Every day, in big and small ways, we leave traces on this planet. Some are bad and deep like scars – plastic bags that never break down, clothes tossed aside after a season, energy wasted without a thought. Others are gentle; something that makes Mother Nature say “Thank you” – choosing to carry a cloth bag, planting flowers that feed bees, or passing on a book instead of letting it gather dust. These are the eco-friendly practices.
A lot of people think that sustainability requires drastic sacrifices. Or expensive lifestyle overhauls. The truth is that meaningful changes often start with small steps. In this blog, we will discover such small yet effective environmentally-friendly steps a.k.a. practices, you can incorporate in your day-to-day habits to show that you care.
Let’s start.
What Are the Best Eco-Friendly Practices?
Here, we have prepared a list of changes that can slip easily into your routine and help you save our environment for future generations:
1. Buy second-hand or thrift clothes- Fast fashion wastes resources and pollutes heavily. Thrifting is an eco-friendly practice that supports sustainable fashion and unique style.
2. Donate old clothes and books– Instead of throwing them away, give them a second life. Donation is one of those eco practices that also spreads joy to others.
Check out NGOs like Goonj in India that recycle clothes into mats and other essentials.
3. Support local farmers’ markets- Buying local means less fuel used for transport. This also gets you fresher, healthier produce.
4. Limit online shopping packaging- E-commerce plastic waste in India was over 3.5 million tonnes in 2022. Select bulk orders, minimal packaging, or local sellers to reduce this burden.
5. Swap books with friends- One of the best takes to consider if you want to start a wave of becoming eco-friendly in India. Start a little book club where everyone exchanges instead of buying new. Sharing novels or exam guides instead of buying new ones is an environmentally friendly practice that fosters good relationships.
6. Collect and reuse greywater– Water used for rinsing rice or washing veggies can be reused to water plants. In water-scarce cities like Chennai and Bengaluru, this small practice can save hundreds of liters per month.
7. Make your own cleaning clothes- Old cotton kurtas or sarees can be cut into cleaning rags. This promotes recycling textiles that would otherwise go to waste.
8. DIY natural beauty products- Using kitchen items to make simple washes or masks cuts down on packing. Haldi, Multani mitti, or Aloe Vera are some beauty products one can use without worrying about their carbon footprint.
9. Turn old newspapers into gift wrap- Creative, vintage-style, and eco-friendly packaging are trending and super easy. Need some inspiration? Check out this idea on Pinterest.
10. Grow pollinator-friendly flowers- Help bees, butterflies, and other pollinators thrive. Pollinator-friendly flowers for India include common favorites like Marigold, Jasmine, Sunflower, Hibiscus, Zinnia, and Tulsi (Holy Basil).
11 Send e-cards instead of paper ones- Another eco-friendly method to save Mama Earth. Greeting cards are lovely but they waste tons of paper. Consider using digital cards or heartfelt messages online. They are an eco-friendly option that helps you save trees while still spreading joy.
12. Switch to cloth diapers or menstrual cups- These long-lasting alternatives to disposables reduce mountains of waste. You can save a lot of money over time.
Don’t forget to check out these resources:
20 NGOs working for environmental protection in India
Environment-friendly farming methods
Global Warming Impacts, Causes, and measures to combat
13. Host a zero-waste picnic- Make your outings fun without generating trash. How? Pack reusable cutlery, steel bottles, and homemade food.
14. Collect and donate bubble wrap- Instead of throwing it away, pass bubble wrap to small businesses or movers who can reuse it.
15. Repurpose old jars into lanterns- Wanna combine sustainability with creativity and fun? With a candle or fairy lights, turn your jars into beautiful lanterns.
16. Natural Scent Solutions – To naturally refresh your home, simmer spices, herbs, or citrus peels. Why this eco-friendly practice, you ask? Because harmful toxins present in chemical air fresheners sitting on your shelf increase chemical pollution indoors. These can revitalize your home safely
17. Air-dry clothes whenever possible- Skip the dryer and let the sun do the work. This saves electricity, prevents 0.6 kg CO₂ per load, and extends your clothes’ lifespan.
18. Turn broken mugs into planters- A chipped cup can be a perfect tiny pot for succulents. This way, you can turn trash into home décor in simple ways. Browse the internet for such crafty tutorials.
19. Practice “no-buy” day- Set aside one day a week where you buy nothing new. This habit will reduce impulsive consumption and waste.
20. Start a “take a book, leave a book” shelf- Encourage sharing by setting up a community bookshelf. You can even make new friends sharing your love for reading while reducing consumerism.
21. Turn wine bottles into home décor- Empty bottles can become candle holders, vases, or even lamps. Upcycling them is an environmentally friendly practice that adds charm to your space.
22. Repair old furniture with creative upcycling- Instead of tossing out worn chairs or tables, bring out your inner artist and give them a new look. References from Pinterest, a little paint, and repurposed designs will make it match the aesthetics of your room.
23. Turn off push notifications on devices- Less buzzing means less screen time. Successfully implementing this eco-friendly practice will lead to less energy consumption and thus a greener earth.
24. Start an ‘eco jar’– Keep broken crayons, rubber bands, and twist ties in a jar or box of trinkets and reuse them creatively in your art projects or DIY gifts.
25. Upcycle old denim- Turn worn jeans into bags, aprons, or coasters. Denim is durable, and upcycling it gives fabric a whole new life.
26. Switch your search engine to an eco-friendly one- Search engines like Ecosia use ad revenue to plant trees. It’s a unique endeavour that requires no extra effort from you.
27. Use rechargeable batteries- Rechargeables last hundreds of cycles, reducing hazardous waste. They are also cost-effective and convenient.
28. DIY Air Purifiers – Snake plant, Money plant, Aloe Vera, rubber plant are some plants that can filter out harmful toxins. NASA studies show that they remove up to 87% of indoor pollutants in 24 hours.
29. Plant-Based Meal Days – Meat production is responsible for around 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Dedicate certain days to vegetarian or vegan meals to reduce carbon footprint.
30. Eco Challenges on Social Media – Share sustainability goals, like planting trees, reducing plastic use or a haul of pretty thrifted clothes. Inspire others to adopt eco-friendly practices.
Best Eco-friendly Practices to Consider: Final Words
Above are some useful, environment-friendly practices that people can consider to bring positive change to their daily lives. Purpose, not perfection, is the key to living sustainably. Every eco-friendly action listed above, regardless of its size, is a vote for a better future and a healthier earth.
One bottle, one bag, or one decision at a time might be the first step toward change; it doesn’t have to be too big. All you need is to start with a few of these simple eco practices. Make them part of your routine and watch how little changes add up to a big difference for our planet.
So, which of these green practices feels easiest for you to add to your lifestyle? Let us know in the comment section.
Anne Moses
Anne Moses is a literature student who finds beauty in words and contradictions of life. With curiosity and compassion, she blends storytelling with social themes to highlight communities and causes that matter. Her writing seeks to inspire reflection, resilience, and change by connecting readers with voices making a meaningful difference. Contact her on anne.moses247@gmail.com
