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Tips To Live a More Sustainable Lifestyle

Sustainable Living: 50 Tips For a More Eco-Friendly Lifestyle

How can you actually live sustainably? Phrases such as "we have it in our own hands" or "it's up to us now" have become commonplace in relation to the big Environmental problems of our time - especially from the world of politics - often enough.

So how can each and every one of us make our everyday lives environmentally friendly in order to really do something for our planet as effectively as possible? The concept of sustainability is so broad that it's often hard to know where to start. Right? I've been working on the topics of environmental protection and sustainability for over eight years now and have learned a lot.

In this article, I would like to explain to you why sustainability is so incredibly important and what simple tips and tricks you can use to live sustainably in your everyday life. Let's go!

Here is an overview of the classic everyday areas where there is usually an incredible amount of potential for more sustainability:

What does sustainability mean in everyday life?

Sustainable living in everyday life - definition

Before we move on to the tips, I would like to explain a few important basics. What does sustainability actually mean? In the Duden dictionary, the term sustainability is used with the words "Longer lasting effect" described.₁

The Three-pillar model of sustainability is intended to promote sustainable action and divides the term into Ecological, economic and social sustainability.

In relation to this, the word sustainability means for me personally that I harmonize these dimensions as well as possible to make my own everyday life more sustainable and ensure that future generations of all living creatures can live on this earth.

But where do you start? Here are some examples of questions that should help you get your bearings:

  • Ecological sustainability in everyday life: How do I get to work in the most environmentally friendly way possible? Where does my electricity come from? How can I reduce my plastic waste in the kitchen?
  • Economic sustainability in everyday life: How do I preserve my food for as long as possible? What should I pay attention to so that my clothes last as long as possible?
  • Social sustainability in everyday life: To what extent do I currently contribute through my lifestyle to the World hunger with? How can I recognize fairly produced products?

Counteracting environmental problems through sustainable lifestyles

The most sustainable life possible for each and every one of us is the crucial piece of the puzzle for solving the biggest problems of our time. These include, for example:

All these problems are man-made. Accordingly, we are the only living beings who can do something about them.

"We are living in dangerous times. Men control nature before they are even able to control themselves."

Albert Schweitzer (more at Albert Schweitzer Quotes)

Everyone can do many different things in their everyday lives to protect animal and plant species and make the air we breathe cleaner. Or to ensure that less waste ends up in the environment and that no more food is wasted unnecessarily.

Tip: Why we should live sustainablyI have answered these questions in detail in a separate article.

The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals at a glance
The 17 global goals for sustainable development of the 2030 Agenda © Bundesregierung.de

With the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs for short), the United Nations has set political goals for sustainable development that apply to all countries on earth. The German government has also agreed to them.

The following goals have been set - and each individual can contribute to their achievement through their personal lifestyle:

  1. No poverty
  2. No hunger
  3. Health and well-being
  4. High quality education
  5. Gender Equality
  6. Clean water
  7. Affordable and clean energy
  8. Decent work
  9. Industry, innovation, infrastructure
  1. Fewer inequalities
  2. Sustainable cities and communities
  3. Sustainable consumption
  4. Climate protection measures
  5. Life under water
  6. Life on land
  7. Peace and justice
  8. Partnerships

Measuring your own sustainability with an ecological footprint

So now we know that sustainable living makes more than sense from an environmental, economic and social perspective. In the end, everyone really does benefit from a consciously sustainable lifestyle. But How can you roughly estimate how sustainably you are actually living?

As Indicator for your personal, sustainable behavior serves the so-called ecological footprint. It indicates how strong the natural resources of the planet and its ecosystems are impacted by your lifestyle. With the help of your logically honest information, you can, for example calculate here.

Living sustainably and mastering the household

Sustainable living in everyday life - household

I would now like to give you the 50 tips I promised you that will make your everyday life a little more environmentally friendly in all classic areas. It's not about implementing everything at once and perfectly. First learn about the things you can do to help solve man-made environmental problems - and then try to put the advice into practice step by step.

Especially in the household, we can draw on a wealth of resources when it comes to living more sustainably. Here are some tips that should help you.

