Building habits is something I find super important for productivity. Building habits can also be important for sustainability. For example, building a habit of researching items or business before you make a purchase can really impact your environmental footprint. Today, I am going to be talking about the best way for you to build the habit of being an informed consumer, as well as many other habits that can help you live a more sustainable life.
A. Positive Action. Use tools to make it easier to carry out a habit. Set reminders for yourself. One habit that can be hard to remember to do is bringing reusable bags with you when you go to the store. There are many ways to get around this. You could put your bags right by your front door so you won’t forget them, or even better keep some in your car. However, these practices are not very active. Passive practices don’t help you build a habit, they just help you succeed. Don’t get me wrong-- success is great. Yet, the best way to accomplish this is by carrying your bags with you everywhere. Keep them in your hand, over your shoulder or in your backpack at all times. Unlike a car, you likely pack your bag, backpack, tote, etc., everytime you use it. Packing is definitely an active practice.
Research before you buy. These days, it is so easy to click “add to cart” online or go on crazy shopping sprees without even giving it another thought. Our society even calls this normal. Instead, its a worthwhile endeavor to think about what you buy:
Support small and local businesses.
Purposefully buy from people who are ethical and care about the same things you care about.
If I can, I wait many days (sometimes even months) before actually buying an item. Usually waiting takes away the craving for whatever useless thing I need.
Ask yourself important questions. Check out my blog on minimalism to see the 10 to 15 questions I ask myself before buying almost anything.To get into the habit of asking yourself questions, you could put the list in your wallet. This way, everytime you go to use your credit card or any money, you will remember to ask yourself these questions. And don’t forget, sometimes less is more. Think about just putting the most essential questions in your wallet so you will actually take the time to read them. This will also help you remember them in times when you don’t have your list of essential questions.
B. Conserve energy. Best Practices: Turn off the lights, take shorter showers, walk as a mode of transportation when possible, and avoid turning up the heat or AC when that is not necessary. Most of these can be done with a small dose of intentionality. I always find words helpful. The human mind naturally reads things it sees. If you see a stop sign, you stop. Writing things down also makes you more likely to do them. You can put notes by the lightswitch, thermostat, or even the shower handle. This way, you’ll see the note and remember to do the action with intention. Starting a timer when you take a shower can also help to assure that you will not use an excessive amount of water.
C.. Disposing of waste properly is an extremely important habit to build. Whether this means recycling, composting, or putting something in the trash rather than littering, these are all super important. The best thing you can do to help yourself with this is to educate yourself. Figure out what is and what isn’t compostable or recyclable in your area. Turn this knowledge into a habit by making your compost or recycle bin accessible. Build a backyard compost, get an extra recycling bin for your office, talk to town representatives about having more trash cans around town. These are all things anyone can do to be a little more sustainable and help build healthy habits.
So why not try some of these new habits? Building good strong habits is not only healthy for you but also our planet. Peace.
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