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How to Live More Sustainably

Laura Gordon
Laura Gordon
Jul 30, 2026

Making more sustainable-focused, thoughtful decisions collectively clears the way for a greener, healthier, and more responsible way of life.

But how to live more sustainably requires knowledge of what swaps are required within the home, and outside the home. Below are five ways to be more sustainable, making simple changes for endless rewards.

1. Buy a new build home

New build homes are much more sustainable than older properties, and since you’ll live here for a long time, it’s worth investing in a contemporary property. So if you're looking for how to be more eco-friendly in the UK, buying one of our sustainable new build homes is a great place to start.

There are many advantages to buying a new build home over a traditional property, especially when it comes to sustainability. Since our homes are brand new, they can be adapted to include energy-saving materials and more.


Solar panels

What’s sustainable about new build homes?

  • New homes are built with newer, greener energy systems – Our homes focus on creating renewable energy, emphasising energy efficiency and reducing carbon emission, which is also hugely cost-effective in the long-term.
  • Contemporary properties offer better insulation, airtight designs, and energy-efficient appliances, resulting in lower utility bills and decreased environmental impact. 
  • New build homes have to adhere to rigorous sustainability standards, incorporating renewable energy sources like solar panels, which provide a practical way to live more sustainably in the UK.

2. Avoid buying palm-oil-based products

One of the best ways to be more sustainable is to keep a close eye on the products you purchase, with one key thing in mind: to avoid those including Palm oil. Palm oil is widely linked to deforestation, with forests being destroyed, leaving orangutans without access to their natural habitat.

Palm oil features in a lot of the things you use daily, from the products you use for cleaning your home to the moisturiser you apply during your night time routine. Everyday foods such as margarine can include palm oil, so it’s worth being more sustainability conscious when shopping for new products, and before stacking your fridge with new foods.

3. Buy fewer items

Making conscious choices about what furniture you buy is one of the easy ways to be more sustainable. Instead of buying a cheaper dinner table and chairs in a rush with the intention to buy a more expensive one later down the line, purchase a good quality, sustainably sourced dining set that will last.

Upcycling current furniture is also great for the environment, causing less waste and increasing the use of items that could otherwise end up in landfill.

Re-cycling furniture


Walking

4. Drive less and walk more

When looking for easy ways to be more sustainable, walking more and driving less is an easy solution.

Reducing your reliance on vehicles to take you places truly helps to reduce climate change-related factors, such as carbon emissions, air pollution, and fuel usage. Through increased physical activity, you’re able to reduce your ecological footprint and improve your wellbeing at the same time.

Walking encourages a more conscious, slower-paced way of living, too. By putting your health first, minimising your influence on the environment, and promoting a sense of harmony with your surroundings, incorporating this eco-friendly habit into everyday routines is ideal.

Discover some of the greatest walks in Yorkshire, such as the best walks in Leeds and plan leisurely time spent outside walking, as well as commuting (where possible) on foot.

5. Think more about water conservation

Conserving water is a key component of sustainable living and has many advantages for both homeowners and the environment. Reducing water waste is key to ensuring the sustainability of freshwater resources for future generations.

Conserving water reduces the amount of energy needed for its treatment and distribution, which reduces carbon emissions and fights climate change as a result. So adopting water conservation not only upholds our commitment to a balanced, eco-conscious lifestyle but in doing so, safeguards ecosystems and species as well.

Water conservation

Ways to be more sustainable with water consumption

  • Take showers in your home, rather than baths – Baths use a lot of water that isn’t necessary and can’t be reused. Taking shorter showers in your home is best for this reason.
  • Always ensure your dishwasher is stacked full before switching it on; this saves on water, and saves on extra power needed for several loads, too.
  • Reuse leftover kettle water – Many people fill kettles full when boiling water for dinner or a hot beverage, but then there is water left to be used. While the water is still hot, fill your washing-up bowl with what’s left. Or, once the water has cooled fully from the kettle, use it to feed your plants. 
  • Use a full washing-up bowl for doing the dishes – The more water you run while doing the dishes, the more water you’re wasting. So if you’re hoping to live more sustainably, fill a sink up with water rather than washing as you go.
  • Use low-flow aerators on your shower and taps – Fit these to your home to stop them from using more water than what’s required when washing yourself, or the dishes.

Knowing all you need to live more sustainably in future means you’re now able to integrate these learnings into your lifestyle.

For further information and guidance on all topics relating to lifestyle, housing, and home financing, browse our blog where you can read insights on low-carbon homes and more.

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