These 45 tips come straight from Tea Tree Valley’s
135 Ways You Can Help the Environment Starting TODAY! which you can get for
FREE by entering your email above or signing up for our website.
This is a guide to turning simple daily choices, like switching off lights or skipping meat once a week, into impactful steps for a healthier planet.
Small actions can address big problems
Homes drive 20% of global emissions, transportation nearly 30%, fast fashion dumps 11 million tons of textiles into U.S. landfills yearly, and food waste adds methane into the atmosphere.
But sustainable habits can cut your carbon footprint by 20-50%!
The full book offers 135 practical tips across home, travel, work, and shopping, requiring no expertise and just a willingness to act.
Backed by stats and fueled by inspiration, it shows that collective small efforts can heal ecosystems and reduce emissions.
I got together 45 of the book’s ways to help the environment, so pick a tip, from composting to biking, and join the movement to build a greener future, starting today!
Home and Energy Efficiency
Homes largely contribute to environmental impact, accounting for about 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions due to energy use for heating, cooling, and lighting.
Simple energy efficiency improvements can reduce personal carbon emissions by up to 30%, save money, and help combat the 1.5 billion tons of CO2 emitted annually from residential energy consumption.
WAY #2: Unplug Electronics
Here's a little-known fact: even when your devices are powered down, they might still be sipping electricity.
This phenomenon is known as ‘vampire energy’ or standby power.
Think about all those chargers, TVs, game consoles, and even your coffee maker that stay plugged in around the clock.
If you unplug these devices when they're not in use, you could cut your energy usage by up to 10%!
It's a simple habit to develop.
Just pull the plug or, to make your life a little easier, use a power strip with an on/off switch to disconnect multiple devices at once.
Over time, this small act can add up to big savings and reduce the energy you use, lowering your carbon footprint.
WAY #4: Install Solar Panels
Solar panels allow the sun, a glorious source of endless energy, to power your home.
By installing solar panels on your roof, you're tapping into a renewable resource that massively reduces your dependence on traditional, polluting energy sources like coal or natural gas.
Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, which can be used immediately making paninis or stored for later.
This means you're cutting down on your carbon emissions, and also potentially on your electricity bill, especially if you produce more energy than you consume and can sell that back to the grid.
The initial investment might seem high, but with various tax incentives, rebates, and the long-term savings on energy costs, solar panels are a great option for homeowners looking to do right by the environment by not relying on fossil fuels.
WAY #7: Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats think and manage themselves to keep your house perfectly cozy no matter what the weather outside.
They learn from your daily routine, when you sleep, work, and relax, and adjust the heating or cooling accordingly. It’s not as creepy as it sounds.
You leave for work, and your thermostat knows to lower the temperature, only to warm up again just before you return.
That way you're not warming a house that no one is using.
This smart behavior can save you up to 15% on your energy bill each year, and lower your carbon emissions.
It's like having an eco-conscious assistant who's always one step ahead that makes sure you're only using energy when you need it.
Waste Reduction
Waste reduction is critical to combating the environmental crisis.
The average American generates 4.9 pounds of trash daily, contributing to the 2.01 billion tons of global municipal solid waste annually, much of which ends up in landfills or oceans, releasing potent greenhouse gases and toxins.
By reducing waste at the source through actions like eliminating single-use plastics and composting, we can cut our carbon footprint by up to 20%, conserve resources, and mitigate the strain on ecosystems.
WAY #10: Start Composting at Home
Composting is like giving back to nature.
Instead of sending your kitchen scraps to the landfill where they would just end up producing methane, a potent greenhouse gas, you can convert them into something beneficial.
Fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, eggshells, and yard waste like grass clippings can all go into your compost bin for future use.
Over time, these materials decompose into a rich, soil-like substance that's perfect for gardening.
Not only does this reduce waste, but it also enriches your garden soil, promoting healthier plant growth without the need for harsh, dangerous chemical fertilizers.
You can start with a simple compost bin in your backyard or even a small container under the sink for kitchen scraps if space is limited, which is where I have mine.
The key is to balance 'green' materials (like food waste) with 'brown' materials (like leaves or newspaper) to keep the compost healthy and odor-free. You definitely don't want that to get too stinky in an apartment.
