If there is anything the past few months have taught us, it’s that we need to slow down and make better choices in life. Apart from the COVID-19 virus, which has infected lakhs across the world, there is also the looming threat of climate change. The consequences of this long term damage to the environment will be disastrous, we know that now. As regular people, with not much influence beyond our living rooms and offices, we often think that our actions don’t matter. But they do. Every time you pick up a plastic bag, or use disposable items when you didn’t need to, the planet suffers. Sustainable living is the need of the hour, so this month, let’s make a pledge to live more consciously. Download this April 2020 calendar to get daily reminders which will help you make more sustainable choices and live a better, cleaner life.

You may think your actions don’t matter, but when you start living cleaner, it makes an impact on the environment around you. Here are a few things to do, out of 30, where you can make a difference.

1. Repurpose old clothes into dusters

Most of us have piles of old clothes stacked in the back of our wardrobes that we don’t use anymore. It’s time to take them out and make them into dusters which you can use for daily cleaning. This way, you don’t spend unnecessarily on new dusting cloths, and you also make the most out of your old clothes.

2. Propagate plants at home

This is one of the easiest and most fun things to do towards a cleaner and sustainable lifestyle. As we all know, plants are great for homes and offices and are a pleasant sight for sore, city eyes. But if you think buying plants is expensive, you don’t have to. Increase the plant cover in your home by propagating plants. You may need a slightly different technique from plant to plant, but you can make several pots of the same plant, even if you have just one right now.

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Related: 8 Indoor Plants That Don’t Need Too Much Care And Have Tons Of Benefits

3. Wear natural fabrics 

Sustainable fashion is the new rage, and in 2020, there should be no other kind. Natural fabrics like cotton, khadi, and linen, are grown organically without any chemical or artificial techniques. They can also be recycled without harming the environment. Moreover, these fabrics are lighter and perfect for summer. Choose brands that make sustainable clothes and accessories, and recycle, upcycle and repurpose actively. The research might take time, and the cost may be slightly higher than a regular brand, but it will be worth it in the long run.

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Related: Summer Fashion 2020: Bookmark This Brand For Gorgeous Indian Prints

4. Cook at home instead of ordering in

Cooking at home ensures that the food is safe and healthy for consumption. You can keep a check on the nutrition while cooking in your own kitchen, as compared to ordering in from a restaurant. Choosing to cook your own meals further reduces the packaging waste that is usually plastic and not biodegradable.

Related: 10 Delicious And Easy One-Pot Recipes For A Relaxed Dinner At Home

5. Don’t throw away overripe fruits, use them on your skin

Got some overripe bananas lying around? Don’t throw them away. Instead, use the bananas on your skin as they are naturally hydrating and give your skin long-lasting moisture. Other fruits like strawberries, papayas, oranges, and apples, can be used to make some great skin and hair masks.

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Related: Frizzy, Damaged Or Dull Hair? Try These 10 DIY Hair Masks For Every Hair Problem

6. Use a water dispenser instead of plastic bottles

Plastic has been one of the biggest enemies of the environment. So, ditch all those plastic bottles and instead use a glass, melamine, or even a clay pot dispenser, to store water. Clay pot dispensers are a healthier alternative to plastic bottles as they tend to cool the water naturally and make it a little more pleasant to drink.

7. Use Ecosia as a search engine

Ecosia is a unique search engine that uses its profits to plant trees across the world. For every 45 searches, Ecosia plants one tree in a place where it is most needed, making the earth a greener, healthier and stronger place.

8. Replace paper towels in the kitchen

A paper towel is a one-time, use-and-throw product which increases waste. Instead of using paper towels in the kitchen, get a reusable cloth towel which can be washed and reused. This way, you can reduce kitchen wastage and promote sustainability.

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9. Try Project 333

Project 333 aims at decluttering one’s closet and wearing 33 items over a period of three months. It focusses on simplicity and reuse of clothing. Choose 33 items in your closet which you will use for the next three months. Choose wisely, and you may end up donating half your clothes at the end of this period. This is a practical and minimalist approach of dressing that can make you feel lighter, happier, and more grateful.

Related: 9 Delhi NGOs That You Can Donate Your Clothes To

10. Use coconut oil as a makeup remover

Ditch packaged makeup removers, and switch to coconut oil. This will reduce the waste of makeup wipes and is better for your skin as coconut oil is a natural option. It cleanses your skin, hydrates it and nourishes it from within, without the use of any added or artificial ingredients.

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Celebrate #SustainabilitySummer with this super cute April 2020 calendar.

[popup_anything id=”60652″] and keep ticking off each day as you make better choices for yourself and the planet.