25 Easy Ways to Live More Sustainably in 2025 [in 2 Sentences Each!]

Okay, I meant two sentences each on average. But in the spirit of my New Year’s resolution – more action, less perfection – I’m doing my best to keep this short and sweet – and realistic. 

As usual here on Tilted Map, I’m not going to suggest you buy nothing, give up cheese forever, turn your lifestyle upside down, make your own deodorant, or stop traveling – unless you want to do any of those. 

If you do, that’s great. If you don’t, that’s okay. There are a million small, impactful changes you can make before going to those extremes. 

That’s what this is list about: Small, realistic, yet powerful ways to live more sustainably in 2025. 

As I wrote about in my newsletter recently, most of these aren’t even things we’ve actively chosen that need to be changed. They’re just bad default settings that we’ve never thought about. (It’s not exactly encouraged by the big corporations that dominate our attention.)

(If you’re not on my email list, you’re missing out! Sign up here and I’ll send you a useful checklist of plastic-free travel toiletries in the first email.) 

And the good news is that I’ve done the hard part for you by researching alternatives to the bad defaults. Alternatives that are easy to implement – and thoroughly tested. (As always, everything I recommend I’ve actually used and know it’s worthwhile.)

All of these ideas mights be new to you, or maybe you’re already doing most of them. 

Either way, I’ll bet there’s something you take from this list – and maybe a friend or family member who you can share the rest of these tips with?

Finally, most of these are ideas and products that I’ve written thousands of words about elsewhere on the blog, so consider this your miniature cheat sheet for some easy sustainability inspiration for the New Year!

Without further ado, here’s the list – 25 easy sustainability swaps for 2025:

1. Get rid of your plastic tubes of toothpaste.

For all the plastic suggestions on this list, keep in mind that the climate impact of the plastic industry is more than that of all the flights we take. (In case the whole “skip the straw, save a sea turtle” argument doesn’t feel powerful enough for you.)

These plastic-free toothpaste tablets are my favorites after testing many, many brands.

Discount: Save 10% with the code TILTEDMAP10

2. Same goes for plastic deodorant.

This refillable, plastic-free deodorant comes from the same brand as the plastic-free toothpaste upgrade above. (Again, it’s my favorite after testing about a dozen options. Same discount code as above.)

[Details: Toothpaste tablet review. Plastic-free deodorant review.]

3. Combine shipments whenever you can.

In keeping with buying the first two items on this list from the same small company, try to start thinking about how many packages you’re ordering, and combine shipments whenever possible.

4. Swap your dishwasher tablets.

Do yours come in a plastic tub or packet? We don’t need that over-packaging anymore. Swap them for these, which work just as well, but come in recyclable cardboard boxes.

Save $$ with the code tiledmap25 (25% off for new customers only) or tiltedmap10 (10% off if it’s not your first order).

5. Start composting your kitchen scraps (even in an apartment).

Food waste in landfills is a major contributor to carbon emissions. You can compost the old-fashioned way yourself (if you have the space and the desire), or find a local pick-up service (and consider sharing with a neighbor to split costs), or use this counter-top composter machine.

[Details: Lomi kitchen compost machine review.]

6. Upgrade your laundry supplies.

These plastic-free laundry strips are great for travel, and these are the ones I use at home. These fabric softener tablets come in a cardboard box (the same brand and discount code as #4, so combine those orders).

[Details: Sustainable cleaning products review.]

7. Repair your jeans (and other things).

If you always get crotch holes (or any holes) in your favorite pairs of jeans, send them to this family business to have them fixed instead of buying new. (It’s not a patch; they actually reweave the fabric, so it lasts longer and seems like new. I’ve been sending my old jeans to them for almost a decade.)

This link will save you 15% (same as the one above).

8. Consider carbon emissions when you choose flight routes and airlines.

Google Flights makes it easy to see and compare emissions. (It’s about more than just direct flights vs. layovers: I’ve found as much as a 63% reduction from one airline to the next for the same route.)

9. Stop buying throw-away plastic razors.

Upgrade for one of these plastic-free razors. (The “Leaf” – for shaving legs or large areas; or the “Twig” – for faces, or other small areas where you want detailed control).

[Details: Review – my painful adventures in sustainable shaving; I suffered so you don’t have to.]

10. Ditch your plastic bottles of shampoo.

Swap them for these truly lovable bars, or these shampoo and conditioner concentrates in aluminum packaging.

Save 15% on the bars through this link. Use the discount code tiltedmap10 to save 10% on the concentrates (even for repeat orders!).

[Details: Shampoo bar review. Shampoo concentrate review.]

11. Upgrade to refillable skincare products.

I’ve tested several brands that give you the results of top-of-the-line skincare products, but with vastly less packaging waste and carbon emissions. This one’s my favorite, and the easiest for anyone to switch to (not too many options).

[Details: Review and discount code for my favorite brand. And here’s my review of the brand that’s a close second (with more options). Several other plastic-free face wash options. And my review of the best UK brand for plastic-free skincare.]