1. fill up the washing machine & dishwasher

Depending on model washing machines and dishwashers consume vast amounts of energy and water. That's why they should really be full, so that the water and energy consumption is worthwhile for both the environment and your wallet.

2. wash at low temperatures

The hotter the laundry, the higher the energy consumption. The 90° wash cycle is available on many appliances, but if you want to wash your Washing laundry sustainably you should do without it if possible.

Tip: You should also avoid pre-washing and air dry the laundry after the wash cycle if possible. How to be as sustainable as possible

3. switch to a green electricity provider

The electricity you use in your home may come from polluting coal or nuclear power. To avoid this climate change it is worth switching to green electricity, which can be generated from renewable sources such as Wind, sun or water is generated.

In just 5 minutes you can now Here is a comparison of green electricity on a comparison portal* and purchase environmentally friendly electricity.

4. use all-purpose weapon sodium bicarbonate

In the household can be the all-purpose Baking soda for example as DIY oven cleanercan be used as a bath additive or as a pipe cleaner. Since you get the product in paper, you don't create any unnecessary plastic waste and replace many household products from the drugstore.

Tip: You can find out more about this in the article on the best Applications with sodium bicarbonate.

5. make your own washing-up liquid from ivy

For several years now I have been making my Hand dishwashing liquid made from ivy leaves itself. Ivy grows on every corner at any time of year and contains Saponinswhich provide natural foam in a short production time. Just give it a try!

6. build furniture yourself or buy second-hand

Do you think you're not good with your hands? Even then, it's no problem to work on simple DIY nightstands from old oak planks to try. So you can Material upcyclingthat may have been stacked in the corner for several years and avoid unnecessary waste by packaging new furnishings.

It's also worth it, unique pieces of furniture buy used. So you can Save money sustainably and preserve nature.

Tip: Just look around a bit in the DIY furniture blog um. For example, I have a Dining table self made and explain exactly how it works.

7. sow a flower meadow and mow the lawn less often

By not mowing your lawn every week, but by "giving nature a bit of a leash", you promote biodiversity in Germany. Because where there are more insects, there are also more birds. Turn your garden into a Mecca of biodiversity. Avoid the noise and fuel of the lawnmower and enjoy your time in the quiet natural garden with birdsong instead.

Here you will find the corresponding, further blog articles:

Tip: In my book Sustainable living for beginners I will show you in more detail, step by step and at your leisure, how you can make your everyday life more environmentally friendly. Here you get it*. Have fun reading!

Sustainable shopping in everyday life

Sustainable living in everyday life - shopping

Nowhere do you produce as much waste as when you go shopping. What's more, you usually buy more than you actually need. So there is plenty of potential to make your everyday life a little more sustainable.

8. shopping with cloth bag or backpack

Nowhere does so much plastic waste arise as with regular shopping. There are many superfluous plastic packaging such as Plastic bags, which can be sustainably replaced by using a forever reusable and washable jute bag.

Alternatively you can also simply use a Basket or backpack go shopping. A first, big and important step towards an environmentally friendly and shopping as plastic-free as possible - in the spirit of the Zero Waste Lifestyle.

Tip: I can warmly recommend the GOT BAG Backpack recommend You can order it here*.

9. use fruit & vegetable nets instead of plastic bags

Through the acquisition of Fruit and vegetable nets it really is incredibly easy to avoid waste in the supermarket. Do you still remember the thin, free plastic bags in the fruit and vegetable department? With these networks* you'll never need them now.

10. avoid microplastics & palm oil

Microplastics in the sea is one of the biggest problems facing our ecosystems. It is mainly caused by the Decomposition of large plastic partsbut also enters rivers and oceans through our cosmetic products. Unfortunately, sewage treatment plants have difficulty filtering out the particles.

And for the Generation of Palm oil destroys rainforestbecause it is simply in thousands of items that we buy and consume every day.

Please use the App CodeCheckwhich you can use to scan a shower gel, for example, to find out in seconds whether it contains such questionable, environmentally harmful substances.

11. plan purchasing according to demand

A more than sensible tip for living more sustainably is to specifically Reduce your personal food waste.