WAY #13: Use Reusable Bags
Start with your shopping routine. Instead of grabbing plastic bags at the store, bring your own reusable cloth or mesh bags. Shoot, even plastic bags would be fine if you reused them over and over again.
Reusable bags are pretty cheap, and can be kept in your car for when you need them.
This simple switch can dramatically decrease the amount of single-use plastic you use.
Each time you shop, whether it's for groceries or picking up a few items, you're preventing plastic bags from ending up in landfills or as litter in our oceans.
Over time, this habit can make a substantial difference in reducing plastic waste.
WAY #16: Upcycle Old Clothing
We all have those t-shirts in our closets that we no longer wear but can't bear to throw away. Instead of letting them gather dust, why not breathe new life into them?
You can cut up old t-shirts to create cleaning rags, which are perfect for everything from dusting to wiping down surfaces, and they can be washed easily.
If you're feeling crafty, sew a few shirts together to make a unique tote bag, a sustainable alternative to plastic bags and can be used when grocery shopping!
Or, for a bit of fashion flair, transform them into scarves or even patchwork items.
This practice keeps textile waste out of landfills and encourages a creative outlet that's fun, unique, and environmentally friendly.
Water Conservation
Water, essential yet scarce, is rapidly depleted by households, agriculture, and industry, with the average U.S. family of four using 400 gallons daily.
Conservation efforts can reduce usage by 30-50%, mitigating shortages affecting 2.3 billion people and cutting CO2 emissions tied to water processing.
WAY #20: Shorter Showers
Showers are one of the biggest water users in the home. We all take them (hopefully), almost every day (hopefully).
By simply reducing the length of your shower by just 2 minutes, you can save around 25 gallons of water per shower. If you shower every day that's 175 gallons per week, and 9,125 gallons per year.
If every member of the household follows this practice, the savings can add up quickly.
Encourage everyone to turn off the water while they shampoo or soap up, to stop the flow when not directly rinsing. I know, it gets cold if the water is off, but it's not so bad.
This habit can make a big impact on your household's water consumption without really sacrificing the comfort of a good shower.
WAY #23: Create a Rain Garden
A rain garden is essentially a landscaped depression designed to collect and absorb rainwater runoff from impervious areas like driveways, roofs, and sidewalks.
By planting native, water-loving plants in this area, you create a natural system that helps water infiltrate the soil, replenishing groundwater supplies. And it looks really beautiful!
Rain gardens also play a role in reducing soil erosion, managing stormwater, and filtering pollutants out of the water before it reaches rivers or streams, or gets into drinking water.
This also helps local biodiversity by providing habitat for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. Yes, you will look like a Disney princess.
WAY #25: Upgrade to Low-Flow Fixtures
One of the simplest ways to start conserving water is by upgrading to low-flow fixtures.
This includes showerheads, faucets, and even toilets.
A low-flow showerhead can reduce your water use by up to 50% during showers, which for some of us is a daily activity.
Similarly, installing faucets with aerators can cut down on the amount of water used for washing hands, dishes, or filling pots.
For toilets, look at dual-flush models. They offer the option of a light flush for liquid waste, which uses way less water than the standard flush for solids.
Transportation
Transportation majorly impacts the environment, contributing nearly 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with cars alone emitting 3.6 billion tons of CO2 yearly.
Beyond carbon, it pollutes air, harms health, and drives oil dependency, but smarter choices like carpooling, biking, or electric vehicles can reduce emissions and steer us toward a cleaner planet.
WAY #28: Biking
Biking offers a simple, yet big way to reduce your environmental impact.
When you choose to bike instead of drive, especially for those short trips, you're not emitting any pollutants into the air.
That’s right… A bike trip produces zero emissions, which is a huge benefit for the environment.
Plus, cycling is a fantastic form of exercise, promoting heart health, muscle strength, overall fitness, and even attractiveness.
It's also a great way to enjoy your community, seeing it at a slower pace that allows you to appreciate the surroundings and local life.
Regular biking can lead to a healthier lifestyle while also helping to combat the effects of climate change.
WAY #31: Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Switching to an electric car is one of the most impactful decisions you as an individual can make for the environment.
