Starting Fresh: 6 Easy Sustainable Living Tips for 2025
- Cameron Rosenthal
- Dec 3, 2024
- 9 min read
Updated: Mar 28
Is living sustainably as hard (or expensive) as it sounds?
If you’ve ever wanted to create a healthier, eco-friendly home—but felt overwhelmed by where to start—you’re not alone. The good news? Making sustainable choices doesn’t have to be complicated (or cost a fortune).
As the new year rolls in, I’ve been thinking a lot about sustainability and how I can be more intentional about living an eco-friendly, toxin-free life. One thing I’ve realized? Going green doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In fact, it’s the small, mindful shifts that stick the longest—and make the biggest difference. Whether you’re ready to ditch toxic products, cut down on waste, or become a little more self-sufficient, I’ve gathered simple, practical sustainable living tips to help you live in harmony with the planet—without the stress.
How I Started My Low-Waste Journey
When I first thought about living more sustainably, I’ll be honest—it felt overwhelming. Where do you even start? But here’s the thing: you don’t have to toss everything and start from scratch.
I took it one step at a time. As my household products ran out, I replaced them with non-toxic, eco-friendly alternatives. Not only did it save me money, but it also gave me the space to research and find brands I actually love. And now? About 95% of my cleaning and personal care products are sustainable—and the best part? The whole process felt easy because I made gradual changes.
Feeling overwhelmed about starting your sustainability journey?
Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Knowing where to begin can be the hardest part, but a little guidance can make it so much easier.
Inside, you’ll find:
✅ A simple, no-stress checklist to help you make easy, sustainable swaps.
✅ Monthly habit trackers to keep you motivated and celebrate the little wins.
✅ Practical tips to reduce waste, ditch toxins, and live a bit more earth-friendly.
You don’t have to do it all at once—just start where you are. This bundle makes it easy to take that first step!
Progress Over Perfection: The Key to Sustainable Living
Sustainability isn’t about being perfect—it’s about making small, mindful choices that add up over time. Whether you’re ditching single-use plastic, exploring zero-waste swaps, or simply being more intentional with your purchases, every step counts.
The best part? Once you start, it becomes second nature. Each small change feels empowering, and before you know it, you're well on your way to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Start where you are, and keep moving forward—progress over perfection!
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How to Set Realistic Sustainability Goals for 2025
Starting (or continuing) your sustainability journey in 2025? Setting realistic, achievable goals is the key to creating long-term habits that stick. Instead of overwhelming yourself with drastic changes, focus on small, manageable shifts that fit naturally into your daily routine.
Here are a few simple sustainable living tips to get started:
Don’t Stress Over Perfection: Mastering composting overnight isn’t necessary. Start by simply separating food scraps and learning the basics at your own pace. Every small step forward makes a difference.
Start Small, Build Momentum: Instead of an entire lifestyle overhaul, begin with one area of your home—like the kitchen or bathroom. Small changes in one space create momentum for the rest.
Sustainable Parenting Made Simple: Parents, start with easy eco-friendly swaps like reusable snack bags, stainless steel water bottles, or silicone food covers before taking on bigger commitments like cloth diapering or homemade baby food.
Sustainability isn’t about perfection—it’s about small, meaningful changes that become second nature. Once those shifts feel effortless, you’ll be excited to take on even more.
Is Sustainability Expensive? Here’s the Truth
Living sustainably doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, true sustainability is about making mindful choices—not buying a bunch of new products.
While there are eco-friendly products that can make your journey easier, they’re not essential. The best approach? Start where you are, use what you already have, and gradually incorporate new tools if they fit your lifestyle. Sustainable living is a journey, not a race.
Below, I’ve linked all the products mentioned in this post. These are simply suggestions—there’s no need to rush out and buy anything new! You might already have some of these at home, and if not, you can always add them over time if they fit your lifestyle.
