50 Everyday Habits That Are Killing the Planet (And Easy Fixes for Each)

Small actions add up—for better or worse. Here’s how to shift your daily habits toward a greener future.

We often think of environmental destruction as something caused by big corporations, oil pipelines, or deforestation on a grand scale. While that’s true, our everyday habits also contribute—and sometimes in ways we don’t even realize.

You don’t need to be zero-waste, vegan, or off-grid to help the planet. Small, consistent changes—especially done by many—make a huge impact. The key is awareness, action, and intention.

The good news? Most of these habits have simple, sustainable alternatives that are easy to implement and cost little (or even save money).

Here are 50 everyday actions that hurt the planet—and exactly how you can fix them.

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At Home

1. Using plastic trash bags

Fix: Switch to compostable or reusable bin liners, or line your bin with newspaper for dry waste.

2. Leaving lights on in empty rooms

Fix: Install motion sensors or just flip the switch.

3. Keeping electronics plugged in 24/7

Fix: Use smart power strips or unplug devices when not in use.

4. Overusing your dryer

Fix: Air dry clothes when possible—indoors or outdoors.

5. Ignoring leaky faucets

Fix: Fix leaks ASAP—a single drip can waste thousands of gallons a year.

6. Setting your thermostat too high or low

Fix: Use programmable thermostats and dress for the season.

7. Flushing tissues, wipes, or floss

Fix: Trash them instead—many don’t break down and pollute waterways.

8. Using chemical-heavy cleaning products

Fix: Switch to eco-friendly brands or DIY with vinegar, lemon, and baking soda.

9. Washing clothes too often

Fix: Only wash when necessary and use cold water to save energy.

10. Tossing food scraps in the trash

Fix: Start a compost bin or use a local composting service.

Shopping & Consumption

11. Buying bottled water regularly

Fix: Get a reusable bottle and a home water filter.

12. Using plastic grocery bags

Fix: Always carry reusable totes—keep one in your car or bag.

13. Buying fast fashion

Fix: Shop secondhand, swap clothes, or invest in timeless, high-quality pieces.

14. Choosing individually wrapped items

Fix: Buy in bulk and store in reusable containers.

15. Not checking product packaging

Fix: Look for recyclable, compostable, or minimal packaging.

16. Over-ordering online (with lots of packaging)

Fix: Consolidate orders, choose minimal packaging at checkout.

17. Throwing out usable items

Fix: Donate, repair, repurpose, or upcycle.

18. Using disposable razors, pens, or lighters

Fix: Opt for refillable or reusable versions.

19. Using paper towels constantly

Fix: Replace with washable cloths and rags.

20. Buying new instead of borrowing or renting

Fix: Use local libraries, tool libraries, or apps for renting gear.

Personal Care & Hygiene

21. Using microbead-laden scrubs or soaps

Fix: Choose natural exfoliants like sugar, salt, or oatmeal.

22. Flushing medications

Fix: Return unused meds to pharmacies for proper disposal.

23. Using disposable makeup wipes

Fix: Switch to reusable cotton pads or washable cloths.

24. Using aerosol sprays

Fix: Opt for pump bottles or solid products (like dry shampoo bars).

25. Buying conventional toothbrushes

Fix: Choose bamboo or recyclable handle options.

Transportation & Travel

26. Driving short distances alone

Fix: Walk, bike, carpool, or take public transport when you can.

27. Idling your car

Fix: Turn off your engine if stopped for more than 30 seconds.

28. Taking multiple short flights instead of one long one

Fix: Combine trips or travel by train when available.

29. Overpacking (adds weight = more fuel)

Fix: Pack smarter and lighter.

30. Using ride-shares inefficiently

Fix: Try ride-pooling features when possible.

Food & Diet

31. Eating lots of red meat

Fix: Reduce intake, go plant-based a few days a week.

32. Tossing food before it expires

Fix: Learn to read “best by” vs. “use by” dates—and freeze leftovers.

33. Using plastic cutlery or straws

Fix: Carry reusable utensils and metal or silicone straws.

34. Using Keurig pods or single-serve machines

Fix: Use refillable pods or switch to French press or drip coffee.

35. Ordering takeout with extra containers

Fix: Request no utensils, napkins, or sauces you don’t need.

Digital & Work Life

36. Printing everything

Fix: Go digital whenever possible—use PDFs, apps, and e-signatures.

37. Subscribing to too many physical magazines or mailers

Fix: Switch to digital subscriptions and opt out of junk mail.

38. Leaving devices on overnight

Fix: Shut down or put on energy-saving mode.

39. Sending too many unnecessary emails (yes, it uses energy!)

Fix: Combine messages and clean out inbox clutter regularly.

40. Using power-hungry screen settings

Fix: Lower brightness, enable dark mode, and unplug unused monitors.

Water Waste

41. Running half-full dishwashers or washing machines

Fix: Wait for a full load—or use the eco setting.

42. Letting the water run while brushing your teeth

Fix: Turn it off—easy savings on your bill and the planet.

43. Long daily showers

Fix: Cut shower time by 2–3 minutes. Use a timer if needed.

44. Overwatering lawns and gardens

Fix: Water early morning or late evening; use drought-resistant plants.

45. Using hot water for everything

Fix: Use cold water for laundry and basic cleaning tasks.

Mindset & Awareness

46. Thinking small changes don’t matter

Fix: Remember that collective small actions = global impact.

47. Not talking about environmental issues

Fix: Share what you’re doing, ask questions, and spark conversations.

48. Not voting with your wallet

Fix: Support sustainable brands, local farmers, and ethical businesses.

49. Ignoring your community’s sustainability programs

Fix: Join local composting, recycling, or clean-up efforts.

50. Thinking it’s all or nothing

Fix: Sustainability is progress, not perfection. Start small and build better habits.