6 Tips for a Sustainable and Healthy Lifestyle

In this blog post, we will delve into practical strategies for integrating sustainability and healthy habits into your daily routine.

Small changes can have a significant impact—for instance, reducing waste by choosing reusable bags, bottles, and containers can help curb the billions of single-use plastics discarded every year. According to the EPA, in 2018, plastic waste accounted for over 35 million tons of municipal solid waste in the U.S. alone, and only 8.7% was recycled. By switching to reusables, you can contribute to reducing this significant waste stream.

Composting organic matter is another impactful habit. Not only does composting divert food waste from landfills, where it generates methane (a potent greenhouse gas), but it also enriches your garden soil naturally. In fact, compost can improve soil health by increasing its ability to retain water, and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. A study by the EPA highlights that nearly 30% of what we throw away could be composted instead, making it a powerful tool in reducing waste and enhancing soil quality.

Choosing organic products also supports sustainable agriculture. Organic farming practices avoid synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, reducing soil and water contamination. Studies show that organic farms often have better soil health, supporting biodiversity and maintaining ecosystem balance. By choosing organic, you’re not only reducing your exposure to pesticides but also supporting methods that help sustain the health of the earth.

Supporting local farmers is a powerful way to contribute to your community’s economy and the environment. According to studies, for every dollar spent on locally produced food, up to 68 cents stays in the community, compared to just 43 cents when buying from large grocery chains. Buying from local farmers also reduces the need for long-distance transportation, cutting down on fossil fuel use and reducing carbon emissions. Plus, local farmers often use sustainable practices to maintain their land’s long-term health, protecting natural resources and fostering biodiversity.

Buying local products has additional environmental benefits. When we buy food grown close to home, we’re reducing the “food miles” it takes to get our food from farm to table. The average food item in the U.S. travels about 1,500 miles to reach our plates, which contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Local foods are often fresher, more nutrient-dense, and harvested at peak ripeness, offering better taste and health benefits. Seasonal, local eating also means our food is more likely to be produced without heavy energy inputs like heated greenhouses.

Using vegetable scraps to make broth is a fantastic way to minimize food waste and maximize the nutritional value of your meals. Vegetable scraps—like onion skins, celery ends, carrot tops, and herb stems—are packed with nutrients and flavor, yet they often end up discarded. Studies estimate that 30-40% of the U.S. food supply is wasted, with much of this waste coming from produce. By saving these scraps and simmering them to make broth, you’re not only reducing waste but also creating a healthy, homemade alternative to store-bought broths, which can be high in sodium and preservatives. This simple practice allows you to make the most of every part of your food, adding a delicious, sustainable touch to soups, stews, and more.

By making these choices—supporting local farmers, buying locally, and reusing food scraps—you’re joining a movement toward a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle. Small changes like these have a big impact on our communities, our planet, and our own well-being.

By being mindful of your consumption and making these conscious choices, you can cultivate a lifestyle that prioritizes both environmental well-being and personal health. Join us on this journey toward a more eco-friendly and fulfilling way of living, embracing simple yet effective practices that benefit both you and the planet.