Top Eco-Friendly Lifestyle Examples To Consider for 2025
Zureli is proud to be featured in this esteemed blog by Cam Hayes for Rent.com!
The article, "Eco-Friendly Lifestyle Examples," highlights valuable insights and actionable tips for leading a sustainable life. We’re honored to be part of this initiative that promotes greener living and meaningful change.
This is a must-read for anyone committed to making eco-friendly choices in their daily lives. Check it out here: Eco-Friendly Lifestyle Examples.
As environmental concerns become more urgent, many people are turning to eco-friendly habits to reduce their carbon footprint and create a more sustainable future. Small changes can have a significant impact, and experts agree that adopting green practices at home is one of the best ways to contribute to a cleaner, healthier planet. Whether you currently live in a rental home in Hilo, HI, an apartment in St. Louis, MO, or your family home in Nashville, TN, these expert-recommended, eco-friendly lifestyle examples and tips can help transform your home and lifestyle.
Start small and focus on the basics
While beginning your eco-friendly journey may feel like a big undertaking, starting with small, manageable changes is the key to adopting eco-friendly habits without feeling overwhelmed. Sami Heller from New Moon Refillery is well versed in making sustainable changes, and recommends that “Whatever eco-friendly steps you plan to take next, consider making them baby ones! Changing everything in your routine can be overwhelming. We recommend focusing on one or two changes so that your new habits are sustainable not only for the environment, but for you as well!”
For some great guidance on basic, eco-friendly lifestyle examples to start with, take a look at the following suggestions from Adrien de Malherbe, co-founder of refoorest:
“Adopting zero-waste habits can significantly reduce your environmental footprint. Start by using reusable items like bags, bottles, and containers instead of single-use plastics. Composting food scraps is another excellent habit, turning waste into nutrient-rich material for plants. Buying in bulk with your own containers helps minimize packaging waste. Repairing and repurposing items extends their lifespan, reducing the need for new purchases. Finally, embracing minimalism by prioritizing quality over quantity and buying only what you need ensures a more sustainable lifestyle.”
By integrating these basic practices into your daily routine, you can gradually build a more sustainable lifestyle. To find out more valuable information about these suggestions as well as other green-living practices, check out the recommendations from our experts below.
Eliminate single-use plastic
Single-use plastic is a major environmental concern, as it contributes to pollution and waste that takes centuries to decompose. Simona Paganetto, founder of I’m Plastic Free shares some great advice on incorporating this habit into your routine, noting that “Zero-waste might be a sustainability concept that is too daunting to follow in our consumerist society, but please don’t take it as an all-in or all-out approach. You also can’t go cold turkey on living plastic-free. My advice is to start with reducing single-use plastic by bringing a reusable water bottle, a reusable coffee cup, and a reusable cutlery set in your daily backpack. Bonus points if you can pack a foldable reusable bag in your backpack to use on your next grocery shopping trip when you’ve forgotten regular bags.
If you commute by car, then keep a reusable kit bag with all these items. The secret not to forgetting these reusables is to pack them in your daily work bag, backpack and/or in the car right after washing them, or keeping them at the front door before going out again in the morning!” While it may seem like a small step, investing in reusable containers for food storage and switching to refillable water bottles can have a huge impact when it comes to reducing your plastic use!
Recycle and repurpose
Recycling and repurposing are core eco-friendly habits that reduce waste and conserve resources. As noted above, acquiring a reusable coffee cup is a solid step in the right direction when looking to reduce waste. Miranda O’Hare, content creator at RecycleSmart provides guidance on proper recycling practices and shares tips on how to seamlessly integrate it in your list of eco-friendly habits:
“Us Aussies love our coffee and a lot of us don’t know that coffee cups can’t be put in curbside recycling as they have a plastic liner. The solution is grabbing yourself a reusable cup and keeping it in your bag (pro tip: put one in your car as well!) Fun fact: at RecycleSmart, we collect coffee cups and get them recycled for you! Alongside over 100 other tricky-to-recycle items, including soft plastics, e-waste, textiles and more right from your home or business. Learn more about giving unneeded plastic and other items a second life here: RecycleSmart.”
