At some point, we’ve all done it. Bought the “eco-friendly” version of our favourite product. Recycled something and felt like an environmental god. Posted a material shopping bag selfie. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: a lot of what we do in the name of sustainability is more about image than impact. 

Let’s call it what it is: performative eco-consciousness. 

Like big business greenwashing, these seven small everyday "planet-saving" acts might not be helping much at all. 

1. Tossing a Working Appliance for an ‘Eco’ Upgrade 

Sure, your new washing machine uses less water — but was it worth throwing the old one away while it was still working perfectly fine just because the inlet pipe was leaking? Manufacturing and shipping new appliances create a massive carbon footprint. Sometimes, fixing beats replacing. 

Try instead: Repair first, replace last. Energy efficiency is great — but only when timed right. 

2. The Stainless Steel Straw Victory Lap 

You bought a reusable straw. That’s cool. But did it fly across the world in plastic packaging to get to you? One straw won’t offset a lifestyle built on convenience and consumption of single-use plastics. 

Try instead: Focus on reducing overall single-use plastic consumption. Not just swapping materials. 

3. Collecting Reusable Shopping Bags Like They’re Pokémon 

We’ve ditched plastic bags… only to hoard 47 reusable ones from every market or shop. Cotton bags require tons of water and energy to produce, so owning a closet full of them isn’t the flex we think it is. 

Try instead: Have a few bags (fewer than 10). Reuse the same few bags. Wash sparingly. Use each one until they die. 

4. Fast Fashion’s Green Makeover 

“Made with organic cotton” — and stitched by underpaid workers in factories powered by electricity generated from coal. If you're buying new clothes every week and calling it environmentally conscious because you only buy "green" labels, you're missing the bigger picture. 

Try instead: Buy less. Buy secondhand. Repeat outfits. Be proud of being an outfit repeater. A few well-chosen garments and accessories can make many versatile outfits that feel fresh each time you wear them. Remember the "capsule wardrobe" concept from the 90s? It's a minimalist approach to fashion that helps simplify dressing while maintaining style.

5. Driving to the Recycling Bin 

You separate your glass from your plastics — bravo. But if you're driving your gas-guzzling car to drop off one tiny bag of recyclables at the recycling station, the emissions from your car may cancel out the benefit to the environment. Collect at home first, then once the pile gets bigger, take it all together to the recycling station nearest to where you live.

Try instead: Make recycling part of a broader waste reduction habit. And consider transport when you do it. 

6. Quality Over Quantity – The Longevity Mindset

Opting for cheap, short-lived products might seem economical, but their poor quality often leads to frequent replacements, increasing waste and long-term costs. Investing in durable, multipurpose items reduces environmental impact and proves cost-effective over time. 

Try instead: Choose well-made, versatile items designed to last. This approach minimises waste and fosters a more sustainable lifestyle.

7. The 30-Day Rule & Rethinking 'Need' – Combating Impulse Buying

Impulse purchases, often driven by marketing tactics, can lead to unnecessary consumption and environmental strain. Every marketer in the world is after your money—it is their job, after all. To save yourself from becoming a victim of impulse buying culture, start implementing the "30-Day Rule." Waiting 30 days before buying a non-essential item can help determine if the purchase is truly necessary. 

Try instead: Before making a purchase, pause and reflect on its necessity. Understanding marketing influences can help you make more intentional and sustainable buying decisions.

🦉 So, What Does Help? (Sustainable Living Tips)

We’re not saying you should stop caring or doing the small habits you created for yourself — we’re saying it’s time to care more deeply. Sustainability isn’t about being perfect. It’s about making mindful decisions with long-term impact, not just short-term optics. 

Want to do better without the burnout? Here are a few sustainable living tips:

🌱 Start Composting at Home

Composting is a powerful way to reduce household waste and enrich the soil in your garden or even plant pots. By turning food scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich compost, you divert organic material from landfills, where it would otherwise produce methane—a potent greenhouse gas. Adding this free compost to your soil will help your plants grow and increase the biodiversity of your soil and garden.

How to Begin:

• Choose a Composting Method: Options include backyard composting, vermicomposting (using worms), or indoor compost bins like the Bokashi system. For more information, go here and here.

• Know What to Compost: Include fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, and yard trimmings. Avoid meat, dairy, and oily foods.

• Maintain Balance: To keep your compost healthy, aim for a mix of "greens" (nitrogen-rich materials) and "browns" (carbon-rich materials).

  
  

  

🛍️ Embrace Conscious Consumerism

Before buying something, ask yourself if it is necessary and if it aligns with your sustainability goals. Implement the "30-Day Rule"—wait 30 days before buying non-essential items—to help curb impulse buying and reduce unnecessary consumption.

Tips:

• Research Brands: Support companies with transparent, ethical, and sustainable practices.

• Opt for Quality: Invest in durable, multipurpose items that have a longer lifespan.

• Buy Secondhand: Explore second-hand stores, online marketplaces, and community swaps.

  
  

💧 Conserve Water and Energy

Reduce water and energy usage to conserve resources and lower household costs.

Actions:

• Fix Leaks:  Fix dripping taps and running toilets promptly.

• Efficient Appliances: Use energy-efficient appliances and LED light bulbs.

• Mindful Usage: Turn off lights and unplug electronics when not in use.

  
  

Integrating these sustainable living tips into daily life contributes to a more sustainable future. I know most of our readers are already doing many things mentioned in this post, but I want you to remember that every small step counts, and collective action leads to significant change.

In the comments, let us know how many of the items mentioned in this post you are already doing.