In today’s world, it can often feel like the environmental challenges we face are too big to tackle. Greenhouse gas emissions are at their highest levels with carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations exceeding 400 parts per million(ppm), a level not seen in over 800,000 years. The Arctic is warming at nearly three times the global average, and sea levels have risen by about 8–9 inches since 1880. But the reality is, every small action counts when addressing climate change. As English anthropologist Jane Goodall wisely said, What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.

Illustration by: foyr.com

Sustainability doesn’t always require monumental changes—sometimes, it’s the little, everyday choices that add up to a significant impact. Here’s a list of simple, sustainable actions you can take in your daily life that not only benefit the planet, but also inspire others to do the same.

1. Buy less, Buy Better

• Opt for higher-quality, long-lasting items rather than cheap, disposable products that are likely to end up in landfill.
• Look for eco-friendly materials such as bamboo or organic cotton when purchasing products.
• Support brands that prioritize sustainability in their practices and packaging.
• If everyone refilled just one bottle every day, it would save 40 billion plastic bottles from entering landfills.
• The Green for Good Market is a Sustain SU initiative encouraging donations of household goods and clothes. Their clothing swap is a popular event that takes place 7 times throughout the academic year. It is not only eco-friendly but also helps combat climate change as the revenue from the event goes to the Indigenous Climate Action.

2. Switch to Energy Efficient Lighting

• Switch to LED light bulbs which use far less energy than traditional light bulbs and last longer. Using just one LED bulb can reduce carbon emissions by up to 450 pounds, which is about the same as driving a car for 805 kilometers.
• Reduce overall energy consumption by unplugging electronics when not in use.

3. Opt for Public Transport, Carpool, or Bike

• Reduce your carbon footprint by opting for public transport, carpooling or biking. If just 1 in 10 commuters carpooled, it would take 10 million cars off the road, saving 1.6 billion gallons of gas and reducing 14 million tons of CO2 emissions every year.
• Consider walking for shorter trips.
• Consider investing in cars with better fuel efficiency or electric vehicles (EVs).
• The Bike Library and Workshop is another Sustain SU initiative to help repair and maintain bikes as well as sell new and used components such as tubes, tires and accessories. They accept donations of components as well so feel free to donate any parts or components that are not of use to you.

4. Eat Sustainably

• Purchase products with recyclable packaging and a longer shelf life to reduce waste.
• Opt for more plant-based meals as meat products have higher carbon emissions.
• Follow a weekly meal plan to reduce the possibility of food waste—for an individual, this reduces waste by 30% and increases savings by $200/month.

5. Optimize Water Usage

• Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or washing dishes to conserve water.
• Use the dishwasher as often as possible compared to hand-washing dishes—this consumes 50-85% less water per cycle
• Take shorter showers.

6. Miscellaneous

• Support locally to reduce emissions from transportation and storage.
• Switch to digital—this applies for books, receipts, newspapers, etc.
• Wash your clothes in cold water to conserve energy—this uses 80-90% less energy per cycle, can save more than $100 per year, and is typically better for the fabric.

We encourage you to embrace these simple daily habits to make sustainability a part of your life. You don’t need to adopt every tip all at once—just start with what feels manageable for you. Every small step matters, and when multiplied by the actions of others, these efforts become a powerful force for change. Together, we can reduce our impact, protect natural resources, and create a healthier planet for ourselves and future generations. By taking action today, we can leave the Earth in a better state than we found it and inspire others to do the same. Remember, the journey to sustainability starts with you.

Written by Himani Sutaria and Raahim Aqueel