Make an accurate Shopping plan with the things you really need. For example, check your supplies carefully beforehand so that you don't end up with too many bananas or kiwis that you might not be able to eat before they go bad.

In this way, we reduce the problem of around 78 kg of food per capita ending up in the bin every year in Germany.₂

Setting an example of sustainability in the kitchen

Environmentally friendly in the kitchen

A lot of energy is consumed in the kitchen and a lot of waste is also produced. So there is also a lot of potential here to make your life even more environmentally friendly.

12. use metal coffee filter instead of paper

There are Stainless steel coffee filterwith which you can avoid unnecessary waste from disposable paper filters. Simple wash off and reuse again and again.

Disposable coffee capsules in particular do not belong in a sustainable everyday life. This is because they generate around 8,000 tons of plastic waste every year. What's more, you also pay the equivalent of 70 euros per kilogram of coffee.₃ You certainly wouldn't spend that without this industry marketing ploy, would you? 😉

13. cook with lid on the pot

If you want to boil water in the saucepan in an environmentally friendly way, then you should put a lid on the saucepan. This way less energy required and the water heats up much faster. Use this simple tip to make cooking in the kitchen more sustainable in the long term and improve your Reduce electricity costs.

14. allow the dishes to cool before putting them in the fridge

Normally, you would probably put a hot meal in the fridge straight away so that you can still enjoy the rest the next day. In principle, this is a good idea - however, in the interests of sustainability, you should let your food cool down first so that the refrigerator requires less energy to maintain its set temperature.

15. use residual heat from the stove and oven

Both hobs and ovens still have a certain amount of residual heat after use, which you can use to without additional energy consumption to finish cooking or keep dishes warm a little longer. Use them!

16. pre-boil small amounts of water in the kettle

Another useful tip for a more sustainable lifestyle is to boil smaller amounts of water in the kettle. For example, for preparing a portion of pasta. Boiling in the kettle consumes significantly less energy. Boiling in a saucepan is only worthwhile for larger quantities of water - and then you can use Save energyby placing a lid on the pot.

17. use washable kitchen towels

Do you want in your everyday life Save paperto become even more sustainable? Then you can say goodbye to your paper towels in the kitchen, because they can easily be replaced by equally absorbent but reusable cloth towels Replace

Nutrition tips for a sustainable life

Environmentally friendly living in everyday life - nutrition

If you want to live sustainably, you can't avoid the topic of nutrition. It should be sustainable for your own body, but especially for our environment. Here you will find the best tips for a sustainable diet.

18. live vegan or massively reduce meat consumption

Hardly anything makes your everyday life as environmentally friendly as the Abstaining from meat or animal products in general. For one kilogram of beef, a total of around 15,500 liters are actually consumed.₄ In addition, forests are cut down for arable land for animal feed (soybean meal) and cattle pastures - this particularly affects the tropical rainforest.

Through the Start into a vegan life you make your everyday life much more sustainable in one fell swoop. In addition you prevent animal suffering - such as through the common practice of Chick shredding or the dehorning of cows. And don't worry: I've been vegan for a few years now and can still enjoy pizza, burgers, pasta and all those delicious things 🙂

I can give you matching this vegan online course* recommend. You'll get to know the tastiest dishes and recipes right from the start 🙂

Tip: If you want to know more about the Reasons for a vegan lifestyle you can always find them in the linked article.

19. save food with food sharing

Do you already know Food Sharing? As a member you can Saving food from bakeries, supermarkets and restaurantsthat would otherwise have ended up in the garbage can.

Good to know: When I wrote this article, 88.8 million tons of food had already been successfully saved from the garbage can with food sharing.₅

20. make food last longer

For example, by storing bread in a sealed bread box, or by Reusable oilcloths (you get here*) instead of the usual plastic cling film, you can use the Extend the shelf life of food in a simple and sustainable way.

Tip: You can find out more about this in the detailed article "Making food last longer".

21. grow your own food

Whether in the kitchen or in the garden - many herbs and other plants can be grown wonderfully at home. This way, you save on packaging waste and ensure you have a constant and natural supply of herbs. Fruit, vegetables and herbs.