Unlike traditional cars, EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, which leads to cleaner, fresher air in our cities, since most of the smog around cities comes from cars.
The environmental benefit is even greater if the electricity used to charge these vehicles comes from renewable sources like solar or wind power. Imagine using the sun’s energy to get to work in the morning!
Over the lifetime of an EV, the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions makes a big difference, especially when we remember that transportation is one of the biggest contributors to climate change.
These days electric cars are becoming more affordable, with a wider range of models available, making the switch more tempting for the average consumer.
Adaptation of electric vehicles would be a massive win for the environment. And it will happen, even if it’s slow.
WAY #35: Carpooling
Carpooling is another smart way to reduce your environmental impact while also saving on costs, and even building friendships.
When you share rides with others, whether it's for the daily commute to work or for regular activities like sports practices or school runs, you're reducing the number of cars on the road, and slashing the amount of carbon emissions by up to 75%.
With the rise of apps dedicated to carpooling and community initiatives that promote ride-sharing, organizing a carpool has never been easier.
Carpooling benefits the environment and makes your daily travels more enjoyable and social.
Sustainable Shopping
Sustainable shopping influences resource use and waste, with consumer goods production emitting over 13 billion tons of CO2 yearly with fashion and electronics being major culprits.
Looking for durable, local, or second-hand items can reduce your consumption footprint by 20-40%, turning purchases into a force for environmental good.
WAY #37: Bamboo Products
Bamboo is the superstar in the world of sustainable materials.
It's one of the fastest-growing plants on the planet, doesn't require pesticides to thrive, and regenerates quickly after being harvested.
When you choose products like bamboo toothbrushes, utensils, or even clothing, you're supporting sustainable forestry practices.
Bamboo toothbrushes, for instance, provide an eco-friendly alternative to plastic ones, which don't decompose for centuries.
Bamboo clothing is also breathable and comfortable, offering a green alternative to cotton, which is often grown with heavy pesticide use. You can see that
bamboo ranks very high among clothing materials for eco-friendliness.
By choosing bamboo, you're contributing to a cycle of sustainability that benefits both the environment and the economy. Plus, bamboo just feels high-end and fancy.
WAY #40: Shop Local
When you decide to purchase from local farmers' markets or small businesses within your community, you're doing more than just shopping.
You're reducing the carbon footprint associated with shipping things across the world.
Goods that are produced locally don't have to travel thousands of miles, which means fewer emissions from trucks, ships, or planes.
The best part is that buying local keeps money circulating within your community, contributing to the local economy, and possibly creating jobs.
It's a win-win situation where you get fresh, higher quality products, while also supporting the environment and your neighbors.
WAY #44: Organic Certification
The organic label has become something to find for those looking to live healthier and support more sustainable farming. And get super soft clothing!
Organic certification means that the food or product was produced without the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
There are so many benefits to organic materials like preserving soil health, maintaining biodiversity, and promoting ecological balance.
Also,
organic farming often leads to higher nutritional value in foods, making it a choice that's good for both personal and planetary health.
Food and Diet
Food production significantly impacts the environment, contributing 26% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with livestock alone accounting for 14.5%, while also
driving deforestation and freshwater use.
Shifting to plant-based diets and reducing waste can cut your dietary carbon footprint by 30-50%, offering a daily opportunity to promote sustainability.
WAY #46: Go Meatless One Day a Week
Getting into the habit of "Meatless Mondays" or
choosing any day to skip meat can have a big effect on reducing your carbon footprint.
The livestock industry is responsible for a massive portion of greenhouse gas emissions, something like 15%, from methane produced by cattle to the vast resources like water and land used in raising animals for food.
That's right, cow farts contribute to global warming.
By dedicating one day a week to meat-free meals, you are lessening these impacts.
If everyone did this a small change in lifestyle could lead to big environmental benefits.
WAY #49: Shop at Farmers' Markets
Visiting your local farmers' market is more than just a fun little outing, it's a step towards reducing your carbon footprint.
When you buy directly from local farmers, you're cutting out the middleman, which reduces the distance your food travels from farm to plate.
This means less fuel is used for transportation, leading to lower carbon emissions.
