As a vegan, I appreciate the benefits of living a sustainable lifestyle. By reducing your carbon footprint, you’re doing your part to protect the environment.
However, it can be difficult to know where to start with all this new information if you’ve never made an effort before!
That’s why we’ve compiled this list of tips and tricks that will get you started off on the right foot (or paw).
| Takeaway |
|---|
| The Ultimate Guide to Living a Sustainable Vegan Lifestyle |
| The importance of understanding the environmental impact of a vegan diet |
| The benefits of going vegan, from health to animal welfare |
| Strategies for navigating social situations as a vegan |
| The science behind the health benefits of a vegan diet |
| Tips and tricks for dining out as a vegan |
The Beauty Products
If you want to live a sustainable vegan lifestyle, it’s important to choose beauty products that are not tested on animals.
This means that your makeup and skin care should be cruelty-free. By purchasing cruelty-free products, you can feel good about what you’re wearing and what’s going into your body.
You also want to buy local and seasonal products when possible. This will help cut down on waste because they’re fresher than store bought items that have traveled across the country or around the world before hitting shelves at local stores. Plus, this will reduce pollution from packaging materials being shipped across continents!
Finally, if you really want to go the extra mile for sustainability in your beauty routine then make some of your own products at home by using natural ingredients like coconut oil or avocado (which both make great moisturizers).
A vegan diet has a far lower environmental impact compared to an omnivorous diet. According to research, “animal agriculture is responsible for more greenhouse gases than the entire transportation sector combined.” Check out our article on the environmental impact of a vegan diet to learn more about the carbon footprint of a vegan lifestyle.
Food Wastage
Food waste is a huge problem. According to the United Nations, globally, one third of all food produced is wasted. Even more staggering is that in Australia alone, we throw away 8 million tonnes of food annually.
It doesn’t have to be this way though! As a vegan who lives sustainably and cares about the environment, you can make a difference in your community by reducing your own food wastage.
You may not think that you are contributing much to this problem but when combined with others like yourself, together we can really start making an impact on improving our planet!
| Food Waste Statistics |
|---|
| According to the United Nations, one third of all food produced globally is wasted. |
| Australia throws away 8 million tonnes of food annually. |
| In the USA, 30-40% of the food supply is wasted. |
| Around 10 million tonnes of food in the UK is wasted annually. |
| The average American household wastes about $2,200 worth of food each year. |
Global Food Waste Statistics
The table above shows some alarming data about food waste around the world. According to the United Nations, one third of all food produced globally is wasted. In Australia, this amounts to 8 million tonnes of food wasted annually, while in the USA, 30-40% of the food supply goes to waste.
The UK also generates significant food waste, with around 10 million tonnes of food wasted each year. In addition to its environmental impact, food waste also takes a toll on our wallets – the average American household wastes about $2,200 worth of food each year.
Animals and Pets
The vegan lifestyle is defined by a commitment to doing no harm and reducing the suffering of all living beings. This includes not only humans, but also animals. As a vegan, you will be making conscious decisions that involve non-human animals on a daily basis.
If you love pets and have them in your life as part of your household, you may think that being vegan and owning pets are mutually exclusive lifestyles.
However, that is not true! In fact, there are many benefits of adopting a vegan lifestyle when it comes to your pet’s health and well-being as well.
“Going vegan has numerous health benefits, from decreased risk of heart disease to improved digestion. The best part? You’ll be saving countless animals in the process.” Check out our blog post on 10 mind-blowing reasons to go vegan today for even more reasons to make the switch to a plant-based diet.
Transport
Transport is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in the United States and around the world.
Transportation accounts for about 27% of all US carbon emissions, and livestock production accounts for 18%.
In addition, transportation is responsible for congestion and air pollution in cities like Los Angeles, New York City, Paris, London, Rome and many others.
The good news is that it’s possible to reduce your carbon footprint by limiting travel on a personal level! Here are some tips:
- Ride a bike or walk whenever possible (or take public transport). It’s better for your health anyway!
- If you must drive (and we understand why many of us do), try carpooling with friends or coworkers rather than driving yourself alone every day. This can save tons of fuel costs while also decreasing traffic congestion on our roads!
Clothes and Fashion
Now that you are a vegan, it is important to consider your clothing choices and how they may contribute to the sustainability of the planet.
