Want to start living a more sustainable life, but have no idea where do start? This was me earlier this year. I used to think that I did my part for the environment by recycling. I was SUCH a good recycler…plastic water bottles, aluminum cans, paper towels. I was hit by a wave of shock when I realized that most of the our recycling ends up in a landfill. This sadly almost made me think “what’s the point?” If our recycling goes to the landfills still and big corporations are slow to implement sustainability practices, then how is one little woman’s efforts going to help?

I then realized after some serious life coaching, that I should be stressed out about external factors that I can’t control. I should be looking inward and if sustainability is something I value. That being said, I’ve started my path to a more sustainable life earlier this year and am enjoying the journey.

If you are interested in living a more sustainable life, the check out my three tips to get started! Also if you have any tips of your own, please feel free to leave them in the comment section. I would love to see what your recommendations are!

1. Conduct a trash bin audit

Get your gloves out because it’s going to get messy! Conducting a bin audit gives you valuable insight to see where your waste goes and what changes you can implement in your life. Simply lay down some newspaper or brown paper bags, put on a pair of gloves and start sorting your items into similar materials – food waste, paper, plastic glass, etc. Note the items and frequently appear (coffee cups, takeout packaging?). Think about how you can make conscious sustainable swaps for these items.

Example: Are you seeing a lot of zip lock bags and cling wrap? Maybe it’s time to invest in beeswax wraps and silicon storage containers. Or you can even use the empty glass jars (i.e. I use the Bonne Marman jam jars for everything!)

*Pro Tip: Do the bin audit right before trash day!

2. Start composting

I can guarantee that composting will make your trash bin smell better and lighter. The key here is finding a place that will accept compost scraps. I drop off my scraps at a local community garden that is a short drive from my house. Some cities will even offer curbside pick up! Do some research to figure out the best option for your area. In regards to the compost container, I did spend the $$ on a cute stainless steel container for the aesthetic. However, I realized that it wasn’t big enough for my compost (yes, there are some weeks where I would miss dropping off the compost on Sunday and would be stuck with two weeks worth). I now just use a brown paper bag from the market (note: these bags are also compostable) and keep it in my freezer!

3. Shop at your local farmers’ market

We try to go to the farmers’ market at least twice a month. It’s always so fun to check out all the vendors and the produce is always super fresh. One of my favorite vendors literally just sells all different kinds of sprouts and they are fabulous. I love how everything is local and you know where your food is coming from. According to the Farmers Market Coalition, farmers selling at the local markets minimize the amount of waste and pollution they create. You can also easily avoid plastic packaging. Just make sure to bring you grocery and produce bags to avoid having to use their own plastic bags!

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