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+50 SUSTAINABLE TIPS FOR BEGINNERS //teens & people living with parents/roommates

50 Sustainable Living Tips for Beginners

Author

Ark
May 09, 2025

Living sustainably doesn’t require owning your own home or having full control over your household. Whether you live with parents, roommates, a partner, or alone, these 50 practical, down-to-earth tips—ranging from low-effort swaps to bigger DIY projects—are designed for anyone new to zero waste and sustainability. These ideas are tailored for beginners, including those in shared living situations, to help you reduce your environmental impact without feeling overwhelmed.

Getting Started with Sustainable Habits

  1. Reuse old clothes: Cut worn-out clothes into napkins or makeup remover wipes to extend their life.

  2. Regrow vegetables: Place veggie scraps (like green onion roots) in water on a windowsill to regrow and eat.

  3. Learn to mend: Use YouTube tutorials to sew and repair torn clothes, reducing the need to replace them.

  4. Wash clothes less: Air out or freeze clothes to freshen them instead of washing after light use.

  5. Grow indoors: Cultivate herbs, lettuce, or legumes in your room with just sunlight and water.

  6. Save soap scraps: Collect solid soap remnants in a jar and melt them into a new bar.

  7. Make canvas bags: Sew reusable bags from second-hand bedsheets or curtains.

  8. Shorten showers: Save water by cutting shower time and air-drying your hair instead of using a hairdryer.

  9. Propagate plants: Grow new plants from cuttings of existing ones or seeds from store-bought vegetables.

  10. Ventilate your space: Open windows to maintain a healthy indoor environment, reducing the need for chemical cleaners or air fresheners.

Sustainable Food and Drink Choices

  1. Drink tap water: Use a reusable water bottle instead of buying plastic bottled drinks.

  2. Pack your lunch: Prepare homemade meals to avoid pre-packaged or fast food.

  3. Propose veggie nights: Suggest cooking vegetarian or vegan meals with housemates or family once or twice a week.

  4. Use fabric wraps: Wrap lunches in reusable fabric or wax wraps instead of plastic bags.

  5. Plan meals: Meal prep to reduce food waste and save money, wrapping leftovers for the next day’s lunch.

  6. Shop smarter: Join grocery shopping to suggest less-packaged, cost-saving options.

Personal Care and Beauty

  1. Exfoliate with olive oil: Use olive oil as a natural body scrub for dry skin.

  2. DIY hair masks: Apply olive or coconut oil to treat dry or damaged hair instead of buying commercial products.

  3. Use banana peels: Rub the inside of banana peels on plant leaves as a natural exfoliator to keep them healthy.

  4. Choose reusable period products: Try period-proof underwear, reusable pads, or menstrual cups if you menstruate.

Sustainable Shopping and Gifting

  1. Carry a canvas bag: Bring a reusable bag for shopping, school, or work.

  2. Wish for experiences: Request gift cards for activities or outings instead of physical items for holidays.

  3. Buy second-hand souvenirs: Support local artisans or shop at thrift stores for sustainable vacation keepsakes.

  4. Avoid fast fashion: Tell family or partners you prefer ethical clothing or experiences over cheap, unsustainable gifts.

  5. Create wish lists: Share links to sustainable products to make eco-friendly gifting easier for others.

  6. Ask for cash: If needed, request money for sustainable goals (like travel) to avoid unwanted gifts.

Reducing Waste in Daily Life

  1. Pick up trash: Collect litter during walks or organize a community cleanup event.

  2. Refuse freebies: Decline promotional items like flyers, pens, or buttons you don’t need.

  3. Carry reusables: Keep a glass, cutlery set, or reusable straw in your bag for picnics or travel.

  4. Reuse jars: Use grocery store jars or tins to store pencils, kitchen tools, or dried goods.

  5. Recycle paper: Make your own recycled paper at home for art or stationery.

  6. Use jar lids: Place soap bars on jar lids to extend their life and reduce waste.

  7. Choose non-paraffin candles: Opt for candles made from sustainable materials instead of petroleum-based paraffin.

Sustainable Fashion and Events

  1. Repeat outfits: Rewear clothes for parties or formal events instead of buying new ones.

  2. Shop second-hand: Look for clothing or accessories at thrift stores for unique, sustainable finds.

  3. Use refillable pens: Choose pens with refills or thrift school supplies to reduce waste.

  4. Replace small items: Swap out your toothbrush or floss for eco-friendly versions when they run out.

Eco-Friendly Activities and Travel

  1. Plan low-impact hangouts: Suggest walks, swimming, mushroom picking, or board game nights with friends or family.

  2. Walk or bike: Choose active transport over cars or public transit when possible.

  3. Use public transit: Opt for buses or trains instead of driving for longer trips.

  4. Watch documentaries: Share a sustainability-focused film with family or friends to spark conversation.

Household Improvements

  1. Propose eco-swaps: Suggest replacing household items with sustainable alternatives when they run out.

  2. Highlight savings: Emphasize how reusables (like water bottles or canvas bags) save money.

  3. Care for electronics: Maintain devices to extend their life and avoid unnecessary replacements.

  4. Choose green gear: Use compostable phone cases or solar-powered chargers.

Leading by Example

  1. Live your values: Use reusables and make sustainable choices regardless of others’ opinions.

  2. Share tips: Discuss your eco-friendly habits with roommates or family to inspire them.

  3. Stay positive: Focus on small, manageable changes instead of aiming for perfection.

  4. Be patient: Recognize that sustainable living is harder in shared households but still impactful.

  5. Celebrate progress: Acknowledge your efforts to reduce your environmental impact, no matter how small.

Final Thoughts

Starting a sustainable lifestyle can feel daunting, especially if you live with others or lack full control over your household. However, every small action counts. There’s no such thing as perfect zero waste—our society isn’t designed for it, and that’s okay. Whether you’re reusing jars, refusing freebies, or proposing a veggie night, your efforts to consume thoughtfully are powerful. Keep doing your best, share your journey, and don’t beat yourself up for not being perfect. You’re already making a difference by caring.

For more tips on communicating sustainability with parents or roommates, check out related resources or videos linked in the original content. Share your own sustainable living ideas to inspire others, and keep exploring ways to live your best eco-friendly life!

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