- Buy clothes that are ethically made
- Buy second-hand clothes
- Buy clothes with a long life
- Don’t buy clothes that are made from materials that will break down quickly (i.e., plastic)
When it comes to fashion, there is really no excuse for not living sustainably as a vegan. It’s easy enough to find affordable and fashionable items made from organic cotton or hemp material, or even recycled materials like denim jeans produced from old car seats!
| Sustainable Fashion Facts |
|---|
| The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. |
| Australia alone sends an estimated 500,000 tonnes of textiles to landfill each year. |
| The production of one cotton t-shirt requires 2,700 liters of water. |
| Fast fashion is the second-largest polluter of fresh water globally. |
| Each year, the apparel industry emits 1.5 tons of CO2 per household. |
You can also buy second hand garments on Etsy or eBay if you want something new but don’t want to spend too much money on it because these sites also support local communities by giving people access to resources they need while preventing unnecessary wastefulness in our society today at large.”
Social situations as a vegan can be challenging, but with a few key strategies, you can navigate them with ease. “From bringing your own food to simply communicating your needs clearly, there are plenty of ways to stick to your values while still enjoying yourself.” Check out our guide on how to navigate social situations as a vegan for more ideas on how to handle social events as a vegan.
Buying Local and Seasonal Food.
Buying local and seasonal food is better for the environment, your health, your community, the economy, and our planet.
As you may know from reading this blog or following us on Instagram (@vegan_savers), we care deeply about what we put into our bodies and how that affects the world around us.
This means that when shopping for groceries we do our best to buy local and seasonal foods whenever possible. Why? Here are six reasons:
It’s better for your health: The closer produce travels to get to you (or where it was grown if you grow it yourself), the less time there is for its nutrients to degrade. In other words: buying locally grown fruits and veggies means they’ll be tastier compared with produce shipped in from another country or region far away!
It’s better for your community: Buying locally sourced goods creates jobs in surrounding areas while also helping reduce carbon emissions produced during transportation of products across long distances.
Additionally, supporting your local farmers reduces dependence on large-scale industrial agriculture which often uses toxic fertilizers and pesticides as opposed to sustainable practices like composting or vermiculture (worm composting).
It’s better for economic growth: If all Americans replaced one meal per week with locally sourced food instead of imported product from overseas markets then $1 billion would be returned each year directly back into US communities!
Energy Use
Most of the food we eat is produced by burning fossil fuels. This contributes to the greenhouse effect, which causes climate change. One way you can reduce your energy footprint is by reducing how much energy you use in your home.
Use energy efficient appliances: Look for devices that have high Energy Star ratings on them. They will use less power than standard models, which means they’ll cost less to run and won’t be as harmful to the environment.
If it’s possible without sacrificing too much comfort or convenience, I’d recommend replacing light bulbs with LEDs because they last longer and are more efficient than incandescent bulbs (which aren’t great for our health either).
The same goes for other appliances like refrigerators and televisions—if an upgrade doesn’t significantly improve upon what came before it then there’s no point in getting a new one!
Use solar power: Solar panels are a great option if you’re looking at ways to cut down on carbon emissions from electricity use since they don’t emit any harmful substances into the atmosphere while providing clean power instead.”
Did you know that adopting a vegan diet can lower your risk of chronic disease and certain types of cancer? “Plant-based foods are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support optimal health and wellness.” Check out our article on the health benefits of a vegan diet: the science behind it all to learn more about the scientific evidence supporting a vegan lifestyle.
Water Conservation
- Use a water meter to monitor how much water you use.
- Install a low-flow shower head.
- Use a rain barrel.
- Install an indoor composting toilet, or go with an outdoor model if your climate is not too cold (here’s how they work).
- Water your garden in the early morning or evening, when temperatures are lower and evaporation will be minimal. This will also keep pests away!
- Hang clothes out to dry instead of using a dryer—it’s cheaper for one thing, and it has many other benefits as well!
Cleaning Products and Household Items
As you move through your day, there are plenty of ways to be more environmentally-friendly. From limiting your use of plastic straws to recycling old glass bottles and jars, here are some tips for living a sustainable vegan lifestyle in even the smallest ways.
- Use Natural Cleaning Products
The first step to living more sustainably is using natural cleaning products instead of harsh chemicals that pollute our environment.
Natural cleaning products can be found at any local grocery store or health food store — they usually come with a variety of scents, so you won’t have any trouble finding one you like!
