Extreme climate change and environmental damage that the world experiences result from continued fossil fuel usage and improper waste disposal. These drastic changes include increased or decreased temperatures, worsened water and land pollution, and more. 

All these changes present detrimental effects on the Earth's longevity and humanity’s quality of life. Now more than ever, extra efforts must be made to preserve the environment and make the world more conducive to living healthily. With the world's current state, practicing environmental sustainability is now paramount to treating the Earth better.



Environmental sustainability entails balancing natural resources and human consumption in consideration of the environment’s needs and progressing modern living. It can be as simple as switching to eco-friendly alternatives at home to make daily living less harmful to the environment while still attending to your personal housing needs. 

6 Ways to Make a More Sustainable Home 

Here are six alternatives that can make your home more sustainable.

1. Get a reusable water bottle 

Around one million plastic bottles are purchased every minute, ending up in landfills or polluting lands and oceans.  Owning and using a reusable water bottle is one way of resolving this problem. It does not just help you save more money, but more importantly, it reduces the amount of plastic that occupies landfills. Simply switching to a reusable water bottle also means you can prevent an average of 156 plastic bottles from getting wasted per year. 

2. Use a cloth or mesh grocery bags 

Many establishments nowadays implement plastic bag bans to minimize plastic pollution. Consumers must bring their reusable bags or pay extra for a plastic bag. Fortunately, you do not have to look for plastic bag alternatives to plastic bags.



Cloth and mesh grocery bags are reusable and durable, making them useful for many years. They are also environmentally friendly and convenient to use. Having cloth and mesh grocery bags at home also means you can reduce space at home that you would otherwise use to stack single-use plastic bags. 

3. Switch to reusable straws

Reusable straws are widely used today. They are made from different materials, including bamboo, metal, and glass. Reusable straws are not just good for drinks at home. You can bring them almost anywhere, such as restaurants and picnics. 

4. Store food in reusable containers

People often opt for fast food to nourish themselves during their hectic schedules. Although ordering from fast food restaurants is a quick and easy way to eat, you use non-recyclable and environmentally harmful plastic containers. 

Packing meals or snacks in reusable containers is an excellent alternative to buying takeouts because they prevent you from eating food out of plastic containers. Reusable containers are also suitable for storing all sorts of food at home.

5. Have a mug with you

Most coffee shops offer drinks in plastic containers, whether you are drinking them in-store or ordering for takeout. If you drink coffee regularly, it is good to bring your mug or tumbler or request baristas to serve your drinks in a reusable mug.



Alternatively, you can also brew and drink your coffee at home. That way, you can altogether avoid using plastic and even save money. 

6. Switch to steel utensils 

Plastic spoons, forks, and knives are available almost everywhere. They are easy to dispose of once used. While these utensils are convenient for people constantly on the go, each plastic utensil thrown away means more non-recyclable waste going into landfills and waterways.  

As much as possible, opt for steel utensils when eating at home or outside to avoid using plastic utensils. Steel utensils save space at home, compared to multiple boxes of plastic utensils that you throw away after using them anyway.

7. Switch to solar energy

Most people do not realize that the sun is one of humanity’s most precious energy sources. Fortunately, anyone can install solar panels in their homes to save money and electricity and maximize nature’s gift. Solar energy produces more power, reduces dependence on the primary grid, and lowers costs. 



Switching to solar energy is a great way to create a sustainable home during summer when the sun is out every day. 

Sustainable Living for a Sustainable Home  

The Earth is a shared home. As such, everyone should share the responsibility of restoring it to a healthier state through sustainable alternatives and habits.

Sustainability does not necessarily mean you must plant many trees in an empty field or stop using combustion-based vehicles. It can begin with simple acts. Whether you are upcycling or switching to renewable energy, sustainability can start with you and your choices at home. 

Knowing tips on recycling is a good start, as they can help you understand how to make your home more sustainable in the best way possible. Every single act counts in reinforcing sustainability, and the best ones are small acts you can do even at home.