Tips for a more sustainable lifestyle
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Reduce, reuse & recycle with the NFE team
In a world where every action counts, the choice to lead a sustainable lifestyle has never been more important. From reducing carbon footprints to preserving precious resources, it is critical that individuals everywhere recognize the importance of sustainable living. Whether you're just starting your journey or looking to deepen your commitment, check out some practical tips from our team that can help make a world of difference!
Reducing
"One of my favorite sustainable practices is composting organic waste. I enjoy planting and I have turned my food scraps and yard trimmings into nutrient rich soil. In some small way, I am reducing the amount of waste that is sent to landfills and enriching my garden naturally." - Vaneza Tabares, Miami
"Since moving to New York, I have tried to minimize my environmental impact by taking advantage of the various forms of public transportation, particularly Citi Bikes and the subway system. Living in such an accessible city has made it much easier to reduce my impact through sustainable transportation choices." - Harrison Lewis, New York City
"I support local farmers by buying organic produce at farmers' markets weekly. This reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting food over long distances and supports sustainable farming practices. I also use energy-efficient appliances and LED bulbs, and I make a habit of unplugging electronics when they’re not in use to save energy." - Tally-Ann Morrison, Jamaica
"I have solar panels at my house, including batteries to store the energy. The energy that I generate is enough to supply my house and sometimes I can sell power to the grid. I also have two 100% electric cars." - Victor Favela, Houston
"My wife and I prioritize regeneratively raised meat from local small businesses, thereby supporting family ranches and farms. We order meat and eggs online to pick up from farms, such as Shirttail Creek in Brenham, TX, although there are several good choices that will ship to your home, such as White Oak Pastures, Force of Nature, Wild Pastures, etc. You may also be able to search in your area for a farm. Look for terms "grassfed, grass-finished" for beef, or "pasture raised" for poultry and eggs." - Michael Budesa, Houston
"I traded in my hefty-gas hog of an SUV for a hybrid SUV. It reduced my fuel consumption significantly. I also leave my AC at 74 degrees to keep the temperature steady." - Rebecca McCalmon, Houston
“I like to bike to work to promote sustainability, cutting emissions and avoiding traffic stress along the way!” - Rebecca Kang, New York City
"Most people keep the pipe running while brushing their teeth or shaving. My tip is to turn the pipe off until the water is needed each time." - Tonia Cassanova, Jamaica
"I use energy efficient appliances. To further support renewable energy, consider investing in solar panels!" - Delroy Garwood, Jamaica
Reusing
"An example of sustainable living is using the seeds from the vegetables I buy to consume and, in turn, using them to grow more. This way, I get fresh organic produce and reduce the need to buy more. Additionally, I reuse plastic containers and other materials, preventing them from ending up in the trash and giving them a new life as pots, storage containers, or other practical uses." - Vilmarie Baez, Puerto Rico
"I often use "eco bags", which are cloth bags for everyday shopping, as well as reusing other packaging, such as ice cream jars, cookie tins and glass bottles to put water in the fridge. At our unit in Barcarena-Pará, we have a contract with a women's cooperative that works with recycling. Our uniforms, communication materials, and safety equipment that can no longer be used are sent to the cooperative, to be recycled and turned into new products (backpacks made from jeans, plant pots made from old helmets and bags made from canvas)." - Cassielle Rangel, Brazil
"We made a conscious decision to start living more sustainably at home by making small changes like using reusable shopping bags, changing lightbulbs to LED ones and being more intentional about unplugging appliances and turning off light switches. A few years later, we felt encouraged to make bigger changes, so we updated our appliances to more energy-efficient ones and incorporated solar. What has been even more rewarding is that we’ve been teaching our children how small actions like turning off their shower when not in use can make a big impact on the environment, and today, they’re encouraging us to make even bigger changes like switching to electric or hybrid vehicles." - Jaqueline Burrell-Clark, Jamaica
"I avoid disposable items. For example, I have small pouch with a knife, fork, spoon, and straw that I carry with me. In addition, I try not to buy or use water bottles or plastic cups and I carry a reusable water bottle (as much as I can). I also have reusable bags in my car to use at the supermarket or when I go shopping." - Belyneth Diaz, Puerto Rico
"I use my water thermos to hydrate myself both in the office and at the gym, thus avoiding buying plastic water bottles. I also bring my own bags to the grocery store, to avoid using plastic bags." - Roberto Reynier, Mexico
"I practice sustainability in my personal life in a couple of capacities. I donate all unused and old clothes to donation centers so they may be reused. I also make sure to stay away from single use plastic water bottles by always keeping a reusable water bottle near!" - Michael Horan, New York City
Recycling
"Maintaining a sustainable lifestyle is about more than creating a greener world for future generations; it is also about making the environment a cleaner place for animals and fish to live in. To that extent, in my free time, I remove plastic from the Hudson and Charles Rivers." - Michael Oved, New Business, New York City
"My favorite sustainability practices are recycling, saving water and reusing printed paper. Small gestures, such as turning off the tap while brushing our teeth, contribute to a better and more sustainable planet. We can achieve a better world by each of us doing our part. Together we are stronger." - Gabriela Pucinelli, Brazil
"At home I separate waste (recyclable/non-recyclable) and try to grow a small vegetable garden." - Emilio Saieg, Brazil
"The ways I live a sustainable life are by using public transportation and trying to create as little waste as possible. I do this mainly by opting for reusable products and supporting eco-friendly brands." - Diego Favela, New York City
