Practical Steps for a Sustainable Planet

The constant noise about saving the planet can feel overwhelming. With current headlines highlighting more than ever the need for change, we find ourselves being bombarded with calls to action—reduce emissions, cut waste, save water—but where should we start? For many, it’s easy to feel like the efforts of one family or individual won’t be enough to make a difference, but that’s far from the reality. Everyone can make a difference, and the planet needs you. Here, we’ll explore five straightforward ways that any household can make a start. These actions may seem small, but collectively, they can and will lead to transformative change. Let’s dive in and see how you can make a difference.

Embrace Second-Hand Fashion

The fashion industry is one of the world’s largest polluters, contributing 10% of global carbon emissions annually. Fast fashion exacerbates water waste and fills landfills with discarded textiles. But second-hand fashion offers a sustainable alternative, and platforms like eBay, Vinted, and Depop make it easier than ever to buy and sell pre-loved items.

Buying second-hand reduces the demand for new clothing, cutting down on water and energy use in production. For example, producing one cotton T-shirt requires approximately 2,700 liters of water—enough to meet one person’s drinking needs for 2.5 years. Selling or donating clothes keeps them out of landfills, where 85% of discarded textiles currently end up in the U.S. alone.

By integrating second-hand shopping into your lifestyle, you not only save money but also help mitigate the environmental impact of fashion. Imagine the difference if every household committed to buying just one second-hand item per year—the cumulative effect would save billions of gallons of water and reduce waste on a global scale.

Eat More Plant-Based Meals

Shifting to a plant-based diet is one of the most effective ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Livestock farming is a significant contributor to global emissions, producing methane and consuming vast amounts of water and land.

Studies show that producing one kilogram of beef generates 27 kilograms of CO₂ equivalent, compared to just 2 kilograms for lentils. Researchers at the University of Oxford estimate that adopting a plant-based diet can reduce an individual’s carbon footprint from food by up to 73%.

Incorporating more plant-based meals into your diet doesn’t have to mean giving up meat entirely. Start with small steps, like introducing “Meatless Mondays” or trying plant-based recipes once a week. By supporting local farmers’ markets and choosing seasonal produce, you can further lower your environmental impact while enjoying fresh, nutritious meals. And hey, with all those extra veggie peels, why not put them to good use? Let’s talk composting next—because even your scraps deserve a second chance.

Not For Sale’s Peruvian Projects include working with communities to develop sustainable agricultural practices that reduce deforestation and support biodiversity. By empowering local farmers to source and sell their produce within their communities, these projects help reduce dependence on exploitative external buyers, ensuring that profits stay local and contribute to sustainable growth. Similarly, in the Amazon, Not For Sale supports the ethical harvesting of Brazil nuts, ensuring that farmers are not exploited by external markets and promoting the importance of buying well-sourced products that protect both the environment and the human rights of those who produce them. Making these small shifts in what you eat is one of the simplest ways to save the planet and support people working toward sustainability in 2025.

Reimagine Transportation

Transportation is responsible for 23% of global carbon emissions, making it one of the largest contributors to climate change. By rethinking how we travel, we can significantly lower our carbon footprint.

Daily commutes and holidays are prime opportunities for change. Opt for public transport, carpooling, cycling, or walking wherever possible. These alternatives not only reduce emissions but can also save money and improve health. When it comes to vacations, consider eco-friendly travel options like trains instead of short-haul flights. Trains emit just 14 grams of CO₂ per passenger kilometer compared to airplanes’ 285 grams.

If feasible, switching to an electric vehicle (EV) is another impactful change. EVs emit up to 60% less CO₂ over their lifetime compared to traditional cars, making them a crucial tool in the fight against climate change. Each journey matters, and together, greener transportation choices can significantly reduce emissions.

Not For Sale is proud to partner with Hydra Energy, a pioneer in the field of decarbonization through its retrofitting existing heavy truck fleets with hydrogen-powered technology, significantly reducing carbon emissions without compromising a trucks performance. By providing a practical and cost-effective solution for fleet operators, Hydra is making clean transportation accessible and impactful.

Heat Your Home Efficiently

Heating our homes accounts for 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. With smarter energy use, households can reduce their environmental impact and save money on energy bills.

Traditional heating systems often rely on fossil fuels, producing significant CO₂ emissions. Simple changes, like upgrading to a smart thermostat, can optimize heating schedules and reduce energy waste. For instance, lowering your thermostat by just 1°C can cut energy consumption by up to 10%.

Insulating walls, roofs, and floors is another effective measure. Proper insulation helps maintain indoor temperatures, reducing the need for excessive heating. By investing in energy-efficient solutions, households can contribute to a global reduction in emissions while enjoying a cozier home.

One example of impactful work in this area is Not For Sale’s Renewable Energy Projects, which focus on introducing sustainable energy solutions to communities in need. These initiatives not only reduce emissions but also improve living conditions and create opportunities for economic growth.

Recycle Kitchen Waste into Compost

Food waste is a major environmental issue, with approximately one-third of all food produced being wasted annually. Composting offers a simple yet effective way to recycle kitchen scraps and enrich the soil, closing the loop on waste.

When food waste ends up in landfills, it decomposes anaerobically, producing methane—a greenhouse gas 25 times more potent than CO₂. Composting diverts this waste, transforming vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells into nutrient-rich compost that can be used to fertilize gardens or donated to local farms.

Starting a composting routine is easier than you might think. Countertop compost bins are ideal for small kitchens, and balancing greens (like food scraps) with browns (like dry leaves) ensures effective composting. And remember all those extra veggie peels from your new plant-based meals? They’re the perfect ingredient for your compost—talk about making every bite count!

Small Changes, Big Results

The overwhelming challenge of climate change can make it hard to know where to start, but small, conscious steps can have a big impact. By embracing second-hand fashion, eating more plant-based meals, rethinking transportation, heating homes efficiently, and composting kitchen waste, every household can play a part in building a sustainable future.

These actions are achievable for anyone and add up to meaningful global change. Together, we can transform sustainability from a daunting challenge into a series of achievable goals, making 2025 a turning point for the planet.