Sustainability is important business, but that doesn’t mean we can’t get a little weird about it! Saving the planet isn’t just about carrying reusable bags or recycling—it’s also an opportunity to get creative, embrace your inner oddball, and find fun, unconventional ways to make a difference. So, ready to get weird?
Let’s dive into some delightfully strange ways to live sustainably!
Got a fresh haircut? Hair is rich in nitrogen, making it a great addition to compost piles—and it can help plants grow too! Instead of sweeping those locks into the trash, donate them to an organization that uses hair for composting or to soak up oil spills. Other wacky examples of compostable items can be found here.
Start a trend by repurposing old fabric scraps or torn clothes into funky accessories like patchwork bags, headbands, or jewelry. Sustainability has never looked so chic or creative!
Use a bucket in your shower to collect water as you wait for it to warm up. Then use this “greywater” to flush your toilet. It’s a low-tech, budget-friendly way to save a few gallons of water every day.
Create a playlist of short, upbeat songs (around 3-5 minutes each) and aim to finish your shower by the time your playlist ends. This subconsciously encourages you to shorten your shower time.
Sure, a pet dog or cat is great, but what about a squirmy army of worms? Vermicomposting (worm composting) lets you turn food scraps into nutrient-rich soil while keeping organic waste out of the landfill. Plus, your new “pets” never need a walk or a vet visit.
Using vinegar, baking soda, or even banana peels to shine shoes or polish silver, can significantly reduce your household’s chemical footprint. Find other non-toxic ideas here. Thinking outside the box (or compost bin) helps make sustainability eco-friendly and surprisingly fun.
Ever heard of regrowing your kitchen scraps? Instead of tossing out vegetable ends or seeds, you can regrow certain produce like green onions, celery, or even pineapples right at home. It’s not only a quirky science experiment but also a way to cut down on food waste and save money on groceries.
On a wilder note, some people swear by “plogging,” a Swedish trend that combines jogging with picking up litter. It’s an eco-friendly workout that keeps you fit while cleaning up your community. Talk about a win-win!
Another odd but impactful practice is creating “bee hotels.” These aren’t luxurious resorts, but small, handmade structures filled with hollow tubes or natural materials that provide shelter for solitary bees. It’s a fun project that boosts pollinator populations and biodiversity in your backyard. More ideas to help our winged friends can be found here.
If you’re looking to go the extra mile, consider swapping out traditional burial methods for eco-burials or even composting your remains after death. It’s an unconventional idea, but turning yourself into nutrient-rich soil could be the ultimate act of sustainability!
Sustainability doesn’t have to be boring! Embracing the weird can help you do your part for the planet while adding a little fun to your routine.