Plus, you're directly contributing to the local economy, helping to sustain small-scale agriculture.
The food is often fresher, too, since it hasn't spent days or weeks in transit.
This connection with your food source also fosters a better understanding of where our sustenance comes from.
WAY #53: Donate Surplus Food
If you’ve got extra food that you won’t be able to use before it goes bad, like canned goods, pantry staples, or even fresh items from an overzealous grocery trip, don’t let it sit around until it’s wasted.
Instead, donate it to local food banks, shelters, or community fridges.
Many organizations happily accept unopened, non-perishable items, and some even take fresh produce or homemade meals if they’re properly handled.
This keeps perfectly good food out of the landfill, cuts down on methane emissions from decomposition, and helps feed people in need.
Check online for nearby drop-off spots or apps that connect surplus food with local charities.
It’s a simple step that turns excess into kindness while shrinking your environmental footprint.
Gardening and Landscaping
Gardening and landscaping, while seemingly minor, have a big impact the environment, contributing to 23% of global greenhouse gas emissions through land use changes and emitting 26 million tons of CO2 yearly from lawn equipment.
Sustainable practices like using native plants and composting can reduce water use, sequester carbon, and support biodiversity, turning gardens into tools for ecological restoration.
WAY #57: Support Local Ecosystems
One of the most beautiful aspects of native plant gardening is its role in supporting local wildlife, particularly pollinators.
Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators are crucial for the pollination of many plants, including those that feed us. You can find out
why bees are so important to the environment.
Native plants provide these creatures with the nectar, pollen, and habitat they need to thrive.
By creating a garden filled with local flora, you're creating a sanctuary that boosts local biodiversity.
This not only helps in maintaining an ecological balance, but can also aid in the recovery of species, like bees, that are dwindling due to habitat loss.
Your garden becomes a small, but significant part of a larger ecosystem that supports the health of our shared planet.
WAY #58: Install Birdhouses and Bat Boxes
Birds and bats play big roles in our ecosystem, from pollination to pest control.
By installing birdhouses, you provide safe nesting spots for birds, encouraging them to stay and breed in your area.
Each species has its preferences, so a little research on local bird species can help you make a choice based on what species you want around.
Similarly, bat boxes offer a refuge for these nocturnal creatures, which can consume thousands of insects each night, naturally controlling pest populations.
When you put up these structures, you're enhancing your garden's ecosystem with a beautiful spectacle of wildlife.
Plus, all those birds just means free natural music!
WAY #62: Avoid Pesticides
Moving away from chemical pesticides is crucial for maintaining a balanced garden ecosystem.
These chemicals can harm not just pests but also beneficial insects, birds, and even us humans.
Instead, go with the natural route!
Like companion planting, which involves growing certain plants next to each other to either repel pests or attract beneficial insects.
For example, planting marigolds among your vegetables can deter nematodes, while basil can help repel flies. If you've ever farmed in RuneScape, then you already knew this.
Another option is to attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which naturally control pest populations.
If you must intervene, opt for organic sprays made from natural ingredients like neem oil or soap solutions. Or build an AI robot that uses lasers to destroy harmful bugs. Okay, okay we aren't there yet.
Anyway, these methods support biodiversity and keep your garden's ecosystem thriving without environmental harm.
Personal Care
Personal care products like shampoo and cosmetics generate over 120 billion units of plastic packaging yearly, much of which pollutes oceans and landfills, while their production emits 500 million tons of CO2 and uses vast amounts of water.
Switching to eco-friendly options can reduce emissions by 20-30%, minimize waste, and protect ecosystems.
WAY #64: Choose Solid Shampoos and Soaps
One of the easiest swaps you can make is moving to solid shampoos and soaps.
These products eliminate the need for plastic bottles, reducing single-use plastic waste.
They are also typically formulated with natural ingredients. This means fewer harsh chemicals are going down your drain and into our waterways.
These solids last longer than their liquid counterparts, and because they're concentrated, you use less product per wash.
You will feel relief on your skin and the environment when you choose ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or essential oils, which nourish your body while also being kind to the planet.
WAY #67: Avoid Products with Microbeads
First off, you have to become a savvy label reader.
