Small eco habits are where most people start, and that is a good thing. But some habits matter much more than others, so it helps to know where your effort goes furthest.
Food choices beat food miles
Our World in Data estimates that swapping red meat and dairy for plant-based foods one day a week saves about 0.46 tonnes of CO2 equivalent a year.
By comparison, buying all food locally would cut a US household’s food emissions by at most about 5 percent, the same source says.
Energy habits that add up
Washing in cold water, using LED bulbs and setting the thermostat back at night all cut energy you pay for every month. Our explainers on each one show the numbers.
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Waste habits that help
Recycling right, composting food scraps and carrying a reusable bottle keep waste out of landfills.
The fine print
Impact varies a lot from person to person. These are averages to help you choose, not a scorecard.
Why it matters
The best habit is the one you will actually keep. Pick one or two big ones and build from there.
Try it yourself
Pick your habits and make a shareable card with our free Eco Pledge Card Maker, then test yourself with Greener Choice.
Tell us what you are building and what changed. Our newsroom reads every submission.
Submit your companySources: Our World in Data food choice vs eating local.
Key takeaways on small eco habits
Here is the short version on small eco habits. Our World in Data estimates that swapping red meat and dairy for plant-based foods one day a week saves about 0. By comparison, buying all food locally would cut a US household’s food emissions by at most about 5 percent, the same source says. Washing in cold water, using LED bulbs and setting the thermostat back at night all cut energy you pay for every month. Recycling right, composting food scraps and carrying a reusable bottle keep waste out of landfills. Impact varies a lot from person to person. The best habit is the one you will actually keep. Pick your habits and make a shareable card with our free Eco Pledge Card Maker, then test yourself with Greener Choice.
Use these points on small eco habits as a starting point, check the numbers against your own home or business, and share what you learn with someone who can use it.
