Easy Ways to Live More Sustainably
*This post has been refreshed with a few new ideas and resources I’ve been loving lately.
Simple Practices for Caring for the Earth with Intention
There is something sacred about tending what sustains us.
Living near the ocean, I feel the earth’s rhythms daily ~ salt-tinged air drifting through open windows, shifting light across the water, the quiet persistence of tides. She gives so generously: clean air, nourishing soil, wildflowers in bloom, birdsong at dawn, butterflies drifting through the garden.
She asks so little in return.
As an artist inspired by flowers, light, and the sea, caring for the earth feels deeply personal. The colors I paint, the textures I layer, the gold shimmer I add ~all begin with what she provides.
Nature is not just my backdrop; she is my teacher, my muse, my quiet collaborator. Living in full bloom, for me, means honoring that relationship, not with perfection, but with devotion.
Simple eco-friendly practices that have made a difference in my daily rhythm.
Reuse
I love reusing everyday items whenever possible:
Refillable water bottles and straws
Reusable wine tumblers and K-Cups
Silicone food storage covers (my lilypad ones are my favorite 💞)
Every small act of reuse keeps plastic and waste out of landfills.
Recycle
Even old sneakers can have a second life! I recently discovered Got Sneakers, which recycles or repurposes worn-out shoes for free—and sometimes even pays you for them. Shipping is included too—how cool is that?
Cloth Napkins
Switching to cloth napkins and reducing paper towel use feels both elegant and eco-conscious. I even share half of my napkin with my husband—it’s a small habit that adds up.
Energy Conservation
It’s such a simple thing, but I try to switch the lights off when I leave the room and shut the water off while I’m brushing my teeth. I also use LED bulbs, which typically use about 75% less energy and last up to 35 times longer.
Mindful Ordering
I avoid single-use plastics, Styrofoam®, and disposable cutlery whenever possible. These items are harmful to wildlife and challenging to recycle.
Inspiration to Keep Going
I’m inspired by artists and stories that elevate sustainability:
Aurora Robinson’s sculptures highlight plastic waste beautifully. Here is a lovely video showing her process and her TEDx talk that I think you will enjoy.
The Biggest Little Farm (documentary) follows a couple building a diverse, harmonious farm in California, proving that living in balance with nature is possible.
I’ve also written about how planting trees can make a difference in Are you a Tree Hugger like me?
Support Eco-Conscious Businesses
Choosing products and brands aligned with sustainability helps lower our carbon footprint:
Bamboo sheets & towels – soft, luxurious, and renewable
Norwex cleaning products – safe, sustainable, and surprisingly fun to use. Some of my favorite products are the enviro cloth, window cleaning cloth (these work SO well and save so much time. I use mine on everything from my countertops to my stainless steel appliances), makeup remover cloths (you just use water ~ AMAZING!), dusting mitt, mop system, laundry detergent, dishwashing powder, and dryer balls. There are tons of demos on all the products on YouTube if you are curious.
Charity Water – supports clean water access worldwide
Thrifting & Upcycling
Thrift shopping is one of my favorite hobbies. Finding treasures and giving them a second life is fun, creative, and keeps items out of landfills.
Health, Wellness & Art Studio Practices
Even in the studio, sustainability matters:
Reuse old T-shirts and towels instead of paper towels
Safely disposing of acrylic paint solids with Golden Crash Paint Waste Kit
I’ve been experimenting with eco-friendly paints, like Aloha handmade watercolors
Protecting my skin with EZ Invisible Care Barrier Hand Cream, which is environmentally friendly
Eco-Friendly Home & Garden
Plant Love
I probably (ahem...know) have a plant addiction 🌿. Plants make a house feel cozy and add beauty, plus they help freshen indoor air.
On the practical side, I’ve learned how beneficial they are in our homes. Because we keep our homes tightly sealed for many months, gases from carpeting, paint, laundry products, cleaners, and even candles can build up. Adding a variety of indoor plants will provide fresh air to your home.
Garden Joy
Even a small garden brings immense joy. Flowers, trees, berry bushes, herbs, birdbaths, and feeders attract pollinators and wildlife while enriching your space. I get so much joy from my flowers.
Natural Personal Care
Corpus Nº GREEN deodorant – natural and fragrant
Desert Essence Natural Toothpaste – a chemical-free alternative
Inspired by Nature in My Art
Nature fuels my creativity in quiet, profound ways. The soft blush of a peony, the shimmer of sunlight on water, the textures of the shoreline — all of it finds its way into my paintings, photography, and storytelling. Caring for the earth allows me to bring that same vitality and joy into my work, creating art that celebrates the beauty she gives so freely.
“To walk in nature is to witness a thousand miracles.”
- Mary Davis
Closing Thoughts
Living sustainably isn’t about perfection — it’s about mindful, loving choices woven into everyday life. Each small step, from reusing a water bottle to planting a pollinator-friendly garden, contributes to a healthier, more vibrant planet. Even the tiniest acts, repeated over time, ripple outward in ways we may never fully see.
Sending you the most beautiful day, today and every day!
💞 Laura
P.S. I’m always learning new ways to care for the earth, so I update this list from time to time. If you have a favorite eco-friendly tip or product, I’d love for you to share it in the comments ~ it might even make it onto the list!
“The environment is where we all meet; it is the one thing all of us share."
- Lady Bird Johnson
Explore the Living in Full Bloom Series
If this post resonated with you, you may also enjoy:
• Caring for the Earth: Sustainable Living Inspiration — reflections and ideas for tending the planet with mindfulness.
• Living in Full Bloom: Where Water Meets Breath — a love letter to water, nature, and creative inspiration.
A gentle gathering of reflections on tending what we love — art, home, garden, and this beautiful planet.
Join my studio letters
You’ll receive artful inspiration, early previews of new work, and personal notes straight from my heart.
And as a welcome gift, I’ll send you six cheerful phone wallpapers to brighten your days.
