11 everyday swaps for a more sustainable lifestyle

If you know Nakie, you’ll know how much we fricking love and care about the planet.
But sometimes, doing the right thing for the planet isn’t the easiest thing. And hey, we’re all about that convenient life, right? There’s no reason to make life harder than it already can be sometimes.
So, we’ve put together a list of what we reckon are super easy everyday swaps to start living a more sustainable, earth-friendly life.
You legends probably do some of these already – but if you don’t – there's no time like the present to go, go, go!
- Reusable shopping bags. Great… if you remember to bring them with you when you shop. Handy tip: leave a few in the car or at the front door so you’re never caught without one!
- Reusable water bottles. This one is SO easy to do – and no, it doesn’t have to be a fancy shmancy Stanley Cup or Frank Green bottle (though we have to admit we do love these). It can be any reusable bottle.
- Reusable coffee cups. Again, it doesn’t have to be some high-end or expensive brand. Heck, you can even just bring a mug from home/the office to your local cafe for a sustainable to-go option. Lots of cafes also offer discounts for a BYO mug!
- Beeswax wraps. Switch to beeswax wraps instead of plastic wrap for your food; they’re not only reusable but also compostable. Double whammy.
- Buy in bulk. Buy staples like rice, pasta, and beans in bulk to cut down on packaging waste—don't forget to bring your own containers. Source Bulk Foods is a great place to shop sustainably, and they’re all across Australia.
- DIY cleaning products. Making your own cleaning products might sound like a drag but it’s super easy. Often a simple mix of vinegar and baking soda will do the trick! There are plenty of recipes online, and you can often add things like essential oils for a fresh smell.
- Cloth napkins. Elevate dinner time with cloth napkins! Don’t save the fancy tableware for when you’re at a restaurant, have your own cloth napkins on hand that you can reuse over and over.
- Create a compost bin. This one might take a bit more effort, but once you build the habit, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without a compost bin! It’s the perfect way to reduce landfill garbage while also creating incredible soil for the garden.
- Thrift shopping. Gen Z seems to be all over op-shopping, and we love to see it. If you’re yet to give it a go, you’ll be amazed at some of the pieces you can pick up second-hand – from clothes to furniture to crockery… it’s the best way to make use of what’s already out there.
- Go digital. When you’re given the option, choose digital receipts, bank statements and documents over paper options. Very simple swap that makes a world of difference.
- Ditch the car. Whenever you can, walk, bike, rollerblade or use public transport instead of driving, or find a buddy to carpool with. Makes travelling way more fun and significantly cuts down your CO2.
Ok, those are our best tips – what are yours? Share them with us!
Now… where’d we leave our rollerblades? 🤔
Off we roll!
Nakie HQ
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