10 Easy Ways to Begin Your Sustainable Living Journey

Sustainable living is not just a trend but also a meaningful lifestyle that helps protect the environment and improve the quality of life. But how to make it a part of your daily routine? Let's explore 10 easy ways to start living sustainably with Artera Home in the following blog.

Understand What Sustainable Living Means

There is no specific definition of "Sustainable living". It is much more like an individual interpretation, which is determined based on each person’s consciousness, purposes, and actions.

Environmentally friendly living is a lifestyle that reduces an individual's negative impact on the environment, makes positive changes to deal with climate change, and minimizes damage to the environment.

Sustainable living examples incorporate many aspects of life, such as consumption, energy, transportation, food, health, fashion, and more. No one can be perfectly sustainable. Instead, we had better focus on our different actions and habits to make a more sustainable lifestyle.

Top 10 Ways to Live More Sustainably

1. Think Carefully Before Deciding To Buy

Every purchased item has an impact on the environment, regardless of much or little, positive or negative. Due to Florida State University research, it takes 2700 liters of water to produce a cotton T-shirt, and this amount is enough for one person to drink in 900 days. Therefore, consider and think carefully before purchasing any item.

Let's look at the pile of clothes in your closet. How many of them do you really wear? Do you need all of them? Or there are items you even only wear once and wonder if it is necessary to buy new clothes.

Similar to other items, do you really need to buy a new one? Or you can buy second-hand, trade your products, or repurpose any furniture.

Changing your shopping habits is one of the simplest ways for sustainable living. 

Think carefully before deciding to buy

2. Choose Eco-Friendly Furniture

Sustainable living begins with conscious choices especially in home decor. Opt for eco-friendly furniture and handcrafted accents made from renewable materials like FSC-certified wood, rattan, bamboo, and wicker. These natural  elements add warmth, durability, and a timeless aesthetic to your space.

Choose brands committed to ethical production and environmentally friendly processes. Look for organic textiles like cotton, linen, wool, and silk for a soft, toxin-free touch. Woven wall decor from seagrass or water hyacinth effortlessly enhances your home with artisanal charm and neutral elegance.

By embracing handcrafted, nature-inspired decor, you’re not just designing a beautiful home - you’re making a lasting impact on the planet.

The corner of the house with natural decoration

3. Decorate Your Home With Green Plants

Plants are one of the affordable home decor ideas for any space. They can purify and improve the quality of in-house air, through which you can improve your physical health. In addition, green helps make your home more vital.

But remember that, it is not sustainable to bring many plants into the house, then not take care and let the tree die.

Notes you should keep in mind when taking care of an indoor plant:

• Provide enough light, nutrients, and water.
• Change the soil and remove damaged leaves periodically.
• Do not leave plants in the bedroom at night.
• Limit the use of pesticides inside the home.
• Use a wicker basket to protect the plant from damage.

>> Explore: Top 10+ Wicker Basket Planter For Your Home.

Decorate Your Home With Green Plants

4. Use Multi-Functional Products

Influenced by the fast-shopping trend, we tend to purchase seasonal products without consideration. And then, after the holidays, these items don't seem to have a chance to appear again.

The most potential solution is to use everyday products, instead of disposable ones. It may take time to clean every festival and party, but significantly help reduce amounts of waste.

Considering features to buy multi-functional products:

• Reusability
• Easy portability
• Frequency of use
• Quality of the materials
• Adaptability to different home styles
• Possibility to change the purpose of use

Take a woven placemat as an example. Its basic function is to protect the table from dirt and heat. Moreover, its beautiful design can be used both every day and every holiday (Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas).

Corner of room decorated with woven rattan basket

5. Buy Second Hand

Buying pre-owned items not only saves money but also minimizes the demand for new production, conserving natural resources and reducing environmental impact.

Thrift stores and online marketplaces offer a wide range of quality second-hand goods, from furniture and clothing to books, musical instruments, and home decor. Instead of purchasing brand-new items, opting for pre-loved pieces allows you to enjoy unique finds at a fraction of the cost while contributing to a circular economy.

However, not everything should be bought second-hand. Items like medications, food, baby products, underwear, swimwear, and bedding should always be purchased new for safety and hygiene reasons.

pre-owned items create a classic space

6. Drive Less, Cycle More 

A key part of sustainable living is rethinking daily transportation. Opting for cycling or walking instead of driving reduces carbon emissions, lowers your environmental impact, and promotes a healthier lifestyle. Even small changes like biking to work, walking to nearby shops, or using public transport can make a big difference.

Beyond benefiting the planet, cycling and walking improve cardiovascular health, boost metabolism, and reduce stress. Plus, you’ll save on fuel costs, parking fees, and vehicle maintenance.

By embracing eco-friendly transportation, you contribute to a cleaner environment while enhancing your well-being one step or pedal at a time.