22. drink tap water

Compare with pleasure once Water in plastic bottles with tap water. The water from plastic bottles is not only 250 times more expensive₆, but also causes Suffering in other parts of the world. The privatization of water sources is one of the reasons why food companies like Nestlé subjected to major criticism are.

Tip: Tap water is already at your home, so you don't have to carry water bottles around unnecessarily. You can also take your own water bottle with you on the go (here are the best water bottles) when refilling. And how you Make tap water more palatableI will explain in a separate blog post.

23. give preference to organic, plant-based, regional and seasonal foods

Like food sold here in Germany, it comes from overseas. They have undergone long and energy-intensive Transports behind them. To make matters worse, they are often high water consumption and in energy-intensive greenhouses cultivated. The production of animal-based foods in particular is associated with high environmental costs.

Accordingly, it is advisable to choose certified organic, plant-based products wherever possible, regional and seasonal available foods.

Here are some further articles to this:

Book Tip: Together with Julian Hölzer, I developed the Book Cooking for the climate written. In it, you will learn about the problems caused by our diet. We also provide you with valuable recipes to help you become an important part of the solution in your everyday life. Here you get it*.

Sustainable living in the bathroom

Sustainable living in everyday life - Bathroom

Nowadays, we use a lot of disposable products in the bathroom, resulting in mountains of waste. Here you can get a little inspiration to make everyday life more sustainable in the bathroom too.

24. showers instead of baths

Take a shower instead of running a bath and keep it as short as possible. As a result you save a lot of water and especially a lot of energy necessary to heat the water.

Tip: Try more often, cold to shower. This will allow you to Strengthen the body's defenses and also mastered the first challenge of the day early in the morning.

25. make toothpaste yourself or use toothpaste tablets

Did you know that you can also simply use a natural toothpaste without Microplastics and Without plastic packaging can use? Have a look at the How to make toothpaste yourself an.

Alternatively, to avoid waste, you can also use Toothbrush tablets set. You can get them for example in glass or paper in the unpacked store or on the Internet.

26. use cotton pads made of fabric

You can achieve your goal of living more sustainably in the bathroom by avoiding disposable products. Make-up remover pads, for example, regularly generate masses of disposable waste that can be disposed of by reusable and washable cotton pads can be avoided in the long term.

Best get yourself a such set with several cotton pads* so you can wash them all collected.

27. use shampoo and shower gel in one go

Almost every week, unnatural shampoos and shower gels create unnecessary packaging waste. So simply switch to vegetable bar soaps um.

Here you will find a suitable Bar soap for the hair* and a Bar soap for the body*. For storage you then simply get yourself a Soap bagand an old tin can for safe transportation. That's it!

Live sustainably in your free time

Live sustainably in your free time

It goes without saying that your Leisure activities a great potential for more sustainable action. I have also put together a few tips that should make your everyday life even more environmentally friendly.

28. reduce use of streaming services

Unfortunately, streaming series and movies on Netflix, Amazon, YouTube and the like is anything but environmentally friendly. The charging process consumes large amounts of energy and emits CO2 - also because the content has to be reloaded every time it is needed. Therefore, try to minimize the use of streaming services as much as possible.

At Streaming sustainability you will find a detailed article on this topic including sustainable alternatives.

29. search environmentally friendly hobbies

If you want to live more sustainably, you should choose hobbies that have as little impact on the environment as possible. Ideally, you can Outside in the fresh air and near you without having to travel halfway across Europe.

In fact, most classic hobbies are pretty eco-friendly. Here are some ideas and examples:

  • Read books
  • Playing soccer, basketball, handball
  • Do fitness training outdoors with your own weight (e.g. Freeletics)
  • Go jogging (Plogging is even more sustainable)
  • Picnic
  • Eat out
  • Hiking

Living sustainably, even on the road and while traveling

Sustainable living in everyday life - On the road bike

Technological progress ensures that our means of transportation emit fewer pollutants. Nevertheless, most Cars and especially airplanes real environmental killers! When traveling, in commuter traffic and also with the mostly daily use of the car, there is great potential!

When it comes to mobility, I also have a few valuable tips for you on how to make your life more environmentally friendly.

