Developing new sustainable home habits doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Simple, everyday changes can help reduce waste, conserve resources, and create a greener lifestyle at home.
At Spencer Peterman, sustainability is more than just a catch phrase for us. From handcrafting our boards and bowls from logs that would otherwise be tossed, to heating our workshop with wood scraps, sustainability is something we practice every day in ways large and small.
That philosophy can be applied anywhere, from a small business like ours to your home life! Whether you’re just starting or looking for new ideas, here are some easy sustainable home habits to adopt today.
1. Composting: Reduce Waste and Enrich Your Soil
Instead of tossing food scraps in the trash, start composting. Whether you have a backyard compost bin or a small indoor system, composting diverts organic waste from landfills and creates nutrient-rich soil for gardens and plants. Fruit peels, coffee grounds, and vegetable scraps can all be composted, making this a low-effort way to reduce your carbon footprint.
2. Mending: Extend the Life of Your Clothes
Fast fashion contributes to waste, but you can counteract this by mending clothes instead of discarding them. Learn basic sewing skills to repair small tears, replace buttons, or reinforce seams. Not only does this save money, but it also keeps textiles out of landfills and promotes a more sustainable approach to fashion.
Mending can be fashionable, too! Check out visible mending techniques like sashiko, boro, or appliqué.
3. Upcycling Jars: Creative and Functional Reuse
Glass jars from sauces, jams, and pickles can be reused in countless ways. Use them for food storage, homemade candles, or DIY planters. Upcycling jars reduces waste and eliminates the need for plastic containers, making them a sustainable and stylish alternative for organizing your home.
4. Switching to Reusable Alternatives
Swap out single-use items for reusable versions to cut down on waste. Use cloth napkins instead of paper, invest in stainless steel water bottles, and opt for silicone food storage bags instead of disposable plastic ones. Small changes like these add up to significant waste reduction over time.
5. Energy Conservation: Simple Changes for a Greener Home
Reducing energy consumption is easier than you think. Turn off lights when leaving a room, unplug appliances when not in use, and switch to energy-efficient LED bulbs. In colder months, layering up instead of cranking the heat can also reduce energy use and lower utility bills.
6. Mindful Shopping: Buy Less, Choose Wisely
Be intentional with your purchases by choosing sustainable and durable products over cheap, disposable alternatives. Support brands that prioritize ethical sourcing and eco-friendly materials. Shopping secondhand for clothing, furniture, and kitchenware also helps extend the lifecycle of products and reduces demand for new manufacturing.
7. Water Conservation: Simple Ways to Save
Small habits can help cut down on water waste. Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, install a low-flow showerhead, and collect rainwater for watering plants. Every drop saved contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Start With Simple Sustainable Home Habits
Sustainable living doesn’t require drastic changes—just small, consistent efforts. By composting, mending, upcycling, and making mindful choices, you can create a greener home while saving money and resources. Start with one habit today and watch the positive impact grow!
