For the longest time, I blamed big corporations for the climate crisis. But when I learned about simple living, I realized how much of an impact the consumerist lifestyle had on the environment. That’s when I realized, it wasn’t just the corporations that had to change, our lifestyles that kept those companies going did. Drastically.

And in turn, as I moved my focus away from things and towards experiences, I saw more beauty in the nature around me and learnt to appreciate it more.

The following are lifestyle changes that may seem challenging, but in the end will benefit both your well-being and the environment enormously.

Boycott companies that aren’t eco-friendly

There are so many products we buy without thinking about where they come from and what was put into making them. In fact, most of any item’s carbon footprint comes from its production. This is why what’s most important for the environment, is consuming products that last, and that come from companies with sustainability initiatives.

It’s worth doing some research on the products you own and then chuck and boycott anything from a company that is not doing their bit.

Cut down on mass-produced foods

The agriculture industry is the second biggest contributor to carbon emissions, after heat and electricity production. And it’s not just because chopping down trees releases carbon into the air. Think about it: all the processes and energy required for production to delivering these food products to your door. The scale of the operation is truly overwhelming.

Beef, lamb, palm oil and chocolate are some of the biggest drivers of deforestation. Even if you are able to just cut down on these ingredients, this may be the biggest way you can make real change for the environment.

Learn the terrifying truth about fast fashion

This can be a tough one for people to hear, but the fast fashion industry emits more carbon than flights and shipping put together. For many, fashion consumption is becoming an insatiable habit. But there is another way. Boycott these fast fashion stores and make sure you only get clothes built to last.

Get a smaller car

About a year ago, I was unbelievably shocked to read that if SUVs were a nation, they would be the seventh biggest contribution to climate change. For some reason, these big bulky cars had a huge growth in popularity over the last 10 years, and are offsetting all the improvements made for more fuel-efficiency in smaller cars.

Do you really need such a big car though? Even with a big family, there are alternatives to this villain of climate change. If you’re solo, why own a car at all? Cycling, public transport and car-pooling are much better for the environment and a great way to live simpler.

Become an essentialist for electricity

One of the key tenets of essentialism is, ‘I can do anything but not everything’. While electrical devices seem so fundamental to our lives now, if we look closer do we really need a tablet, a kindle, a laptop, a phone, radio and Alexa? Perhaps just the laptop will do, or just the phone. Then maybe you can make more time for outdoor hobbies instead of indoor ones that consume more electricity.

Work towards zero waste

Producing less waste is a natural progression of simple living, but also a wonderful way to help the environment. Opt for food products without packaging. Better yet, grow your own food! Also, ditch those disposable products. Disposable razors, coffee cups and plastic bags have an especially bad impact.

Remember, simple living means something different to everyone. To me, it means trying to cut down any way I can to help the environment. To you, maybe you just want to try one of these, or to gradually cut down in each area. Just make sure that you become aware of what you use and make positive changes that are manageable for you.