30. cycling more

We humans are made to move around physically. The Cycling promotes your health and does not emit CO2. So just get on your bike more regularly and use the slightly "longer ride time" to relax.

Tips: Do you already know the car free lifestyle? Many people are giving up their cars altogether and using more sustainable means of transportation instead. But you can also be more environmentally friendly by car. For inspiration, take a look at this article about sustainable driving.

31 Use public transportation

According to the Federal Motor Transport Authority, the number of cars on German roads has increased by almost 15 percent between 2011 and 2022.₇

For cleaner air, fewer emissions and less time spent in traffic jams, you should therefore make more use of public transport such as the Train, bus, the streetcar, the suburban train or the subway or at least go electric. This is a very important tip if you want to pursue a sustainable lifestyle.

32. train & long distance bus instead of car and plane

For longer distances, you should prefer the long-distance bus and especially the train if you have an environmentally friendly lifestyle. There are no hidden costs lurking like in a car and your journey from A to B is less expensive. significantly less CO2 from. According to the climate protection portal, aviation accounts for 2.55 percent of global CO2 emissions.₈

In my Book "Sustainable travel for beginners" for more useful tips on sustainable travel. You get it here*.

Tip: It is not always possible to avoid the flight. In a separate article, you can therefore find out exactly how to Fly as sustainably as possible simply by following your heart.

33. carpooling

If you are dependent on your car, you can also form carpools or register via portals such as BlaBlaCar connect to an existing car journey. This way you avoid unnecessary double trips and reduce per capita emissions of the single car trip.

Tip: Also your Commuting can be made more sustainableby carpooling with your colleagues!

34. drink coffee in the thermo mug you bring with you or on site

In Berlin alone, around 460,000 Coffee2Go cups are consumed every day.₉ Many people believe that the cups are made exclusively from cardboard. However, they are actually also made of plastic and are therefore difficult to not recyclable at all.

These are the ToGo cups are a disposable product that is only used for a few minutes. For a more sustainable everyday life, you should Coffee2Go reusable mug or enjoy your coffee on site in the café. I can recommend this mug here*.

Tip: Some cafés even give you a discount if you bring your own mug!

Living sustainably means being conscious with clothing

Sustainable living in everyday life - clothing

While we spent 18.58 billion euros on clothing and shoes in Germany in 1970, this figure had risen to 77.78 billion euros by 2018.₁₀

In fashion prevails the Fast Fashion! There are no longer just two collections such as "Spring-Summer" and "Fall-Winter". Instead almost every week a new trend proclaimed. Logically, this behavior has social and environmental consequences.

With the following tips, I would like to make your everyday life more sustainable when it comes to clothing.

35. second hand fashion shopping

Second hand clothing had a dusty, bad image for a long time. But now that the problems due to the fashion industry can no longer hide, many people are beginning to rethink.

A valuable tip for more sustainability in your everyday life is therefore to go to one of the passionately run second-hand stores in your area or to buy used and still good-looking items of clothing, e.g. at Kleiderkreisel or eBay Classifieds to buy. This way, you also appreciate the resources and the effort involved in making clothes.

36. get well combined timeless clothes

Your closet doesn't have to be overcrowded and cluttered. Instead, you can choose clothes that are timeless and easy to combine. The creates an overview, makes you happy, saves a lot of money and conserves natural resources in everyday life.

Tip: How to create the best possible sustainable closet furnishingsI explain in detail in the linked blog article.

37. swap, sell or give away superfluous fashion

Of course, fashion is also perishable. In the spirit of sustainability, you can swap unwanted items of clothing with others or sell them at Zero Waste Apps like eBay classifieds sell or give away. Because someone else might like the T-shirt or the dress.

In this way you value the material and the work involvedthat goes into a garment and ensure that one less garment has to be bought and produced.

38 Appreciate and care for existing clothing

Save your wallet and natureby cherishing and caring for the clothes that are already in your closet. Appreciate that you can call such beautiful, different items of clothing your own and remember that not everyone enjoys this 'luxury problem'.

Don't throw away a sweater straight away if it has a hole in it, but learn from the Sustainable life hacks from our grandparents and just fix it.

Tip: In another article, you will find out how to make every item of clothing last as long as possible.

