When people think of “living sustainably,” they often picture big changes—installing solar panels, going zero waste overnight, or completely changing their lifestyle in a single week. But in reality, sustainability is like any other healthy habit: it’s the small things we do every day, over time, that create lasting change.
One of the simplest ways to start? Challenge yourself to find one item every single day that you can recycle, repurpose, or reuse.
The Power of One-a-Day
Think about it—if you found just one item a day to recycle or reuse, that’s 365 items a year kept out of landfills. Over a decade, that’s more than 3,600 items. And if your friends and family joined in? The numbers grow quickly.
It’s a low-pressure challenge, but it builds awareness. Soon, you start noticing opportunities everywhere: a glass jar that could store pantry staples, a cardboard box perfect for organizing, a tin can that becomes a planter.
The Coconut Cult Jar
A few weeks ago, I finished a jar of Coconut Cult probiotic yogurt (which, if you haven’t tried, is amazing). Normally, I might have rinsed it and tossed it into the recycling bin. But instead, I decided to reuse it for overnight oats.
The jar was the perfect size, with a secure lid, and it made my breakfast prep so much easier. Every night, I mix oats, plant-based milk, chia seeds, and fruit into the jar, pop it in the fridge, and in the morning, it’s ready to grab and go.
Not only did I avoid buying new containers, but I also gave that jar a second life—one that’s now part of my daily routine.
Why Reusing and Recycling Matters
The items we throw away don’t just “disappear.” Most end up in landfills, where they can take decades or even centuries to break down. Glass jars, for example, can last thousands of years without decomposing. Recycling helps keep materials in circulation, reducing the need for new raw materials and lowering the pollution created in the manufacturing process.
Reusing is even better—it extends the life of an item without the extra energy needed for recycling. Every time we reuse something, we’re slowing down the cycle of consumption and waste.
How to Start Your One-a-Day Challenge
- Set a Reminder – Pick a time each day (like after dinner) to find your “one thing.”
- Get Creative – Think beyond traditional recycling. Could that pasta sauce jar store leftovers? Could that shipping box organize your closet?
- Track Your Wins – Keep a simple list or photo log of what you’ve recycled or reused—it’s motivating to see your progress.
- Share Your Ideas – Post them on social media or tell friends. You might inspire someone else to start.
Small Steps Add Up
Living sustainably doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Just like learning a new skill or building a workout habit, the key is consistency. Little actions, done daily, become second nature—and over time, they add up to a huge impact.
So tonight, before you toss something in the trash, pause. Ask yourself: Could this be recycled, or could I find a new purpose for it?
Because sometimes, it’s not the big dramatic changes that change the world—it’s the coconut yogurt jar you save and fill with overnight oats.