10 Top Easy Tips For Sustainable Urban Living

Are you trying to live a more eco conscious lifestyle but struggling with how to make sustainable urban living possible? Or maybe you dream of one day living on a farm and you want to bring some of those eco conscious practices into your apartment where you are now!

Living sustainably in an urban setting is possible! Not only is it possible, it is also very needed. The majority of us live in an urban setting so finding unique ways to reduce our impact on the planet is crucial as we fight climate change.

Although I grew up in a rural area, I currently live in a more urban setting and have had plenty of trials and errors with composting in a city, growing food at my apartment and more! I’ll share with you the top ways I have found sustainable living to be possible in an urban setting so that you can replicate it in your own city lifestyle.

This post will focus more on what we can do as individuals rather than macro solutions. Of course, the government and major companies need to take action which will further the goal of sustainable urban living. There are still choices we can make that can shift the cultural awareness to a more eco friendly lifestyle too!

This post is all about the top tips for sustainable urban living.

Strategies for Sustainable Urban Living

1. Public Transportation

One of the best parts of living in a city is that you don’t have to drive if you don’t want to! Public transportation is great for the environment because it of course means less of us have to drive which creates less harmful emissions.

There can be challenges with public transportation such as it taking longer, the schedule not always being accurate, safety etc. but it is a simple way to reduce your carbon footprint.

Also, you don’t have to rely on public transportation for all of your traveling if you don’t want to or have the luxury of a car. Even using public transportation for a few trips can add up!

2. Lots of Plant Based Options

I don’t think there was a single vegetarian restaurant in the area that I grew up in but now that I live in an urban area there are TONS!

Even if you aren’t 100% vegan, check out all of the plant based restaurants that are probably popping up in your area. Since cities are more diverse there are generally a lot of global cuisines which have more vegetarian friendly options too.

If you are having trouble finding vegan spots to eat check out Happy Cow.

3. Garden Wherever You Have Space or Shop at Farmers Markets

If you go to Pinterest and type in apartment gardening you will see the most beautiful roof top gardens and what seems like full on farms right on people’s patios! It’s pretty incredible!

Personally, I have a few herbs on my porch and of course house plants but it is nice to not have to buy herbs from the store which come wrapped in a ton of plastic.

If you are not a fan of gardening at all, no shame. Stop by your farmer’s market or sign up for a CSA box that will come with fresh organic produce.

4. Stop by All The Thrift Stores & Second Hand Shops

Instead of buying all new clothing everytime a new trend comes in, opt for buying second hand items.

Urban areas generally have more thrift stores and more specialty vintage shops if you are looking for something specific.

Basically, anything you would need to buy can be found second hand which reduces the amount of resources that go into creating brand new items.

{RECOMMENDED POST: 12 Essential Thrifting Tips for Beginners}

5. Enjoy Green Spaces

Part of living more sustainably is actually enjoying the environment! This helps us to feel more relaxed and reminds us what we are fighting for on our sustainable living journey.

Seek out parks that give you a break from the hustle and bustle of city life!

6. Bike or Walk

One of my favorite parts of living in a more urban area is how accessible everything is by bike or walking.

If you are able to, try to swap some of your trips that you would drive your car with your bike or just walk!

You can find used bikes for cheap from places like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace or thrift stores.

7. Take Advantage of Access to Recycling

Not creating any waste in the first place is the first goal but as a last report we can rely on recycling!

It is super convenient that most homes in cities have trash pick up and recycling pick up. Also, a lot of public spaces now have recycling bins (and compost bins!) near trash cans.

8. Seek Out Food Grown in the City

Green roofs and urban farms are becoming more and more popular.

Being able to grow our food right in the city and not having to transport it from surrounding rural areas or even other states/countries can save a lot of emissions!

9. Find Community

I can pretty much guarantee that you’re not the only person living in your city that is trying to live a more eco conscious lifestyle.

Making big lifestyle changes is SO much easier when you have a group to bounce ideas off of. Check out this post I did about finding ways to make friends that are interested in sustainability!

10. Stay Educated about Sustainability Topics by Going to Events

A great way to stay motivated on your sustainability journey is to keep learning!

Check out local events and talks focused on sustainability
Take classes at your local community college or library
Visit museums
Podcasts, books, and documentaries are a great go to no matter where you are!

What are some of the challenges you have found with sustainable urban living? I would love to hear in the comments below and hopefully either me or someone else in the community can help you solve your challenge!

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Stay well,

Maggie

10 Top Easy Tips For Sustainable Urban Living

This post is all about the top tips for sustainable urban living.