Sustainable living, even in the office

Making everyday life environmentally friendly

Your job, your office furniture, your private current account - all of these things also have an impact on how sustainable your life actually is. Here I would like to give you a few tips on how to manage your job, finances and documents in the most environmentally friendly way possible.

39. open a current account with an environmentally conscious bank

The money you hold at a bank may be used by the bank for its own investments. These investments are often extremely questionable. For example, banks such as Commerzbank or Deutsche Bank support the cotton trade in cotton from Uzbekistan, where Child labor is on the agenda.₁₁₁

By creating a Account with a green bank that excludes such investments, you are on the safe side.

Tip: I have a detailed Comparison of sustainable banks made. In the linked article, you can get an idea of sensible alternatives yourself.

40 Prefer green insurance

What applies to banks naturally also applies to insurance companies. They also make investments with the money they hold from you. Take a close look at which Philosophy the respective company acts.

A really sustainable, statutory life insurance for example, should reward a healthy, meat-free lifestyle and use 100 percent green electricity itself. I can recommend a Change to BKK ProVita*.

41. organize documents digitally

Manage your documents with digital folders and do away with paperwork. By organizing as Paperless office you can also access your documents from anywhere, carry less around with you and reduce deforestation for paper production.

Tip: You can also easily download bus tickets or city planners to your cell phone, for example.

42. prefer recycled paper to new paper

Avoiding paper altogether is very sustainable. But this is not always possible. If you have something print sustainable then you should at least use recycled paper. This will also Reuses existing resources without having to cut down another tree.

43. switch off technology completely instead of standby mode

Even in standby mode your laptop still consumes some power. If you know that you won't be sitting in front of the computer again in the next 5 minutes, then you can switch it off directly in an environmentally friendly way. This basically applies to almost all other technical devices in the household.

44. use a sustainable search engine

A search engine provides you with answers to your questions every day. But Google has always been characterized by a high Power consumption, tax tricks and data storage in criticism.

There are definitely sustainable alternatives to Googlethat create added value for our society and the environment from your daily search queries. For example, the operators of the search engine Ecosia.org a tree for about every 45th search query.

Tips for a sustainable mindset

Sustainable living in everyday life - Behavior

There are some things that you can't buy but still have an influence on your sustainable actions. I'm talking about your inner attitude. You can now find out what tricks you can use to lay the foundation for a sustainable life.

45. develop interest in do-it-yourself projects

You don't always have to buy everything new! This is expensive, creates a lot of waste and you often don't know exactly what you're getting. By doing things yourself, on the other hand, you are generally promoting the most sustainable lifestyle possible.

Here are a few things you can easily make yourself from natural ingredients:

At make sustainable things yourselfI'll give you some more ideas for inspiration.

46. reuse instead of use once

A good example of this sustainable tip is the straw. You use a plastic straw in a cocktail for about 15 minutesbefore it ends up in the bin. The Glass straw is also used for 15 minutes - but you can wash it off afterwards and use it the next time, plastic free party reuse.

I can recommend this set with glass straws*.

In general hardly any disposable product so many more sustainable alternatives, like the plastic straw. They are not only made of glass, but also, for example, stainless steel or bamboo wood. Reusable products are an essential key to producing less waste.

47. repair instead of throw away

Repairing is a trait that many people in our Disposable society have thrown overboard. It broadens your own horizons and helps, reuse existing things for as long as possible.

Therefore, try to repair as many things as possible and only buy new ones or replace them in some other way when absolutely nothing more can be done.

48 Questioning one's own consumption

To live sustainably, you should also question your own consumption. Do I really need this product or is it an unnecessary impulse buy? In the end, such questions will not only help you to act more sustainably, but also to save a lot of money. And be aware, Consumption does not make you happy - at least not in the long term!

Just try something live more minimalist and limit yourself to the things that are really important to you, your wishes and dreams. This creates order, saves money and, above all, conserves the planet's natural resources.

Tip: Above all, try to avoid the shopping mania. And if you still want to buy one thing or another, learn, store (online) as sustainably as possible. This works for example by Avoid returns on online orders in a targeted manner.

