Going green may seem like a daunting challenge, but making a few small changes can make a huge impact. Every time you bring your water bottle rather than purchase a single use water bottle, you’ve made a tiny ripple. The more times you can create that ripple, the bigger the tide grows. If everyone did just a few of the things on this list, the impact would be phenomenal. The goal is not to alter your life, but to provide EASY ways in which you can help reduce your impact on Earth’s natural resources. If you are interested in more information on how you can help, please reach out to us at [email protected] and we are happy to give you all the help you need! In the meantime, think about the things on this list you can do for our little planet!

small steps can make a big impact

  1. Eat less meat/poultry/fish
    Try cooking vegetarian meals at home, experiment and have fun exploring different recipes. Raising cattle, poultry and fish is some of the leading contributors to climate change, as the Independent reported, so choosing plant based meals improve our environment.
  2. Buy clothes that are made to last
    Consumers throw away an average of 70 pounds of clothing each year, yikes! To reduce your personal wastage, choose to shop from ethical and sustainable brands, only shop when you need something, and buy garments that you will wear over and over again. Say no to fast fashion and find retailers (like Elizabeth Leigh) and brands that are committed to purposeful shopping, purchase with a purpose.
  3. Switch up your beauty and cleaning routine
    Shop more sustainable options for the cleaning, laundry, skincare, haircare, and makeup products that you use, staying clear of items tested on animals or containing harsh chemicals. Choose eco-friendly, vegan products with natural ingredients look for US manufactures. For informed options contact Sustainable Life Live.
  4. Walk, bike or take public transportation to work, events, school.
  5. Start growing!
    Start small. Your favorite herb, like basil.
  6. Wash you clothes in cold water.
    This will save you money, help your clothes last longer, and help the environment. Use laundry detergent formulated for cold water.
  7. Turn the H2O OFF.
    when washing your hands, brushing your teeth, doing the dishes.
  8. Unplug anything that is not being used
    Electronics still use a small amount of energy when they are plugged in, even when they are turned off.
  9. Turn off your lights when you leave a room.
  10. Don’t use plastic bags at checkout.
    Instead, take your own bags for groceries.
  11. Hang your wet clothes.
    Use a drying line or rack instead of using a powered dryer.
  12. Take the stairs over the elevator
    Bonus! It’s also a great workout.

As described by Wikipedia, sustainable living describes a lifestyle that attempts to reduce an individual’s or society’s use of the Earths natural resources, and one’s personal resources.

This can seem incredibly daunting and overwhelming to reduce your environmental footprint. But if you break it down into small steps, you realize changes can be a new adventure and some are simple enough to implement today!

Start small, pick 2 or 3 things to try this week.

Content provided by:
Annemarie Sampson

“I have been proudly serving the Chicagoland fitness community for 35 years. Manager of The Chicago Sweat Shop, one of Chicago’s first aerobic studios, started my love for group exercise before opening my own gym Second Wind. 35 years later I am coaching High School cross country and spending my days educating on environmental and digital wellness.

Environmental wellness stems from pleasant and stimulating environments that support well being. It promotes interaction with the planet and also with our personal, home and work communities. I truly hope that you are open to the conversation.

Digital wellness provides leaders and change makers with tools and resources to foster a more positive digital culture. Digital wellness is a new and ever developing niche in personal, corporate and student well being, it is an exciting time to be a part of the discussion.”