5 Sustainable Changes with the Biggest Impact
HOW TO SAVE THE PLANET
By Jaclyn Tracy
This is the number one question I get asked again and again: What are 5 sustainable changes with the biggest impact? So I’ve finally gathered my answer below.
COMPOST
Composting reduces the amount of organic waste going to landfills, which helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and also produces a nutrient-rich soil amendment that can be used for gardening and farming. According to the EPA, composting can divert up to 30% of household waste from landfills, which significantly reduces methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.
“Composting can divert up to 30% of household waste from landfills, which significantly reduces methane emissions.”
Read more here: How Do I Begin Backyard Composting? 5 Simple Steps
2. EAT LESS MEAT
Reduce meat consumption: Animal agriculture is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, water pollution, and other environmental problems. Reducing meat consumption or adopting a plant-based diet can significantly reduce an individual’s carbon footprint and contribute to the protection of biodiversity.
“Animal agriculture is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, water pollution, and other environmental problems.”
However, I do want to note, there are ways to be more sustainable by choosing to buy local meat from a regenerative farm. The average American animal agriculture, how the meat is processed, how the animals are raised is a major negative contributor to climate change, which is why this tip to reduce meat consumption can is on our top five.
Regenerative farming focuses on improving soil health and biodiversity while producing food, which can lead to carbon sequestration and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. These farms often also use renewable energy sources, prioritize animal welfare and practice crop rotation, utilizing natural fertilizers and composting.
However, it is important to note that the production of meat generally requires more resources, such as water and land, than the production of plant-based foods. In addition, some types of meat, such as beef, have a higher carbon footprint than other meats (i.e. chicken, turkey, pork and fish) and plant-based foods.
Therefore, the sustainability of eating local meat from a regenerative farm versus eating plants depends on various factors, such as the type of meat, farming practices used, and the location and seasonality of the produce. If you are like me and do not want to go full vegetarian or vegan, a diverse and balanced diet that includes a mix of plant-based foods and sustainable animal products is the second most sustainable option.
Read more here: Is Eating Meat Sustainable?
3. TRAVEL
Aviation produces just under one billion tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
In a person’s daily life, flying is by far one of the most carbon-intensive activities. One flight can produce as much carbon as driving for more than 2,000 miles. If you can travel alternative ways other than flying do it — i.e. train, car, boat. If you choose to fly, find direct flights, avoid flying private, business or first class and use carbon offsets.
Read more here: How Do I Offset My Carbon Footprint from Flying?
4. REDUCE PLASTIC USAGE
Plastic pollution is a major environmental issue. In the US only 5% of plastics were recycled in 2022. Single-use plastics, such as straws, bags, and bottles, contribute significantly to the problem.
Read more here: The Plastic Problem & What We Can Do About It As Consumers
5. BUY SUSTAINABLY SOURCED PRODUCTS
The production of many goods contributes to deforestation, pollution, and other environmental problems. Choosing products that are sustainably sourced, such as certified organic, fair trade, or rainforest alliance, can help support environmentally friendly production practices.
Read more here: Our Sustainability Standards
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jaclyn Tracy is the founder of SISTAIN. Her goal is to make a greater difference by educating, activating and making sustainable consumerism not only easier, but aspirational. She believes success is in the collective impact, getting a whole group of people to change their behavior by committing to choosing sustainable brands, less waste and imperfect progress.
