Last updated: June 2026 · The Earthling Co.
When we look at climate change on a global scale, individual choices can feel insignificant. They aren’t. Households account for a large share of the energy, water, food and packaging we consume — which makes home one of the most practical places to make a difference. Here are 12 sustainable practices you can start at home today. Many of them also save you money.
1. Avoid disposable items
Switching from single-use to reusable is the fastest way to cut everyday household waste. On-the-go coffee cups, plastic bottles, takeout utensils and plastic bags are used for minutes but take resources to make and last for years in landfill. Replace your most-used disposables one at a time:
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Swap disposable straws for easy-to-clean stainless steel straws.
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Swap paper napkins for cloth, and plastic wrap for silicone bowl covers.
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Swap to-go cups for a reusable mug and bottle.
Reusables cost a little more up front but pay for themselves over time.
2. Reduce your food waste
Cutting food waste is one of the highest-impact habits you can build at home. When organic waste breaks down in landfill it releases methane, a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide over the short term. To waste less: check the fridge and pantry before you shop, make a list and stick to it, buy seasonal produce, repurpose scraps (citrus peels make a great DIY cleaner), and freeze leftovers before they spoil.
3. Make your own cleaning products
DIY cleaners cut both plastic packaging and exposure to harsh chemicals. Many conventional cleaners come in single-use plastic and contain ingredients that aren’t great for your health or for waterways. A simple all-purpose spray: fill a jar two-thirds with white vinegar, add citrus peels, let it infuse for three to four weeks, strain, then mix one part infused vinegar to one part water in a spray bottle. (Avoid using vinegar on marble or limestone.)
4. Buy products with less packaging
Packaging is one of the biggest sources of household plastic; and a large share of all plastic produced is packaging. Choosing low- and zero-packaging products is an easy, repeatable win. Shop bulk bins with your own containers, buy plastic-free at the farmers market, and switch your bathroom to solid formats. The Earthling Co.’s shampoo and conditioner bars are concentrated and made for all hair types. A single set can replace four to six plastic bottles, with no harsh ingredients washing down the drain. Plus, the body wash bars are concentrated to last a month, with zero plastic waste.
5. Recycle properly
Recycling correctly matters more than recycling often. Tossing non-recyclable items — greasy pizza boxes, paper coffee cups — into the bin (“wishcycling”) can contaminate a whole load and send it to landfill. Check exactly what your local program accepts, rinse and sort items, keep non-recyclables out, and compost organic material wherever you can.
6. Grow a sustainable garden
Growing even a little of your own food cuts the emissions and packaging tied to commercial produce. Store-bought fruit and vegetables often travel thousands of miles and rely on pesticides and synthetic fertilizers; what you grow at home travels zero miles and is fully in your control. No backyard? Container gardens work on balconies and windowsills, and community gardens are a great option for shared space.
7. Take meat off the menu (sometimes)
Eating more plant-based meals is one of the single most effective dietary changes for the planet, and it’s linked to health benefits like better gut health and lower cardiovascular risk. You don’t have to go fully vegan: start with one or two meat-free nights a week, shrink portions when you do eat meat, and keep it interesting by collecting a few go-to plant-based recipes.
8. Buy less, buy better
The most sustainable product is the one you don’t have to replace. Before buying, ask whether you truly need it. Choose multipurpose items, invest in pieces made to last, buy from brands with genuine sustainability and ethics commitments, and shop secondhand when you can. The Earthling Co.’s body and skin care is designed to be simple and long-lasting — a concentrated powder facial cleanser, a nourishing daily body lotion, and a plastic-free soap bar that replaces several single-use products.
9. Be water-wise
Small water habits add up fast across a household. Fix leaks promptly, install low-flow showerheads and dual-flush toilets, take shorter showers (the EPA notes that shaving a minute off everyone’s shower would save a huge volume of water nationwide), drink tap instead of bottled, and reuse grey water from sinks and showers for your plants.
10. Shop local and support small businesses
Buying local usually means a smaller footprint — fewer shipping miles and less packaging than big-box alternatives, plus money kept in your community. You can also support small businesses without spending: like and share their posts, show up to events, spread the word, and leave honest reviews. Support companies with third party certifications, like Climate Label Certified and Leaping Bunny, to ensure they align with your values.
11. Reduce your energy use
Using less energy at home lowers both your bill and your emissions. Switch to LED bulbs, unplug devices when they’re not in use, wash clothes in cold water and line-dry when you can, upgrade to energy-efficient appliances over time, and choose a renewable energy provider if one is available in your area.
12. Drive less
Cutting car trips is one of the biggest levers an individual has: a typical passenger vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tons of CO₂ per year, according to the EPA. Walk or bike for short trips, combine errands into one outing, take public transit, carpool or rideshare, and work remotely when you can. A plastic-free bamboo hair brush won’t cut emissions, but small low-waste habits like it reinforce the mindset that makes the bigger changes stick.
FAQ: Sustainable living at home
What are the easiest sustainable practices to start with?
Start with low-effort, high-frequency swaps: reduce food waste, carry a reusable bottle and bag, and switch your bathroom to plastic-free bars. These take almost no behavior change once set up and most save money.
Do shampoo bars really reduce plastic waste?
Yes. A single shampoo bar is concentrated and can replace two to three liquid bottles, removing that plastic packaging entirely. Conditioner bars work the same way. The Earthling Co. makes both for all hair types.
Are reusable products actually cheaper?
Over time, usually yes. Reusable water bottles, cloth napkins and bar-format products cost more up front but replace dozens of disposable purchases, so they pay off within months.
How do I start a low-waste lifestyle without it feeling overwhelming?
Change one room at a time. Begin with the bathroom or kitchen, replace items only as they run out, and build from there. A starter kit or bundle is an easy first step.
Every step counts
Individual actions may feel small, but collectively they drive real change. Pick one or two swaps from this list and start this week. When you’re ready to make your routine plastic-free, explore The Earthling Co.’s full range of low-waste essentials.