12. Replace your vitamins in plastic bottles with ones that come in a cardboard tube.

This is my go-to brand – food-grade vitamins are delivered to your door in paper packets. (Save $15 with that link.)

[Alternatives: These vegan multi-vitamins come in a cardboard tube. Here’s my full review and discount code. For more formulas (gummies, probiotics, kids’ multis, and more) try this brand – which is also vegan-friendly and comes in in recycled packaging.]

13. Keep using hand sanitizer, but stop buying it in plastic bottles.

Switch to these sturdy, reusable pump bottles – I’ve been using the same one since 2020! Jumbo refills come in aluminum.

14. Support local businesses when you travel.

If you take group trips, go with a company like Intrepid Travel that works to reduce and – only then – offset its carbon emissions. (Or – even better – join one of our hyper-local e-bike trips in Italy in 2025!)

Seek out more sustainable hotels using Booking.com’s “Travel Sustainable” filter.

[More: The Lazy Guide to More Sustainable Travel, and the story of our Italy bike trip.]

15. Replace your teflon pans…

…and choose carefully. You’ve probably read about how toxic teflon is for us? (It’s made of PFAS – forever chemicals.)

This is an item where it makes sense to make an investment in really high quality items that will last generations (because it’s a category where products that good are still being made). This hand-made brand is my pick, which I’m slowly upgrading too. (There’s sticker shock, but I swear they’re worth it.)

16. Order books from a better store.

Instead of ordering books from Amazon, order new books here, to share profits with local, independent bookstores. For used and new books, this site donates to literacy projects and other worthwhile causes, while keeping books out of the landfill. (Both are Certified B Corps.)

[Read More: My favorite travel books that show you the world from home.]

17. Be pickier.

You don’t have to buy nothing all year, but think about buying less (especially less new stuff), and being more selective with your purchases. Look for used items on Facebook Marketplace, or in local thrift stores before buying new. Put a mental hold on any new purchase for a week to think about whether you really need it.

18. Eat more vegetables.

You don’t have to go 100% vegan for the environment, but think about eating less meat and dairy, and more vegetables. Try new things, and seek out meatless recipes like these from my years in Italy.

19. Switch banks to divest from fossil fuels.

Upgrade to one that invests your money in something better. (I moved to this climate-focused bank in 2022 – and they outstanding customer service and an amazing 4.46% interest rate checking account! The bank is based in Florida, but can open accounts for residents of other states.)

Other great options include Aspiration (a national option that offers credit cards and lots of benefits), Beneficial State Bank in Oregon, Mascoma Bank in New England, and Amalgamated Bank.)

20. Have a period or bladder leaks? Try reusable products.

You can probably replace at least some of your disposable products with these period underwear (which are also used for light bladder leaks), or try a menstrual cup or disk. Remember – it doesn’t have to be all or nothing, or all right now. But over time I’ve used these products to transition to 100% reusables.

[Details: Period underwear review – brands that are better and more sustainable than Thinx.]

21. Switch to climate-friendly dog food.

If US pets were their own country, they’d be the world’s 5th largest meat consumer. That’s a lot of avoidable CO2 emissions. Because just like humans, dogs don’t actually need to eat chicken and beef – that’s why this sustainable kibble is made of crickets instead of red meat.

Use the code TILTEDMAP15 for 15% off.

22. Use a carbon calculator to compare different travel options

Compare the actual impact of trains, planes, cars, ferries, and more for your specific route (not just “in theory”) and find the greenest way to do each trip. (Tip: It won’t always be the same, depending on the distance, number of travelers, and other factors.)

[Details: The best travel carbon calculators, and what they’re each good for.]

23. Opt in for renewable energy.

It’s easier than you might think (truly) and usually costs about the same! Just search for “switch to renewable energy in your state” to find out how. Most states have a government page explaining the process.

24. Switch to tree-free toilet paper

These bamboo rolls are the softest I’ve tried, are 100% plastic-free, delivered to your door, and have a lower carbon footprint than regular TP. (And yes, they really work. Like everything I recommend, I’ve tested it thoroughly.)

[Details: Check out my review of the best bamboo and recycled toilet paper brands (and why I prefer bamboo, controversial as it may be).]

Save 20% off your first order from Reel (my favorite bamboo option) with the code TILTED (Including on subscription orders – double discount!)

And save $10 off your first order from Who Gives A Crap with the code TILTEDMAP10 . (Must be a new subscription order of $47 or more.)

25. Get your sunscreen without plastic.

I’ve been testing these sunscreen bars in cardboard tubes. They do get the job done – but I have high hopes that I’ll enjoy using this brand in recyclable metal packaging, or maybe this one, a little bit more.

(Stay tuned for an update, once I’ve fully tested these and written a review.)

What other ideas do you have for easy ways to reduce our environmental impact? Which of these do you plan on trying first? Share in the comments below!

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