49. don't be too shy to get involved

I can give you another valuable tip to help you make your everyday life as sustainable as possible! Get involved! Organize a CleanUp yourself, in order to Removing waste from the environment. Whether on the beach at Collecting garbage on vacation - or in the forest on a walk with your dog. Such small, good deeds are not only good for nature, but also for your soul.

Get active! You can do so much! For example, start an online petition or take part in a demonstration to raise your voice against a grievance and get many people involved.

Tip: At sustainable petitions you will find a list of great digital signature collections that I would like to recommend to you.

50. keep learning and be open to new things

Living sustainably also means, Being open to change and new things. I can only advise you to, read books regularlywatch educational documentaries and generally keep up to date with new developments.

Because also your Environmental awareness requires minor adjustments every now and then. Look at and evaluate things soberly and free of prejudice. Instead, simply think about how a new idea or development can have an ecological, economic and social impact.

Frequently asked questions about a sustainable lifestyle

Why should you live sustainably?

Everyone should lead a sustainable lifestyle in order to solve climate change, deforestation, air pollution, plastic waste in nature and all other man-made environmental problems. Sustainable action promotes our coexistence - because everyone really does benefit from it. This requires people who lead the way and exemplify sustainability.

What does it mean to act sustainably?

Living sustainably means living in such a way that this way of life could work in the long term. Those who live sustainably treat the earth's natural raw materials and other resources with care and take the needs of future generations into consideration.

You could also say that acting sustainably means not living at the expense of nature and your own children and grandchildren.

How can you start living sustainably?

For example, by cycling and using public transport more often instead of driving. Targeted waste avoidance, planting an animal-friendly garden, conscious consumer behavior, purchasing green electricity and switching to plant-based meals and regional, seasonal food can also make a real difference.

Living sustainability in everyday life, because change starts with you

Environmentally friendly - More sustainability in everyday life

I hope that the amount of tips for an environmentally friendly everyday life has not overwhelmed you. Please think of sustainable living as a really long-term learning process that you go through step by step.

"Be the change you wish to see in this world."

Mahatma Gandhi (more at Mahatma Gandhi Quotes)

No one expects you to implement all the tips perfectly right away. But sometimes it's just good to know them at least once before and to try to do them little by little. Every step is a step forward.

Do you have any tips, suggestions or questions about this article on living as sustainably as possible? Then please leave me a comment at the end of the article.

Stay sustainable,

Christoph

PS: If you feel like a steady guide and more tips, then you are with my Book "Sustainable living for beginners" on the safe side. You can secure it here now.*

References:


₁ Duden, Cornelsen Verlag GmbH (2023): Sustainability, available at https://www.duden.de/rechtschreibung/Nachhaltigkeit. [06.01.2023].

₂ Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture: Food waste in private households scrutinized (as of 10.11.2022), available at https://www.bmel.de/DE/themen/ernaehrung/lebensmittelverschwendung/gfk-studie.html. [06.01.2023].

₃ Heroes' Market: advertising poster, available at https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dr8xstuX0AEyqC-.jpg. [06.01.2023].

₄ A. Y. Hoekstra, A. K. Chapagain (2005): Water footprints of nations: Water use by people as a function of their consumption pattern, available at https://waterfootprint.org/media/downloads/Hoekstra_and_Chapagain_2006.pdf. [06.01.2023].

₅ Foodsharing e.V.: Overall statistics, available at https://foodsharing.de/statistik. [06.01.2023].

₆ Trade Machines FI GmbH: PET - Das irrsinnige Geschäft mit abgefülltem Wasser (as at: 29.06.2017), available at http://trademachines.de/info/abgefuelltes-wasser. [06.01.2023].

₇ Norddeutscher Rundfunk: Car density at record high (as of 15.09.2022), available at https://www.tagesschau.de/wirtschaft/verbraucher/pkw-bestand-deutschland-101.html. [06.01.2023].

₈ Bundesverband der Deutschen Luftverkehrswirtschaft e.V.: Klimakiller Nr. 1?, available at https://www.klimaschutz-portal.aero/klimakiller-nr-1. [06.01.2023].

