Your Guide to Living Sustainably: Small Changes, Big Impact

Living sustainably doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, many small actions you take every day can have a significant impact on the planet. Whether you’re just getting started on your sustainability journey or you’re already making eco-conscious choices, there are always new ways to reduce your environmental footprint.

In this guide, we’ll cover simple, actionable steps you can take—along with more advanced strategies for those who want to make an even greater impact.

Transportation: Moving Toward a Greener Future

One of the most effective ways to reduce your carbon footprint is by reconsidering how you get around. The transportation sector is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, so every small change you make can have a big impact.

Low-Hanging Fruit:
Consider walking, biking, or taking public transportation for shorter trips. Opting for public transportation instead of driving can reduce your carbon footprint by about 45%
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Advanced Action:
If you’re ready for a bigger commitment, think about switching to an electric vehicle (EV). According to the International Energy Agency, EVs produce around 50% less emissions over their lifetime compared to traditional gas-powered cars
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Additionally, explore ride-sharing options or carpooling to reduce emissions while commuting.

Eating Sustainably: Reducing Food Waste and Choosing Wisely

The way we eat has a direct impact on the environment, and making informed choices can significantly reduce our carbon footprint.

Low-Hanging Fruit:
Reduce food waste by planning meals, storing food properly, and composting scraps. An estimated 30% of all food produced globally is wasted
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. Cutting food waste not only reduces greenhouse gases from landfills but also saves water and energy.
Also, try participating in Meatless Mondays or reducing your meat consumption. Livestock farming accounts for nearly 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and cutting back on meat is one of the most effective ways to lower your impact
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Advanced Action:
Consider adopting a plant-based diet or sourcing your food locally through farmers’ markets or community-supported agriculture (CSA). A plant-based diet can reduce an individual’s carbon footprint by up to 50%
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. Sourcing locally also reduces emissions from transportation and supports local economies.

Clothing: Choosing Ethical and Sustainable Fashion

The fashion industry is one of the most resource-intensive sectors, but there are simple steps you can take to reduce your impact.

Low-Hanging Fruit:
Buy less, and when you do need to buy, opt for high-quality, timeless pieces that will last longer. Fast fashion leads to massive waste and pollution—85% of textiles are thrown away each year
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. Additionally, consider second-hand shopping or clothing swaps to extend the life of garments.
Advanced Action:
Support brands that prioritize sustainability and ethical labor practices. Look for certifications like Fair Trade, GOTS, and B Corp when purchasing clothing. These certifications ensure that the brand is committed to sustainable practices, from sourcing materials to fair treatment of workers.

Shopping Mindfully: Sustainable Choices for Everyday Purchases

Whether online or in-store, your purchases have an environmental footprint. The good news is that making more sustainable choices doesn’t have to be difficult.

Low-Hanging Fruit:
Reduce packaging waste by opting for products with minimal or recyclable packaging. When shopping online, bundle purchases to reduce shipping emissions, and always choose slower shipping options to cut back on expedited delivery’s environmental cost.
Advanced Action:
Make your purchases count by using platforms like Terry, where every necessary purchase helps fund climate action projects. By turning routine shopping into a tool for environmental restoration, you’re supporting reforestation, marine conservation, and ecosystem restoration efforts—all at no extra cost.
Read more about the impact of responsible shopping in our post about reforestation.

Energy Use: Lowering Your Carbon Footprint at Home

Energy use at home is another major contributor to carbon emissions, but even small changes can lead to big savings for both the planet and your wallet.

Low-Hanging Fruit:
Switch to LED light bulbs, which use up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs
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. Unplug devices when not in use, and consider using a smart thermostat to manage heating and cooling more efficiently.
Advanced Action:
Transition to renewable energy sources, such as solar panels. By making your home energy-efficient, you can reduce your household’s carbon footprint significantly. On a broader scale, consider switching to a green energy provider, which ensures your electricity comes from renewable sources like wind or solar
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Collective Impact: Why Every Action Matters

While individual actions are important, the true power of sustainability lies in collective impact. When more people make small changes—like reducing waste, driving less, or supporting sustainable brands—the results multiply. At Terry, we believe in the power of community. By turning your necessary purchases into climate action, you’re joining a movement that’s helping restore ecosystems, reduce emissions, and create a healthier planet for all.

Conclusion

Living sustainably doesn’t have to mean overhauling your entire lifestyle overnight. By taking small, meaningful actions and making more conscious choices in transportation, food, clothing, and shopping, you can contribute to a more sustainable future. And as part of the Terry community, every purchase you make brings us one step closer to restoring our planet.

Want to learn more? Check out our post on ecosystem restoration and marine ecosystems to see how your actions are making a difference.

Sources:

International Energy Agency, The Role of EVs in Reducing Emissions
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Global Food Waste
Project Drawdown, Plant-Based Diets and Their Impact
Ellen MacArthur Foundation, The Impact of Fast Fashion

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