In addition to recycling, instead of throwing away old items, consider repurposing them into something new. Courtney Mayo from Four All Ice Cream shares a unique perspective on repurposing items: At Four All Ice Cream, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. Our zero-waste tip is to get creative with repurposing! Instead of throwing away packaging, think about how it can be given a second life. For example, we transformed our old glass jar packaging into candle holders for waffle cone scented candles.” This habit can extend to everything from furniture to clothing to everyday household items, so get creative with your old items and look for unique ways to keep them in circulation!
Declutter and donate
Decluttering is a key eco-friendly lifestyle idea that promotes sustainability. By reducing the number of unnecessary items in your home, you can make better use of space and limit excess consumption.
Gabriele Menichell from Bye Waste advises that you “Regularly declutter your home by donating items you no longer use, ensuring they’re given a second life instead of ending up in landfills. Byewaste simplifies this process with free, on-demand pickup services for unwanted items like clothing, toys, and small electronics.” In addition to decluttering and donating, Gabriele also suggests that “Before buying new, consider second-hand options. From children’s bikes to furniture, choosing pre-loved items supports sustainability while often saving money.”
Instead of throwing things away, donate items you no longer need. A minimalist approach not only reduces waste but also helps create a more organized and efficient living space, supporting a sustainable lifestyle.
Buy second-hand and shop sustainable brands
As noted above, buying second-hand items is a powerful eco-friendly lifestyle example well worth adopting. Shopping at thrift stores, garage sales, or online resale platforms can help extend the life cycle of products and reduce the demand for new manufacturing. Ariel Ouziel from Sustainably Kind is a proponent of buying second-hand, especially during bigger life events like moving that can sometimes produce more waste than we’d like to admit: “My top zero-waste and sustainable habit when moving into a new space (whether that is renting or buying) is being aware of how you furnish and decorate your space. Second-hand buying helps ensure you’re not requiring additional materials being used. You can do this by going to a second hand store, estate sales, searching through Facebook marketplace or even joining your local “buy nothing” group. All these options help keep items out of the landfill while giving your house a unique style.
While second-hand may not be for everyone, consciously shopping from sustainable brands can make all the difference. Companies can make a larger impact than individuals so buying items from brands that are transparent about the amount of energy usage, ensuring they don’t pollute local waterways, and using natural materials while minimizing the amount of chemicals used can be the best thing you can do as a consumer when decorating your new place.” By buying second-hand, you help promote the circular economy, and many second-hand stores have a wide variety of unique, high-quality items that you can’t find in regular retail stores.
Embrace conscious consumerism by choosing natural fibers
Choosing natural fibers instead of synthetic fabrics is an effective eco-friendly habit that has a wide-reaching impact. Natural fibers like cotton, linen, wool, and hemp are biodegradable, unlike artificial materials like polyester. “Opting for garments made from natural fibers not only reduces dependency on synthetic materials but also decreases energy consumption during the production process. These materials are more sustainable and often have a lower environmental footprint.” says the team at Sustai Market.
Purchasing items made of natural fibers is a great way to practice conscious consumerism, which places focus on making thoughtful, intentional purchases. Simona Paganetto, founder of I’m Plastic Free advises consumers to “Watch carefully what you’re purchasing, and read the labels of products to understand what they are made of. Purchase second hand first to encourage a circular economy and if buying new, purchase clothing, bedding, underwear, etc. made of natural fibers as synthetic materials release microplastic fibers which we then go into the ocean. For everything you buy (other than necessities), think first, do I really need it? Can I do without it? Can I borrow it? Over time you’ll find joy in becoming more minimalist, and you’ll live a more fulfilling life!”
It’s helpful to note that by purchasing natural fibers, you will be supporting sustainable practices and also enjoy more breathable and comfortable fabrics that last longer.
Use bamboo products
Speaking of natural fibers, bamboo has become a popular alternative to traditional materials like plastic and wood, thanks to its sustainability and versatility. The Future is Bamboo, a Canadian company dedicated to creating eco-friendly products that help make zero-waste living accessible and effortless for everyone, shared some great advice for utilizing bamboo in place of less sustainable materials:
“Making the switch from plastic to eco-friendly alternatives is easier and more exciting than ever with The Future is Bamboo! From bamboo toothbrushes and compostable floss picks to our innovative compostable Coco-Candles, our products make reducing waste stylish, affordable, and hassle-free. These swaps are perfect for anyone looking to simplify their journey to sustainability while making a real difference for the planet. Say goodbye to plastics and hello to a greener lifestyle!”