₉ BMUV: How many disposable cups are used every year? How many of them end up in the environment?, available at https://www.bmuv.de/faq/wie-viele-einweg-becher-werden-jaehrlich-verbraucht-wie-viele-landen-davon-in-der-umwelt. [06.01.2023].

₁₀ Statista: Consumer spending on clothing and shoes by private households in Germany from 1991 to 2021, available at https://de.statista.com/statistik/daten/studie/161570/umfrage/konsumausgaben-privater-haushalte-in-deutschland-fuer-bekleidung-zeitreihe. [06.01.2023].

₁₁ Spiegel Online: Uzbekistan - German companies profit from child labor (as of 23.10.2010), available at https://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/unternehmen/usbekistan-deutsche-firmen-profitieren-von-kinderarbeit-a-724956.html. [06.01.2023].

Coffee box Suggestions for improvement Newsletter

* Links with asterisks are so-called Affiliate linksIf you click on it and buy something, you automatically and actively support my work with CareElite.de, as I receive a small share of the proceeds - and of course nothing changes in the product price. Many thanks for your support and best regards, Christoph!

Christoph Schulz

Christoph Schulz

I'm Christoph, an environmental scientist and author - and here at CareElite I'm campaigning against plastic waste in the environment, climate change and all the other major environmental problems of our time. Together with other environmentally conscious bloggers, I want to give you tips & tricks for a naturally healthy, sustainable life as well as your personal development.

12 thoughts on “Nachhaltig leben – 50 Tipps für einen umweltfreundlichen Alltag”

  1. Already for years I live part-organic, Greta and also the thankfully increased published reports etc. have shown me, however, that one and also I must do more. So now I have downloaded the app to check the ingredients and already purchased shampoo, deodorant, soap, etc. new. However, I often have doubts whether all the so-called improvements are really an improvement. Electric cars require batteries, which in turn require lithium. The mining of lithium, however, destroys the environment in the Andes. Where can one find out about such things without falling back into the clutches of vested interests. I don't know if I'm in the right place with my request, but I would be happy to receive tips.
    Love greetings
    Ulrike

    1. Hi Ulrike! Basically, you should always get at least a second opinion to back up any statements you read anywhere. Because as you say, economic interests in particular distort the truth of certain opinions. Great, the app will be very helpful to you. Please don't be discouraged, there will always be some headwind - especially from various stakeholders. But our way is the only right way and will prevail in the long run. The market will adapt to it accordingly 🙂
      Best regards
      Christoph

  2. Dear Christoph,
    in search of tips for sustainable living I discovered your blog and have been browsing through the insanely interesting articles for half an hour. Thank you for all the inspiration! ?
    Love greetings
    Carina

    1. Hey Carina! Thank you for your feedback, this motivates without end! 🙂
      Continue to have fun and best regards, Christoph

  3. Thanks for the tips on sustainable living in everyday life. My brother recently bought glass drinking straws online and we are thrilled with how sustainable they are. Good to know that not many disposable products have so many sustainable alternatives.

  4. Hi Christoph,
    great list! Waiver of (wireless) streaming (Netflix, Spotify,...) would still super complement them. Meanwhile, unfortunately, one of the biggest climate killers...
    Greetings, Luc

  5. Thanks for the great post. The consumer mania raises many questions. Why do we actually believe that new goods always have to be better? Doesn't it make much more sense to see the extended useful life of an item not as a loss of value, but as an increase in it? We are all familiar with Black Friday: it has established itself in retail. Every year, it triggers a veritable shopping frenzy. The classifieds portal trovas counters with Green Friday! The Green Friday understands itself as Gegenentwurf to the Black Friday. It questions the need to buy everything new and offers an alternative by creating space for fair, transparent and mindful consumption.

  6. Hello Christoph,

    thanks for all the great tips. I would also have one more. Since EBooks are not for me, I go to the library. There you can also return old books. I think it's great to borrow everything I'm interested in but also to bring everything back. This combines for me a sustainable life with a minimalist. LG Nati

    1. Hi Nati! Thank you for your lovely message and tip! I totally agree with you 🙂 .

      Many greetings
      Christoph

  7. Hi Christoph,
    great article, very many tips and suggestions.
    Thank you very much & green greetings from greenlife.blog,
    Richard.

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