📋 Your Sustainable Shopping List 👇
Sustainable Kitchen
Sustainable Storage & Organization
Sustainable Lighting & Power
Sustainable Laundry
Sustainable Shopping
Sustainable Gardening
Additional
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6 Simple & Impactful Sustainable Living Tips for 2025
Create a Low-Waste, Toxin-Free Home
This year, I’m making simple yet impactful changes to reduce waste and create a toxin-free home. Sustainability isn’t about perfection—it’s about small, intentional swaps that lead to lasting change.
Easy Ways to Reduce Waste & Toxins at Home
Meal Planning for Less Waste – Planning meals ahead helps minimize food waste and save money.
Upgrading My Composting System – A countertop compost bin makes it easy to collect scraps and reduce landfill waste.
Ditching Single-Use Items – Swapping disposable napkins and plastic bags for cloth napkins and silicone storage bags creates a more sustainable kitchen.
Non-Toxic Kitchen Swaps – Choosing BPA-free, chemical-free cookware and storage for a healthier home.
Buying in Bulk – Shopping from bulk bins cuts down on excess packaging and reduces overall waste.
Sustainable & Non-Toxic Swaps to Try
Glass Food Storage Containers – Durable and non-toxic.
Beeswax Wraps – A reusable alternative to plastic wrap.
Silicone Baking Mats – A great swap for parchment paper.
Glass Food Storage Jars – Store bulk purchases in style.
🔗Want to DIY your own non-toxic products? Try my Easy Homemade All Purpose Cleaner & Easy Homemade DIY Deodorant Recipes
Make Nature a Priority
Spending time outside has become a core part of our routine, and we’ve found ways to make it both fun and educational. Prioritizing nature has not only helped us disconnect from screens but also deepened our appreciation for the changing seasons.
Here are a few ways we’ve made outdoor time more special:
Explore with Family Hikes & Nature Adventures
We’ve started scheduling regular hikes to explore new trails, and every outing feels like an adventure! To make it even more engaging, we use apps like iNaturalist to identify plants and Merlin to learn about birds along the way. For a fun, interactive twist, games like Pokémon GO add an extra layer of excitement.
Embrace the Seasons & Reduce Screen Time
One of the best changes we’ve made is limiting screen time to weekends. This simple shift has been a game-changer, encouraging us to spend more time outside and appreciate the beauty of each season—whether it’s tending the garden on a sunny day or taking a crisp fall walk.
Create a Kid’s Potion Table
Inspired by MotherBlue, I set up a potion table for my daughter—a magical indoor space where she explores herbs, flowers, and natural elements. It’s been such a fun, hands-on way to learn about nature, even when we’re inside.
Start a Small Garden Project
Gardening is a wonderful way to connect with nature while teaching kids where food comes from. We’ve started a small vegetable patch, and watching the plants grow has been an exciting and rewarding experience. It’s also a great way to introduce sustainability and healthy eating in a hands-on way.
Check out my gardening guides to get started:
3. Simplify & Slow Down: Embrace a Balanced, Sustainable Lifestyle
Sustainability isn’t just about protecting the environment—it’s also about creating a lifestyle that feels balanced and sustainable for your well-being. This year, I’m focusing on simplifying my life and slowing down to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. Here’s how:
Clear the Clutter
I’m committed to decluttering my home by keeping only the items that bring joy or serve a purpose. Using recycled wicker storage bins and a portable label maker has made organizing so much easier and more efficient.
Slow Down & Enjoy Life's Simple Pleasures
Taking time to slow down and appreciate life’s simple moments is essential to living sustainably. Whether it’s enjoying a warm cup of tea while reading a book or baking bread on a quiet afternoon, slowing down is key to feeling more present. Loose-leaf tea and my sourdough starter are go-to items for these moments. Need a new recipe? Try The BEST Cinnamon Roll Recipe with Vanilla Icing for a comforting treat.