Dining out as a vegan can be tough, but with a little preparation and know-how, it’s totally possible to enjoy delicious, animal-free meals at your favorite restaurants. “From researching menus beforehand to politely communicating your needs to the waitstaff, there are plenty of ways to dine out as a vegan like a pro.” Check out our ultimate guide on dining out as a vegan: tips and tricks for even more advice on mastering the art of eating out while staying true to your values.
Waste Reduction and Recycling
- Reduce waste by using less packaging
- Recycle everything you can
- Reuse things that are not recyclable, like plastic bags and household items.
- Avoid products with excessive packaging, especially if they have a lot of plastic or glass containers.
Use cloth bags when shopping to reduce the amount of plastic bags you use.
Recycle your batteries and mobile phone when they’re no longer usable by placing them in a battery recycling bin at any store that sells batteries or has a collection box for old electronics.
Most cities also provide special bins for phones and other electronics (like computers) so you can drop them off instead of throwing them out with regular garbage. If you’re feeling extra environmentally friendly, find out if there’s an e-waste recycling program near you!
Don’t forget about all those clothes sitting at home collecting dust—they’re ready for another chance at life!
Check out local thrift stores in your area (or even online), where any unwanted clothing can be sold again either online or in-person through consignment shops around town (find one here).
Get Involved And Inspire Others
When you live a sustainable vegan lifestyle, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of information available.
It can be hard to know where to start and what to focus on first. But if you’re feeling like you need a little inspiration and motivation, don’t worry! There are many ways for you to get involved with your local community and inspire others around you.
Get involved in community groups and events that share your values. Whether it’s joining an environmentalist club or going along for the monthly food waste collection run, being part of a community like this will help remind you why you’ve chosen this lifestyle and keep up-to-date with new changes that may affect the way we live in future years.
Get friends or family members involved too! If they’re already interested in living sustainably then they’ll probably love what you’ve done with your life so far; but even if they aren’t quite ready yet, it can be great fun trying out new recipes together (and maybe even sharing yours!)
Conclusion
This is just the beginning of your journey to a sustainable lifestyle. It’s an exciting time for you now, with so many new choices available in every area of your life.
But don’t get overwhelmed you don’t have to switch everything over at once! Take baby steps as you go along and remember that it can take some time before the right products or practices become second nature.
The most important thing is that today marks your first step toward living a more sustainable and compassionate lifestyle; congratulations on taking this first step forward into a brighter future!
Further Reading
For more information on veganism and sustainable living, check out these helpful resources:
The Independent: How to be vegan: Tips and advice on going plant-based – This comprehensive guide offers tips and advice for anyone interested in going vegan, from meal ideas to lifestyle tips.
Cookingenie: Plant-Based Eating for the Planet: How to Start a Sustainable Lifestyle – This blog post explores the environmental impact of your food choices and offers tips for reducing your carbon footprint through a plant-based lifestyle.
Vegan Food & Living: Free Vegan Beginner’s Guide – This beginner’s guide covers the basics of veganism, from nutrition to ethical considerations, and offers helpful tips for transitioning to a plant-based lifestyle.
FAQs
What is a vegan diet and lifestyle?
A vegan diet is one that does not include any animal products, such as meat, dairy, eggs, or honey. Veganism is a lifestyle that seeks to reduce harm to animals and the planet through abstaining from using animal products in all areas of life, from clothing to cosmetics.
What are some health benefits of a vegan diet?
A vegan diet has been shown to lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, as well as improve digestion and boost energy levels.
Can a vegan diet meet all of your nutritional needs?
Yes! With careful planning and attention to nutrients such as protein, iron, and vitamin B12, a vegan diet can provide all of the necessary nutrients for optimal health.
What are some common challenges of transitioning to a vegan lifestyle?
Some common challenges of transitioning to a vegan lifestyle include navigating social situations, finding alternatives to favorite foods, and dealing with criticism or misunderstanding from others.
How can I learn more about veganism and sustainable living?
Check out the Further Reading section of this article for some helpful resources, and consider joining communities or support groups online or in-person to connect with other like-minded individuals on the same journey.
Hi! My name is Hellen James, and I’m a vegan lifestyle enthusiast. I’ve been living the vegan lifestyle for over 10 years now, and it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The food is amazing, the community is incredible, and there’s no way I could go back after experiencing all this firsthand.