Cycling reduces emissions and improves health

7. Use Compostable Products

Plastic was originally created to reduce wood consumption, but its durability and widespread use have led to serious environmental pollution. Since plastic takes centuries to decompose, it contributes significantly to global waste problems. However, sustainable living does not mean eliminating plastic completely, but rather making smarter choices. 

A more eco-friendly approach is to prioritize compostable alternatives. Materials such as PLA (Polylactic Acid) provide a sustainable solution that naturally decomposes while creating up to 80% less carbon emissions than conventional plastic. Choosing compostable packaging, utensils and household items such as water hyacinth baskets, seagrass baskets, woven trays, etc. helps reduce waste and support a cleaner planet.

>> Read more: Wicker Storage Basket vs Plastic Basket: Which is Better for Your Kitchen?

Decor items are made from natural

8. Green Your Home

Creating an eco-friendly home is an important step towards sustainable living. Start by ensuring proper insulation, installing energy-efficient windows, and using a programmable thermostat to regulate your heating and cooling. Switching to LED light bulbs is another small change that makes a big difference.

If you have a choice of electricity providers, choose one that gets at least 50% of its energy from renewable sources like wind and solar. Installing solar panels or a solar water heater can help you further reduce your carbon footprint while also cutting your long-term energy costs.

>> Read more: Lagom - The Secret to a Fulfilling Life with Just Enough

Room with natural light from large windows

9. Be Water Wise 

Water conservation is essential as growing populations and climate change put pressure on natural resources. Sustainable living means using water responsibly, and small daily habits can make a big impact. Reduce water waste by taking shorter showers, fixing leaks, and installing low-flow faucets, toilets, and appliances.

For outdoor spaces, consider xeriscaping - landscaping with drought-resistant, native plants that require minimal watering while supporting local wildlife. This not only conserves water but also creates a thriving, low-maintenance ecosystem.

Another significant way to save water is by reducing meat and dairy consumption, as animal agriculture is one of the largest consumers of freshwater. By making mindful choices in your home and diet, you contribute to a more sustainable and water-efficient future.

Use water wisely, avoid waste

10. Appreciate What You Have 

Sustainable living isn’t just about reducing waste it’s also about valuing what you already have. When you appreciate your belongings, you’re less likely to replace or discard them unnecessarily, helping to minimize waste and reduce environmental impact.

Gratitude is contagious. By embracing a mindful approach to consumption and sharing this mindset with others, you inspire a ripple effect that encourages more people to cherish and preserve the world around them.

Ask yourself: Are you truly content with what you own? What do you love most about this Earth? How can you turn that appreciation into meaningful action? Reflecting on these questions can deepen your commitment to sustainability and inspire everyday choices that protect our planet for future generations.

Appreciate what you have

5 Sustainable Lifestyle Home Decor Ideas From Artera Home

1. Natural Wicker Rattan Wall Basket decor

Natural Wicker Rattan Wall Basket Decor is a stylish, eco-friendly addition to any home. Handwoven from sustainable rattan, these durable baskets add warmth and texture, perfect as wall art, trays, or storage. They promote traditional craftsmanship and a greener lifestyle.

Natural Wicker Rattan Wall Basket Decor, Large Set

2. Water Hyacinth Wicker Tray

Water Hyacinth Wicker Tray is a versatile, eco-friendly decor piece, perfect for serving, organizing, or enhancing any space. Handwoven from sustainable water hyacinth, it adds natural warmth and texture to boho, rustic, or minimalist interiors. Durable and biodegradable, it supports sustainable living while promoting traditional craftsmanship and eco-conscious decor choices.

Round Natural Brown Water Hyacinth Wicker Tray

3. Seagrass wicker basket

Seagrass Wicker Basket is a stylish, eco-friendly storage solution that blends functionality with sustainable design. Handwoven from natural seagrass, it offers durability, versatility, and a warm, organic aesthetic. Ideal for organizing, displaying decor, or as a planter cover, this biodegradable basket supports sustainable living while adding rustic charm to any space.

Cube Seagrass Wicker Basket With Linen Set of 2 

4. Water hyacinth woven placemat

Water Hyacinth Woven Placemat brings organic elegance to any dining space. Handcrafted from renewable water hyacinth, it adds warmth, texture, and durability. Ideal for protecting surfaces while elevating table decor, this eco-friendly piece supports sustainable living.

Round Water Hyacinth Woven Placemat Set

5. Seagrass woven rug

Seagrass Woven Rug adds natural texture and warmth to any space while supporting sustainable living. Handwoven from durable, eco-friendly seagrass, it is biodegradable, non-toxic, and resistant to wear. Ideal for boho, coastal, or minimalist interiors, this rug enhances home decor while promoting traditional craftsmanship and environmentally conscious choices.

Handwoven Seagrass Rug - Flower Design

In addition to environmental benefits, sustainable living also fosters a deeper connection with nature and improves personal health. Hopefully, with this article from Artera Home, you have useful information to help improve your life and make your living space more wonderful.