How to Create an Eco-Friendly Lifestyle

So, you’re not about to quit your job, move to the forest, and live off moss and mushrooms. But you do care about the planet—and want to live in a way that doesn’t make you feel like you’re personally melting the polar ice caps. We respect that.

Creating an eco-friendly lifestyle isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being better. And it starts with real, gritty, doable changes that fit into your actual life—not some utopian Pinterest board.

Here’s how to build a more sustainable lifestyle, from the small switches to the big overhauls, all without sacrificing your sanity (or your WiFi).

1. Start Where You Are—Not Where Instagram Thinks You Should Be

Before you feel bad about not owning a compost toilet, take a beat. An eco-friendly lifestyle doesn’t look the same for everyone. You don’t need to go zero-waste overnight. Start with one habit. Build from there.

Try this:

✅ Ditch single-use plastics—invest in a reusable water bottle, coffee cup, and grocery bags.
✅ Stop impulse-buying stuff you don’t need. Your wallet and the landfill will thank you.
✅ Set eco-intentions for the week. Example: no plastic cutlery, no fast fashion, take shorter showers.

2. Upgrade Your Commute

Cars are convenient, but they're also climate killers. If going fully car-free isn't an option (hi, suburbia), look at ways to cut back.

Try this:

✅ Bike or walk short distances instead of driving.
✅ Carpool. Yes, even if it means awkward small talk.
✅ Take public transport twice a week. Bonus: guilt-free podcast time.
✅ If you drive, keep your tires properly inflated. It actually improves fuel efficiency.

3. Eat Like You Give a Damn

You don’t need to go full vegan, but the environmental impact of your diet is real. Even small changes here go a long way.

Try this:

✅ Cut meat from one or two meals a week. Hello, Meatless Monday.
✅ Shop local and seasonal. Farmers' markets aren’t just for hipsters.
✅ Reduce food waste—use what’s in your fridge before it becomes a science experiment.

4. Green Your Tech (Without Going Off-Grid)

Yes, your phone is sucking energy. No, we’re not telling you to toss it in the ocean.

Try this:

✅ Unplug chargers when not in use.
✅ Put devices on power-saving mode.
✅ Recycle your old electronics properly (don’t just toss them in the trash).
✅ Switch to a renewable energy provider if your area allows it.

5. Rethink Your Closet

Fast fashion is fun—until you realize it's the second-most polluting industry in the world. Time to Marie Kondo your shopping habits.

Try this:

✅ Buy fewer, better things. Go for quality over quantity. A curated capsule closet is a game-changer.
✅ Thrift it. Secondhand is officially cool again.
✅ Swap with friends or try clothing rental services.
✅ Learn to sew a button. Just one button. It’s empowering, trust us.

6. Vote With Your Dollar

Every purchase is a tiny vote for the kind of world you want to live in. Make it count.

Try this:

✅ Support certified B Corps, local businesses, and ethical brands.
✅ Read product labels—materials matter.
✅ Ask brands hard questions. And if they don’t answer? You’ve got your answer.

7. Bring Sustainability Into Your Space

No need to feng shui your whole apartment. Just be intentional.

Try this:

✅ Switch to LED bulbs and energy-efficient appliances.
✅ Use natural cleaning products or make your own (vinegar + baking soda = magic).
✅ Add houseplants—they’re air purifiers in disguise.
✅ Lower your thermostat by a degree. Cozy sweaters are in anyway.

8. Reconnect With Nature

Go outside. Touch some grass. Look at a tree. It’s good for your brain and your eco-motivation.

Try this:

✅ Take a walk without your phone. Just vibe.
✅ Do one outdoor activity a week—hike, swim, sit in a park with a book.
✅ Try a “plastic-free picnic.” Just you, nature, and a sandwich wrapped in beeswax.

Make It a Lifestyle, Not a Chore

This isn’t a one-week challenge. It’s a mindset shift. Sustainability doesn’t mean sacrificing joy—it means finding better joy. The kind that lasts.

We’re With You on This One

Ekster is a certified B Corp, which basically means we walk the walk—not just talk the (greenwashed) talk. 

We use sustainable materials like 100% recycled aluminum in our Cardholder Pro, vegan leather for some of our wallets, and recycled PET bottles for our backpacks. All our materials are sources sustainably and our products are designed to be upcycled or recycled. 

We’ve even got something fruity dropping soon—but we’ll let you chew on that mystery for now.

EXPLORE EKSTER’S SUSTAINABLE GEAR

FAQ

What does it mean to live an eco-friendly lifestyle?
It means making daily choices that reduce harm to the environment, from how you eat and travel to what you buy and how you consume energy.

Is it hard to start an eco-friendly lifestyle?
Not at all. Start small—reusable bags, cutting food waste, and swapping fast fashion for thrift finds are great entry points.

What are 5 ways to be more eco-friendly?
1. Use less plastic
2. Eat less meat
3. Walk or bike more
4. Buy sustainable products
5. Reduce energy usage at home

What is the most eco-friendly habit to adopt?
It depends, but reducing consumption in general—buying less, wasting less—is one of the most impactful things you can do.