Sustainability for the Lazy: 10 Easy Ways to Save the Planet

But what if sustainability didn’t mean overhauling your entire lifestyle? What if it was as easy as reusing, swapping, and making a few smarter choices - without breaking a sweat?

Here are 10 effortless ways to make a real impact on the planet while keeping your sanity intact, and that stupid coffee out of the microwave for round 5 of reheating.

#1 Unplug & Save (While Doing Absolutely Nothing)

Leaving appliances on standby sucks up energy and cash. The fix? Just switch them off at the wall. 

Even when switched off, most appliances still sip on electricity, racking up unnecessary costs. The amount of phantom power they consume depends on the device, but over time, it all adds up. Unplugging them completely cuts off this sneaky energy drain - saving both power and money.

That’s potentially a couple of hundred dollar bucks back in your pocket for literally doing nothing. And it’s eco-friendly. You’re the hero.

#2 Eat More Plants (No, You Don’t Have to Go Vegan)

You don’t have to swear off bacon forever, but simply eating one more plant-based meal per week can make a huge difference. 

Research shows that if every Aussie household implemented Meat Free Mondays, we could massively reduce human-caused greenhouse gas emissions, about a third of which come from food. This is because plant-based foods - like fruits, veggies, whole grains, nuts, and legumes - require far less energy, land, and water to produce than meat and dairy. 

While animal products have their nutritional benefits, incorporating more plant-based meals into your diet is a simple yet powerful way to boost your health and shrink your environmental footprint, one lazy vegan recipe at a time.

#3 Lazy Recycling Hacks

Recycling can feel complicated, but here’s how to make it stupid simple:

• Bottles: If you accumulate enough plastic and glass bottles, it’s very likely that your local container recycling scheme can collect them for free, right from your house (and you’ll still pocket the refund).

• Batteries: Supermarkets will happily take them off your hands.

• Textiles: There are services like Upparel that will accept them (even the unwearable stuff).

Bonus tip: set up a designated “recycling station” at home so it’s just as easy to toss things in the right bin as it is to throw them away.

#4 Ditch the Disposables (Without the Effort)

Single-use plastics? Hard pass. Swap them out for reusable options that require zero extra effort:

• Reusable shopping bags (leave them in the car so you never forget).

• A stainless steel water bottle (bonus: it keeps your drinks cold for hours).

• Silicone food storage bags (because who actually enjoys wrestling with cling wrap?).

• A plastic bag does creep into your home? Reuse the heck out of it so it doesn’t end up in landfill immediately.

Minimal effort, maximum sustainability.

#5 Say No to Junk Mail (and Junk Packaging)

That pile of catalogues clogging up your mailbox? Not only is it annoying, but it’s also a colossal waste of paper. Stick a big fat “No Junk Mail” sign on your letterbox and go digital instead.

And while you’re at it, opt for minimal packaging when shopping online - many brands now offer sustainable options, so take the extra second to choose them.

#6. Swap, Don’t Shop

Why spend a fortune on new kids' clothes, books, and toys when you can swap them for free? Swapping keeps items in circulation longer, reduces waste, and saves you money (win-win-win). Platforms like Sassybae make it easier than ever to connect with other parents and swap secondhand items instead of buying new ones.

#7 Lazy Laundry for the Win

Want to save time, money, and energy? Here’s how:

• Wash in cold water - it cleans just as well and slashes energy use.

• Air dry when you can - your clothes (and the planet) will thank you.

• Full loads only - because running half a load is like using a dishwasher for one plate (you wouldn’t do that…would you?)

Less washing = less work. We love to see it.

#8 Use It Up, Wear It Out

Before tossing anything - clothes, furniture, even electronics - ask yourself: "Can I use this a little longer?" Extending the life of an item massively reduces its environmental impact​.

And if it’s truly useless for you at this time? Donate, swap, or upcycle before sending it to landfill. Anything goes.

#9 Lazily Shop Preloved Everything

From kids' clothes to furniture, buying second-hand cuts down on waste, saves resources, and keeps perfectly good stuff out of landfill. And let’s be real - most kids' clothes barely get worn before they’re outgrown anyway.

So, go ahead and lazily browse:

• Facebook Marketplace

• Op shops and charity stores

• Sassybae for swapping kids' items

It’s sustainability without the price tag, and in many instances - the need to leave your couch.

#10 Bank Like a Boss (An Eco-Conscious One)

Did you know where you bank could be harming the planet? Many major banks invest in fossil fuels, but switching to an ethical bank ensures your money supports renewables instead.

Effort level? Basically zero, but your dollars work harder for the planet.

Saving the planet doesn’t have to mean giving up coffee pods, living off-grid, or wearing hemp everything. Sometimes, small swaps and simple choices make the biggest impact.

So go ahead - hit snooze and embrace sustainability in a way that’s easy, fun, and totally doable!