By incorporating bamboo into your home, you can reduce the need for plastic products while enjoying long-lasting, functional items for an environmentally friendly choice.
Promote energy efficiency and water conservation
Improving energy efficiency and conserving water are important eco-friendly habits that can save both money and resources. “Renters play a pivotal role in reducing environmental impact through sustainable practices. By focusing on energy efficiency and water conservation, they can lower utility bills and promote eco-friendly living,” says Nameera Anver, sustainability expert from Zureli, a platform that connects businesses, manufacturers, and consumers to sustainable products and services.
Nameera advises that “Switching to LED bulbs can cut electricity use by up to 75% compared to traditional bulbs. These long-lasting lights reduce waste and operating costs. Energy-efficient appliances and smart power strips prevent phantom energy consumption, significantly reducing electricity usage. For example, unplugging idle devices or using timers for heating and cooling systems maximize energy savings without compromising comfort.”
Equally as important, water is a precious resource, and conserving it is essential to living sustainably. “Water-saving devices like faucet aerators and low-flow showerheads are renter-friendly upgrades that can slash water use by up to 50%. For instance, an aerator limits flow while maintaining pressure, saving both water and energy used for heating. Simple habits like fixing leaky faucets, running full loads in washers, and turning off taps while brushing teeth also contribute to conserving resources,” shares Nameera. By being mindful of water, you can make a significant contribution to preserving this vital resource.
Compost: Reduce waste and prevent pollution
Composting is an eco-friendly habit that reduces landfill waste, repurposes organic waste and aids in preventing pollution. “By composting organic waste, individuals and communities can lessen their landfill contributions and create nutrient-rich soil, ideal for growing food and completing the organic cycle,” says the team at Sustai Market. By composting organic waste such as fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and yard waste, you can divert these materials from the trash and use them to enrich your garden.
It’s also important to note that “Stored or disposed wastes can cause significant damage to the environment, with pollution being a primary concern. Pollution can also arise from the harmful liquid and gaseous substances generated by waste. The formation of methane gas during the storage process and the leakage of waste waters can lead to irreversible pollution, harming health. Producing compost from wastes stands out as an ideal solution for preventing pollution. Compost helps the soil retain moisture and reduces the risk of erosion, while the composting process breaks down gaseous components and eliminates bad odors, while trapping heavy metals in the soil, preventing them from reaching plant roots,” shares the team at Octoen.
Sustainable swaps
Incorporating sustainable swaps into your daily routine is another effective way to adopt eco-friendly habits at home. Relying on refillable products is gaining popularity in the zero-waste movement, as it is a great way to reduce single-use plastic.
“Did you know only 5-6% of plastics are actually recycled? Our favorite way to avoid single-use plastic is by refilling your household soaps and cleaners! Instead of buying your hand soap, for example, in a new plastic pump bottle each time, see if you have a refill shop near you. You can bring the bottle you already have with you to fill and avoid needing to recycle altogether!” suggests Sami Heller from New Moon Refillery.
Sustainable swaps are a great way to replace wasteful, unsafe products with greener substitutes that are just as effective. Eleisha and Kimberley from Mainline Shift suggest that you “Start your zero-waste journey by focusing on your daily bathroom and kitchen routines – these spaces typically generate the most household waste through disposable packaging and single-use items. Make simple swaps like switching to bar soap, refillable cleaning products, and reusable cloths instead of paper towels, while keeping a small container in your kitchen to collect compostable food scraps.
When packaging is unavoidable, choose products in glass or metal containers that can be recycled or reused. These initial changes require minimal effort but create a significant impact, as they target high-frequency activities that can prevent hundreds of single-use containers from entering landfills each year. For a more complete list of actionable items, visit our Weekly Challenge on mainlineshift.com.”
Other easy swaps include using compostable cleaning wipes, replacing disposable razors with reusable safety razors, and choosing eco-friendly detergents. These small changes can make a big difference over time, leading to a greener, more sustainable home.
Bring expert-approved, eco-friendly lifestyle examples to your home: in a nutshell
Incorporating eco-friendly habits into your daily life not only benefits the environment but also promotes a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle. From using bamboo products and eliminating single-use plastic to prioritizing energy efficiency and conserving water, these simple yet effective lifestyle tips can help you reduce your carbon footprint. Start small, and gradually adopt these changes; over time, you’ll be making a lasting positive impact on the planet.
Source: Rent Blog/ Cam Hayes.