Food Storage

Replace all the plastic food storage, Tupperware, Ziplock bags, Saran wrap, etc. with glass containers, mason jars, silicon bags, and beeswax cloths. Beeswax cloths work wonderfully, and you can buy them from a wide variety of made in North America merchants (like Abeego, and Bee's Wrap), or make them yourself! All of this will help to reduce plastic waste and will be an investment in reusable, durable products.  

Personal Hygiene

Have a plastic and chemical-free shower routine with "naked products" like shampoo and conditioner bars, local soaps, and DIY body scrubs.  

Many companies are removing ingredients with health concerns from their products, but unfortunately, most mass-market products are still lacking. You can use services such as the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep database and the Think Dirty App to find health ratings for most products.

Set Personal Guidelines

Make rules for yourself. For example, only allow yourself to go to a coffee shop if you have your reusable mug. If having your cup is not possible, then limit yourself to beverages that come in a glass, aluminum, or a carton container, never a plastic bottle. Or maybe decide that you won't go to the grocery store unless you have your list AND your re-useable bags with you. Keep some in your vehicle or invest in some smaller, compact bags that can fold up into your purse or messenger bag.   

Volunteer

Volunteer at a local nature center. Based on your interests and skills, you could help educate children, spread environmental education, or even invasive species fieldwork.

Reduce Food Waste

Compost all food scraps. Research the best composting options for your living situation and implement it into daily life.  Perhaps your city has a municipal composting program. If that is the case, familiarize yourself with exactly what can go in and what can't. If you have a backyard, build or buy a composter! If not, consider vermicomposting. It can be done even in small spaces with minimal effort. Learn more about bokashi fermentation, another innovative way to divert food waste from landfills.

Education

Commit to reading one article a week (from reliable sources) to educate yourself about local environmental policies. Legislation could range from beach erosion management, bike path implantations, to endangered species protection. Once educated, you can spread awareness in your community, sign petitions, or vote to promote policies recommended by environmentalists. 

To get additional ideas for setting sustainability goals, books like 101 Ways To Go Zero Waste by Kathryn Kellogg is an excellent resource for ideas. Environmental social media accounts, eco bloggers, and documentaries can provide insight and goal inspiration as well. 

Rise has a vast collection and variety of ideas as well, such as Planting for Pollinators, How to Create A Healthy Nursery, Rainwater Harvesting Systems, and much more. 

Personal Sustainability Goals Can Make a Difference

Environmental issues are endless, but that means there are countless goals we can work toward as well. Personal growth in environmental stewardship can be taken as seriously as any other personal goals. In fact, you may be surprised by how much they will correlate. For example, an environmental goal of eating less meat can also contribute to a health goal. 

Imagine the impact we could have if we all became more mindful of our environmental impact. What we could achieve if we all started setting environmental sustainability goals - and if we began actively working toward achieving those goals. Life would, indeed, be good.