Microbeads are those tiny plastic particles found in many exfoliating scrubs, face washes, and even toothpastes, and are a significant source of microplastic pollution.
Look out for ingredients like polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) on product labels. These are red flags indicating the presence of microbeads.
By choosing to avoid these products, you're directly reducing the amount of microplastics that enter our waterways and our fish.
Many countries have banned microbeads in rinse-off cosmetics, but vigilance is still necessary as some products might still contain them or they could be imported from places where such bans don't exist.
WAY #71: Install a Bidet System
Toilet paper usage is one of the biggest reasons for household waste production, and not many people really think about it.
By installing a bidet, you can drastically cut down on toilet paper usage.
Bidets use water to clean, which is more hygienic and more sustainable than using paper.
There are various types of bidets available, from simple attachments that fit onto your existing toilet to portable options for those in rented spaces.
This change might take some getting used to, but the long-term environmental benefits, along with potential savings on toilet paper, make it worthwhile. And there's nothing more amazing than a freshly cleaned butt.
Community Involvement
Community involvement transforms individual efforts into collective action, addressing environmental issues like greenhouse gas emissions,
deforestation, and waste.
Through initiatives like carpooling, cleanups, and tree-planting, communities can reduce emissions by 15-25%, improve recycling by 30%, and build a sustainable future together.
WAY #73: Join Local Clean-Up Events
Every community has its own natural beauty. We all have amazing parks, beaches, rivers, or just the neighborhood streets where people gather.
Unfortunately, these places can become littered over time, and slowly lose their beauty.
By joining some local clean-up events, you help restore these spaces to their natural beauty that everyone loves and enjoys.
Events like these are often organized by city councils, environmental groups, or local businesses and are advertised through community boards, social media, or local news. You just have to check!
By joining in, you help remove litter that could harm wildlife or pollute water sources.
The best part is you get to meet like-minded individuals, making the work both fun and fulfilling!
WAY #77: Tree Planting Initiatives
Trees are nature's air purifiers and carbon sinks, which are vital for mitigating climate change and keeping a balanced ecosystem.
Organizing or joining tree planting days can be a community-building activity with long-lasting environmental benefits.
Trees absorb CO2, release oxygen, provide shade which can reduce the need for air conditioning in summer, and improve overall air quality by filtering pollutants.
Every tree planted is an investment in the future, helping to combat urban heat islands, promote wildlife, and make your neighborhoods even more beautiful.
Check for local groups or city initiatives that focus on tree planting. They often welcome volunteers or provide resources for those willing to organize their own events.
Get out there and make those cities beautiful!
WAY #80: Create Environmental Awareness Campaigns
Take advantage of the power of the media to amplify your message.
Use local newspapers, radio stations, or even community bulletin boards to share information about environmental challenges and solutions. Though, this will probably have an upfront cost.
Social media platforms are also incredible tools for reaching a broader audience. Just make sure you have some tough skin for the inevitable haters out there.
You could start campaigns focused on reducing plastic use, promoting local biodiversity, or encouraging sustainable transport options.
Each piece of content, whether a post, a video, or an infographic, should aim to inform, engage, and motivate people to take part in environmental conservation.
Remember, the key is consistency and creativity in how you convey the message to keep the community engaged and willing to participate.
Work and Office
Offices do impact the environment, contributing 17% of greenhouse gas emissions through energy consumption, waste, and commuting, with U.S. offices alone using 900 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity yearly.
Greening workplaces can reduce carbon footprints by 20-30%, lower costs, and improve air quality, while remote work cuts commuting emissions, making offices a key area for sustainable change.
WAY #82: Go Paperless
One of the most impactful steps towards a greener office is moving to digital documentation. Paper is not needed for most things in today's age.
Instead of printing out memos, reports, or contracts, use cloud storage solutions.
Platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, or Microsoft OneDrive allow you to store, share, and collaborate on documents without ever needing to print a single page.
This reduces the demand for paper, which in turn helps in conserving forests, reducing water usage, and cutting down on waste.
Plus, digital documents are easier to back up, share, and edit, making your office more efficient.
WAY #85: Double-Sided Printing
If you do have to use paper for your job, one of the simplest, yet most effective ways to reduce paper consumption is by double-sided printing.
