By Katie, Digital Marketing Coordinator
Living a more eco-friendly lifestyle doesn’t have to mean going completely off-grid, living in a tiny home, giving away everything you love, and only eating plants. Living more sustainably should be easy for you, find small ways in your daily life to make better decisions for the planet. In fact, making small, thoughtful changes to your daily routine can add up to a big difference.
For me, it started small, like using reusable bags while shopping, cutting down on single use plastics, and having a vegetarian diet. But this isn’t gonna work for everyone, being green is about helping the planet and for your own well-being.
Whether you’re just starting your sustainability journey or looking for new ways to reduce your environmental impact, we’ve got you covered. From cutting back on waste to choosing greener transportation, here are some simple, practical tips to help you live a little lighter on the Earth.
Getting Started:
Reduce Waste:
Think about the waste we produce on a daily basis, and try to change those little habits to have less of an impact on the environment. Here’s a few examples: use reusable products (bags, and water bottles), look into replacing daily habits (use washable face wipes, rather than repackaged ones), reuse food containers (yogurt containers are perfect to pot plants in), and try to buy products that have less plastic in the packaging. Like they say: reduce, reuse, recycle!
Buy less:
Think about the product you are buying, the process, the makers, the resources, the chemicals, is it made ethically? Try to buy products that you will use for years to come!
Try thrifting, consignment stores, or even Facebook marketplace! Or participate in a clothing swap, Winnipeg usually has a clothing swap every month!
Going a Little Deeper
Buy Local:
Next time you buy something on amazon, think of the impacts it will have. Is it being flown to you, driven to you? How much CO2 is being produced from that trendy colouring book that you had to have?
Next time, try visiting local stores instead! Don’t know where to start? Here’s a few recommendations:
- Books=Whodunnit or McNally Robinson or Prairie Sky books
- Trinkets and fun gifts= Riley Grae
- Groceries=Farmers markets like St.Norbert or specialty stores like Cheesemongers
- Outdoor supplies=Wilderness Supply
- Coffee=Thom Bargen or Little Sister
- Cleaning products=Refill market
- Music=Into the Music or Old Gold Vintage Vinyl
Drive Less:
This one is the hardest for me! Growing up out of the city, driving everywhere is just a habit! After moving to the city, I try to be more conscious of my driving time.
The benefit of living in a city, is that it’s a lot easier to switch to a less car centric lifestyle, as Winnipeg has tons of other options!
Going somewhere in your neighbourhood? Maybe try to walk or bike instead! Going to a different area of the city? Look into getting a monthly bus pass or carpool. Are you going further or taking a longer trip? Look into carsharing with PegCity Car Coop.
Climate Hero
Sign a Letter:
Show your support for the environment by singing a postcard! Take action now to help protect campaigns in areas like the Interlake, Hudson Bay, Hudson Bay Lowlands, the Seal River Watershed, and Assiniboine Forest. Click here to sign all.
Eat Fewer Animal Products:
I know, I know, this is usually the hardest step for people, and it’s not for everyone! But the animal product industry has a huge impact on the environment. According to Greenpeace, “Industries that produce meat and dairy products are the most resource intensive. The worldwatch institute estimates that the total amount of soy and grain fed to livestock in the US each year could feed everyone on the planet five times over.”
Try something new, and take small steps! Try replacing your favourite meal with a meat substitute. Love chili? Instead of ground beef, try it with beans, and lentils. Love chicken fingers? Try a meat free soy “chicken” finger (because we all know that honey dill is the best part anyways). Then when you’re ready, try other protein options! In 2025, there are so many options available at most grocery stores. My favourites are tofu, paneer, and halloumi.
Get Political:
Look into writing to your premier or MLA to fight for change, or host a rally to spread awareness.
Learn More:
Read “The Greenpeace Green Living Guide,” Green Peace Canada, 2007. Written by Amy Kats.