly make a huge impact, by switching your everyday wear to more sustainable wear. Just remember to sell or donate your old clothes so they don’t end up in waste.