This practice directly cuts paper usage in half for any documents that need to be printed.
Whether you're in an office setting or at home, setting your printer to default to double-sided printing can make a big difference.
Not only does this save paper, but it also reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, helping to conserve forest resources and reduce your carbon footprint.
Next time you print, think about flipping that page and using the back. It's an easy habit that can have a big environmental benefit.
WAY #89: Carpool Initiatives
We talked a bit about carpooling above, but this will focus on office programs for carpooling.
As we know, carpooling is a fantastic way to make a dent in our environmental impact.
Imagine if everyone at your workplace who lives near each other shared a ride to work.
The reduction in the number of cars on the road could be dramatic, leading to fewer emissions and less traffic congestion.
To get this rolling, companies can set up their own carpool programs or encourage the use of existing apps that match riders based on location.
For example, at my office, we have a carpooling program that pays $5 per day to the driver and $3 per day for the passenger.
Employers could even offer incentives like reserved parking spots for carpoolers or other small rewards for consistent participation to boost the program.
These initiatives help the planet and they can also create a sense of community among employees, potentially turning what would have been solitary commutes into opportunities for networking or friendship.
Advocacy and Education
Advocacy and education combats apathy and misinformation about the climate crisis.
With only 40% of people underestimating climate change and only 50% of school curriculums addressing it, these tools inspire youth movements and challenge industrial lobbying.
WAY #91: Write to Your Representatives
One of the most direct ways to influence environmental policy is by communicating with your elected officials.
Whether it's your city council member, state senator, or a member of Congress, these individuals are there to represent your interests.
It's not as hard as it seems.
It's as simple as writing letters, sending emails, or even making phone calls to discuss your concerns, and they can make a significant impact.
Advocate for the passage of laws that promote clean energy, protect natural habitats, or reduce pollution. If there is something on the ballot that could help our hurt the environment, let them know you support or oppose it.
Personal stories or local examples of environmental challenges can make your message more compelling.
Remember, your representatives are more likely to act when they know their constituents care deeply about these issues because you are who will vote them in during the next election.
WAY #95: Start a Neighborhood Eco-Book Club
Bring people together to learn about the environment by starting a neighborhood eco-book club.
Pick books that dive into topics like climate change, sustainable living, or nature conservation—think titles like The Overstory by Richard Powers or Silent Spring by Rachel Carson.
Host monthly meetups (in-person or virtual) where you discuss key takeaways, share insights, and brainstorm how to apply what you’ve learned locally.
Encourage members to suggest books or articles, making it a collaborative learning experience.
It’s a low-key yet powerful way to deepen environmental understanding, spark meaningful conversations, and build a community of informed advocates—all from the comfort of a cozy reading nook.
WAY #98: Volunteer Your Time
If you're looking to make a hands-on difference, volunteering is a fantastic route.
Environmental organizations often rely on volunteers to carry out their missions.
Whether it's participating in a local beach or park clean-up, helping with habitat restoration, or engaging in advocacy campaigns, your time can be invaluable to some organizations.
Volunteering helps these groups achieve their immediate goals and raises awareness among other community members.
It's a great way to meet like-minded individuals and learn more about the environmental challenges in your area or even around the world.
Plus, the sense of accomplishment from directly contributing to environmental health is always so rewarding.
Digital Habits
Digital habits, from streaming to emailing, contribute significantly to environmental damage, producing 3.7% of global greenhouse gas emissions, about 2 billion tons of CO2 yearly, while manufacturing smartphones and managing data centers consumes vast energy and resources.
Smarter choices, like reducing inbox clutter and prolonging device use, could lower this digital footprint by 20-30%.
WAY #100: Delete Unnecessary Files
This one is a tiny one, but an easy one.
In our almost fully digital world, every file you store has a carbon footprint.
Servers storing your data use energy, and the more data there is, the more energy is consumed.
To lighten this load, start by cleaning out your digital spaces.
Go through your emails, deleting those old newsletters and spam messages you never read.
Check your cloud storage, computer, and phone for documents or photos you no longer need.
Not only does this declutter your digital life, but it also helps reduce the energy servers need to keep your data accessible.