Set Boundaries & Prioritize What Matters
One of the best ways to maintain balance is by setting boundaries with work and social commitments. This allows me to focus on what truly matters—time with my family. A planner for intentional living helps me stay organized and intentional with my time.
Sustainable Products to Try:
Recycled Wicker Storage Bins – Helps keep clutter in check.
Loose-Leaf Tea Set – Encourages slow, mindful moments.
Planner for Intentional Living – Stay organized while setting mindful goals.
Portable Label Maker – Stay organized by labeling your storage spaces and decluttering items that don’t spark joy (hello, Marie Kondo!).
4. Eat More Seasonally & Locally: A Sustainable Approach to Food
As a vegetarian, food is one of the most powerful ways I connect with the earth. Eating seasonally and locally not only supports the environment but also enhances the flavor and nutritional value of meals. This year, I’m excited to dive deeper into sustainable eating habits. Here’s how I’m doing it:
Shop at Local Farmer’s Markets
One of my goals this year is to shop more at local farmer’s markets and learn about seasonal eating. reusable market tote and produce storage containers help keep everything fresh and organized. Supporting local farmers not only reduces our carbon footprint but also strengthens our community.
Explore New Plant-Based Recipes
I’m excited to try new plant-based recipes using ingredients that are fresh and in season. A classic favorite of mine is Moosewood cookbook—it’s perfect for experimenting with vegetarian meals and discovering new ways to incorporate seasonal produce into my meals.
Get the Kids Involved in Cooking
Cooking is a great way to connect kids to nature and help them understand where food comes from. This year, I’m involving my little ones more in the kitchen with a kid-friendly wooden Montessori cooking set. It makes cooking safe, fun, and educational, and it’s a great way to teach them about sustainable food practices.
5. Use Less Energy, Live More Simply: Easy Ways to Reduce Your Energy Footprint
Reducing our energy footprint is an essential step toward creating a more sustainable, eco-friendly home. In 2025, I’m focused on making small changes that not only reduce our environmental impact but also help us live more simply. Here’s how:
Dry Clothes Naturally
One of the easiest ways to cut down on energy use is by air-drying clothes instead of relying on the dryer. A bamboo drying rack or retractable clothesline are natural alternatives that help reduce energy consumption and keep clothes fresh without the extra cost of electricity.
Mind Your Energy Use
Being mindful of our energy use throughout the day makes a huge difference. I’m committed to turning off lights when not in use and unplugging devices to prevent wasted energy. Using a Bluetooth power strip is a smart way to cut down on phantom energy use, giving me more control over which devices are powered on.
Upgrade for Better Energy Efficiency
Small energy-efficient upgrades around the house can add up over time. Switching to Solar-powered outdoor lights and LED smart bulbs are easy swaps that help reduce waste and lower energy consumption, all while providing better lighting options for our home.
6. Deepen Connection to Earth
More than anything, I want to nurture a sense of gratitude and respect for the world around me. My personal intentions for this include:
Journaling about the little ways nature shows up in my daily life. A guided nature journal or recycled paper notebook makes it easy to reflect on daily moments of gratitude.
Learning more about native plants and how to support pollinators in our garden. This book on native plants (make sure to choose your correct region!) and a pollinator-friendly wildflower seed mix are great ways to get started. Visit your local botanical gardens to learn more about a variety of native plants.
Spending more time in the garden and growing with the seasons. If you're just getting started, check out my Gardening for Beginners Guide and Spring Garden Prep E-Book for tips on creating a thriving, eco-friendly space.
Let’s Grow Together
Sustainability is a journey, not a destination, and I know I’ll learn and grow as the year unfolds. These goals feel personal and purposeful, but I’m also open to the surprises life might bring along the way.
What are your intentions for 2025? I’d love to hear in the comments how you’re planning to embrace a more mindful, sustainable lifestyle this year.
🌿 Ready to make sustainable living easier? Check out the digital shop for eco-guides, resources, and tools to help you live greener—without the hassle!
