Adopting a sustainable, eco-friendly lifestyle is kinder to the planet and friendlier on the pocket as well. Contrary to what many people think that eco-friendly living requires a complete overhaul of your current lifestyle, it’s actually quite easy to transition into a sustainable way of life. You just have to be mindful of what you are using and how. If you want to go green but don’t know where to start, we’re here to help.

Rule #1: Use what you have

The main rule to follow while choosing a sustainable life is to use what you have and not buy something on a whim or because you think it’s an eco-friendly alternative to what you are currently using. You don’t need a brand new steel tumbler if you already have a water bottle. Try to see if you can repurpose what you have to fit your needs. Think before you throw things out. Use chipped cups and bowls as planters. Use old tote bags to carry groceries.

Rule #2: Support small and local businesses

When you need something and have to shop, choose brands that are sustainable and make use of local resources instead of relying on imported products and cheap Chinese goods. Brands like Eco-Saathi Nepal and Nepal Knotcraft Center have straw and bamboo products for daily use. Abir Nepal and Ekadeshma have clothes made of linen, cotton, hemp, and other natural fibers. By supporting local business, you will help create a circular economy that is so important for sustainability.

Rule #3: Learn to compost and grow your food

If you have a small garden space or even a tiny balcony, you can grow different herbs and vegetables. This will reduce your grocery bills as well as the use of plastics that many food products, even produce, seem to come wrapped in these days. Composting your food scraps will reduce landfill waste as well as create a nutrient rich soil in your garden. It’s a fulfilling hobby as well that will make you reevaluate your relationship with food and trash.

Rule #4: Be resource efficient

Turn off the lights when you leave the room. Use LED bulbs instead of CFLs or tube lights. Fix leaky faucets and pipes to ensure you aren’t wasting water. If you can, store the water you use to wash your vegetables to reuse in the garden. Try to take two minute showers to conserve water. Maintain your appliances so that they last long and you don’t have to replace them time and again. Keep cords and wires in a storage box even if you don’t need them as chances are they might come in handy as you update your gadgets. Many people are guilty of throwing out cables only to buy new ones six months or a year down the line.

Rule #5: Buy second hand when you can

There are many thrift shops and stores selling second hand wares these days. From clothes and bags to phones and household appliances, you will probably get everything you need at thrift stores. Many of these businesses are online as well so you don’t even have to go anywhere to get what you need. The good thing is that most of the items they sell have been gently used so you won’t even be able to tell the difference between them and new ones. So whenever you have to buy something, see if there is a second hand version available and if that will work for you.