50 Ways to Live a More Sustainable Lifestyle

Although many Earth Day activities—whether in your personal life, in your community or within your company—may look and feel differently this year, the COVID-19 crisis has shown us just how precious ‘outside’ really is. And one of the unexpected outcomes of “stay-at-home” orders is a reduction in smog and air pollution, a reduction in river pollution and even endangered sea turtles again laying egg on empty beaches.   
 
As a company committed to sustainability, Essity cares deeply about the future of our planet, so we develop hygiene and health products and services that help customers and consumers reduce their environmental impact. At Essity, we believe Earth Day should be every day. 
 
To commemorate Earth Day’s 50th anniversary, we want to share 50 tips and ideas on how to live “greener.” With many of us staying at home during this time, it’s an ideal opportunity to adopt new ways in our daily life to protect Earth’s environment, natural resources and its future.  
 
These tips, hacks and newly discovered tricks cover just about everything—and could be terrific thought starters for some new projects!  

1. Recycle cardboard cores of toilet paper and paper towel rolls 
2. Turn lights out whenever you leave the room or use smart light bulbs 
3. Unplug cords from outlets when not in use 
4. Turn off your computer off at the end of your workday 
5. Use LED lights 
6. Set your smart TV to go to sleep when you aren’t watching it 
7. Install a smart thermostat 
8. Use Energy Star appliances 
9. Add solar panels to your home 
10. Keep drapes open during the day to use sunlight to heat a room– or keep closed to cool a room 
11. Become familiar with your city’s recycling guidelines so you recycle properly 
12. Compost food scraps and yard waste 
13. Plant a garden 
14. Have water-wise plants such as succulents 
15. Collect rainwater to use for garden and plant watering 
16. Use organic mulch in your garden to conserve water 
17. Save meal leftovers instead of throwing away 
18. Grow your own vegetables or buy locally to reduce use of paper, plastics and shipping material. 
19. Save veggie scraps to make vegetable stock 
20. Run all errands (grocery store, pharmacy) in one trip 
21. Bring your own containers and bags to supermarket 
22. Buy in bulk to reduce packaging 
23. Wait until your laundry basket/dishwasher is full to do a load 
24. Air dry clothes instead of using dryer when possible 
25. Use wool balls instead of dryer sheets to help clothes dry quicker 
26. Make your own kitchen cleaning solution using household items like vinegar and water 
27. Recycle household batteries or use rechargeable batteries instead 
28. Reuse plastic food storage bags when possible 
29. Save bread bags and cereal bags for re-use  
30. Use a metal filter for your coffee pot and reusable k-cups 
31. Stop rinsing dishes before you put them in the dishwasher 
32. Install a water filter for “homemade” bottled water 
33. Ride your bicycle instead of driving your car 
34. Take the stairs instead of the elevator to save energy 
35. Bring/use reusable water bottles when going out 
36. Wash your car when it’s raining 
37. Donate old furniture, household items and fixtures instead of throwing out 
38. Donate old clothes instead of throwing them out 
39. Join a local upcycle group so castaways are “reused” 
40. Unsubscribe from junk mail (newsletters, catalogs, coupon books) 
41. Take notes on your computer or smart phone rather than a notepad 
42. Use an e-reader instead of buying new books 
43. Scan files instead of faxing them 
44. Opt to receive credit card and other bills electronically 
45. Take a shorter shower a few times a week 
46. Wash clothes in cold or warm water rather than hot water 
47. Check weather for rain before watering outdoor plants 
48. Tighten sink faucet so no water leaks 
49. Use a water-saving shower head 
50. Lower the temperature on your water heater or install an instant hot water heater 

We hope some of these ideas have inspired you to think differently and to make a shift that will have a positive impact later. It’s more important now than ever to heed this year’s Earth Day message—climate action—and engage in Earth-friendly activities at home today to make a difference in our world tomorrow.  
 
Essity is a leading global hygiene and health company. We are dedicated to improving well-being through our products and services. Sales are conducted in approximately 150 countries under the leading global brands TENA and Tork, and other strong brands, such as JOBST, Leukoplast, Libero, Libresse, Lotus, Nosotras, Saba, Tempo, Vinda and Zewa. Essity has about 46,000 employees. Net sales in 2019 amounted to approximately $13.5 billion. The company’s headquarters is located in Stockholm, Sweden, and Essity is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. Essity breaks barriers to well-being and contributes to a healthy, sustainable and circular society. More information at www.essity.com.