Remember, less data means less energy consumption, leading to a smaller carbon footprint, even if it’s very, very small.
WAY #103: Unsubscribe from Unnecessary Mails
Every day you are getting bombarded by emails. And if you're anything like me, you aren't even going to open most of them.
Every email sent contributes to your carbon footprint, though in a very tiny way, through the energy consumed by servers to send, receive, and store these messages.
Sending emails works a little bit like Bitcoin’s proof of work, except the work is done on your own device. This is what costs energy, and it's used to prevent large scale spam.
To manage this, take a moment to go through your email subscriptions and unsubscribe from those newsletters or promotional offers that no longer serve you.
This will declutter your inbox, and also reduce the demand on energy-intensive data centers.
It's a small step that, when multiplied across millions of inboxes, can lead to significant environmental benefits.
WAY #106: Buy from Eco-Friendly Tech Companies
When you're in the market for some
new tech, from smartphones to smart home devices, research the environmental footprint of the companies you're buying from.
Many tech companies are now stepping up their game in sustainability.
Look for those who power their operations with renewable energy, have recycling programs, or design products with the end-of-life in mind to minimize electronic waste.
By choosing these companies, you're getting innovative technology that supports a greener future.
You can find out more about a company's environmental commitment through their sustainability reports or by checking independent green tech reviews.
Travel and Leisure
Travel and leisure contribute significantly to global carbon emissions, with tourism responsible for 8% of greenhouse gases, largely due to aviation, cruise ships, and leisure driving.
Sustainable choices like reducing long-haul flights, opting for trains, or supporting eco-friendly destinations can mitigate the environmental impact while still enjoying travel.
WAY #109: Choose Eco-certified Accommodations
When planning your next vacation, think about where you'll stay as a part of your commitment to the environment.
Stay at hotels or resorts that have earned eco-certifications like Green Key or LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).
These certifications show that the place you are staying is dedicated to sustainable practices.
They might use energy-efficient lighting, manage waste effectively, conserve water, or even provide eco-friendly toiletries.
By choosing these accommodations, you're making sure you have a guilt-free, comfortable stay, and also supporting businesses that are actively reducing their ecological footprint.
WAY #114: Pack Light
Here's a tip that's both eco-friendly and practical: pack light.
The more you carry, the more fuel is required to move you, whether by plane, train, or automobile.
Airlines, for instance, calculate fuel needs based on weight, including passenger luggage.
By reducing what you pack to only essentials, you're directly influencing how much fuel is used.
Think about versatile clothing items that can serve multiple purposes or destinations where you might not need as many outfits.
This will lighten your load, and it will also make your travels smoother and less cumbersome.
Plus, if it's a longer trip, it's a wonderful excuse to wash clothes while traveling, supporting local laundries.
WAY #117: Practice Mindful Water Use Outdoors
When you’re enjoying nature at home or in the wild, how you use water can make a big difference.
If you’re washing dishes while camping, use biodegradable soap and dump dirty water far from streams or lakes to avoid polluting them.
At home, skip the hose when cleaning gear or watering plants—opt for a bucket or a watering can to cut waste.
Better yet, set up a rain barrel to collect runoff from your roof and use it to nurture your garden.
These small shifts reduce strain on local water systems, protect aquatic habitats, and keep nature thriving for your next adventure.
It’s an easy habit that lets you enjoy the outdoors while giving back to the planet.
Fashion and Textiles
The textile industry generates 1.2 billion tons of CO2 yearly and consumes vast water resources, with fast fashion making waste so much worse with 85% of textiles ending up in landfills.
Sustainable fashion, like second-hand clothing and natural fibers, could reduce emissions by 30-40% and mitigate pollution from dyes, synthetics, and cotton farming.
WAY #120: Buy Quality Over Quantity
In a world where fast fashion tempts us with constant convenience and newness, choosing quality over quantity can feel like a personal revolution.
Investing in well-made garments means you're buying items designed to last, from durable fabrics to solid construction.
These pieces might cost more upfront, but they reduce the need to constantly replenish your wardrobe, thereby decreasing your overall consumption. And probably ends up saving you money over time.
