Back to Basics: How to Build Sustainable Habits That Stick

The easiest win in the sustainability game? A trusty reusable water bottle. These days, it seems there’s always a trendy one on the market that has whatever bells & whistles you could want, but bonus points for using one that’s already in your cupboard.

Whatever your vessel of choice, keep one in your car. That way, you always have one at the ready for your daily commute or road trips. It’s free, it saves plastic, and once it becomes a habit, it feels weird to leave home without it.

Pro tip: The same goes for coffee mugs, shopping bags, and lunch containers. The key? Use what you already have. (We see you, dented old HydroFlask.)

Recycling only works when packaging goes in the right bin. Check with your city or municipality to find out what’s accepted. You might be surprised—some places take #5 plastics, some don’t. Some compost paper towels, others…not so much. A quick lookup once can save dozens of wishcycled items later.

We’re not saying you need to become a full-time worm farmer. But tossing your food scraps into a countertop bin instead of the trash can? That’s huge.

More than half of landfill methane emissions come from organic waste like food. Composting at home or through a local program cuts that impact dramatically.

From plastic forks to takeout containers, single-use products are a sneaky source of everyday waste. A few easy swaps:

• Use cloth towels instead of paper towels for messes.

• Bring your own cup or travel mug to the coffee shop.

• Invest in glass or stainless-steel containers (and skip microwaving plastic ones). As a bonus, this one’s better for your health, too. Goodbye, microplastics!

Simplicity is key. You don’t have to immediately eliminate every disposable item from your life— just notice when you’re reaching for one and ask, “Is there a better way?” That leads us to:

If you’re on a journey to a more sustainable lifestyle, progress matters more than perfection. Forget your reusable grocery bag? You’ll grab it next time. Toss the wrong things in the bin? Take a minute to research proper disposal and make the change going forward.

Like we said, you don’t need to overhaul your entire life overnight. Pick one thing—food, cleaning supplies, makeup—and start there.

“Sustainability” is a moving target. Instead of stressing about getting everything right, focus on making one better choice at a time.

Start with the products you use most and do a little digging. You might find that your go-to shampoo can be purchased in a refillable bottle, or that your favorite clothing brand offers a recycling program. Progress isn’t just possible—it’s actually kind of fun once you find your groove.

Here at Roastar, we know better than anyone that not all packaging is created equal—and not all of it is easy to get rid of the right way. When you’re shopping, keep an eye out for packaging that’s clearly labeled as recyclable (in your area), certified compostable (look for ASTM D6400, ASTM D6868, BPI or CMA), or straight-up reusable.

No disposal info? That’s a red flag.

Simpler is usually better—fewer layers and materials means less confusion. And when you’re torn between two options, go with the one that’s refillable, made from recycled content, recyclable, or has a smaller shipping footprint.

Still not sure? Ask the brand, if possible. If they’re serious about sustainability, they’ll have answers. (And if they don’t, you just learned something important.)

Here’s something most people don’t realize: compostable and recyclable materials don’t help the environment if they end up in the trash. That “green” packaging? Only green if it’s handled correctly.

Oftentimes, it can do even more harm when these materials are disposed of improperly. For example, an industrial compostable bag that ends up in the landfill releases more methane than if it’s taken to a facility that maintains the right environment to break down the material. Check the disposal logo on a product for direction on where it should end up.

Sustainability doesn’t have to mean living off-grid or a zero-waste lifestyle—it just means paying attention. Swapping when it makes sense. Asking questions. And doing what you can, when you can.

If you’re part of a brand that’s trying to be more sustainable, these personal choices reinforce that mission. Because when individuals and businesses work toward the same goal? That’s where real change starts brewing.

If you missed Part 1 of this series, check it out here. Ready to take the next step? Head to our sustainability page for more tips, tools, and products that make it easier to do good.