This approach directly lowers the environmental footprint of fashion, as fewer clothes are produced, which means less pollution, less waste, and a lighter load on our planet's resources.
Plus, most fast fashion clothes are made out of polyester, which is plastic.
Next time you consider a purchase, think about how it will fit into your life long-term, not just for the next season.
WAY #122: Use Cold Water to Wash
Switching to cold water for washing your clothes can make a big difference both for the environment and your wardrobe.
Hot water washing accounts for a large portion of the energy used in laundry, but cold water washes are just as effective for most clothes.
Cold water also helps in preserving the color, shape, and fabric integrity of your garments. Warm water can easily shrink clothes, and that's less likely with cold water.
Over time, this practice can extend the life of your clothes, meaning you won't need to replace them as often, which means reducing your textile waste.
WAY #124: Educate Yourself on Fast Fashion
Understanding fast fashion starts with learning how the industry operates.
Fast fashion is all about quickly producing clothes at very low costs, which sounds great until you look at the environmental and social costs.
This model leads to enormous amounts of textile waste since clothes aren't made to last.
If you've tried fast fashion you know you can only wear these things a few times, and they often end up in landfills after just a few wears.
Plus, the production process is water-intensive and often uses harmful chemicals that pollute rivers and oceans.
On the labor side, fast fashion frequently relies on exploitative practices, where workers might be underpaid or work in unsafe conditions.
By educating yourself through documentaries, books, or even social media influencers who focus on sustainable fashion, you can start making more informed choices about what you buy, so that you can support a system that values people and the planet over profit.
Mindset and Lifestyle
Lifestyle choices, driven by overconsumption of goods, energy, and food, contribute 60-70% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with the average person in developed nations producing 4.5 tons of CO2 yearly.
Adopting a sustainable mindset, like prioritizing quality over quantity, can reduce personal carbon footprints by 20-40% and waste by 25%, benefiting both individuals and the planet.
WAY #127: Declutter Regularly
Living with less can have a big impact on both your mental peace and the environment.
Start by going through what you own. If there's something you haven't used in a year or more, it might be time to let it go.
When you donate, sell, or recycle items instead of throwing them away, you're actively reducing landfill waste.
This practice also helps in getting rid of the incessant need to buy new things, minimizing the environmental footprint associated with manufacturing and shipping new products.
Plus, it makes your space look more modern and clean.
WAY #130: Cultivate Gratitude
Living sustainably often starts with a change in mindset, and cultivating gratitude is a key part of that.
When you focus on appreciating what you already have, you naturally reduce the impulse to acquire more.
This isn't just about reducing material consumption, it's about valuing experiences over possessions.
Gratitude encourages us to make do with what we have, repair rather than replace, and find joy in simplicity.
Over time, this can lead to a sense of contentment and a smaller environmental footprint, as we learn to cherish the things we have rather than constantly seeking new ones.
WAY #133: Mindful Consumption
Every purchase we make has an environmental footprint, from the resources used in production to the waste created after use.
To practice mindful consumption, pause before buying anything.
Ask yourself: Do I really need this? How was it made? Where will it go once I'm done with it?
This approach isn't about denying yourself pleasure but about choosing wisely.
For example, getting a reusable water bottle instead of disposable ones can save hundreds of plastic bottles from ending up in landfills.
Mindful consumption helps reduce our overall consumption, supports sustainable practices, and encourages companies to produce more eco-friendly products.
Final Thoughts
Tea Tree Valley’s
135 Ways You Can Help the Environment Starting TODAY! offers practical steps—like unplugging electronics, composting, or thrifting—to reduce your environmental impact.
These small actions tackle big issues: homes contribute 20% of global emissions, fast fashion discards 11 million tons of textiles yearly, and food waste generates methane equivalent to 3.3 billion tons of CO2.
Sustainable habits, such as a meatless day or mending clothes, can cut your carbon footprint by 20-50%.
Tea Tree Valley supports tree planting and ocean conservation with every organic cotton shirt sold.
The book inspires collective action, showing how individual choices, multiplied by millions, create waves of change.
Pick a tip, like a zero-waste challenge, and join the mission to nurture a healthier planet, one step at a time, while wearing your values proudly with Tea Tree Valley.
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