Research Proves These 10+ Simple Steps Can Keep Our Planet Healthy

When it comes to sustainability, small, quirky changes can add up to big impacts. Beyond recycling and carpooling, research highlights some surprising habits that help protect the planet. Here are eight unconventional yet effective actions to consider, backed by science and innovation.

1. Pee in the shower

Saving water doesn’t have to be boring. Skipping a toilet flush by peeing during your shower can save up to 1.3 gallons of water per flush—equivalent to the average shower’s entire water use in some water-stressed regions. While this might raise eyebrows, Cape Town’s "Day Zero" water crisis revealed how drastic conservation measures, like limiting showers to two minutes, are essential in droughts. Pair this with a low-flow showerhead, and you’ll amplify your impact.

2. Sleep without clothes

Cooling down naturally at night not only helps you sleep better, it can also reduce energy consumption. Opening a window for fresh air or sleeping naked allows your body to regulate its temperature more efficiently than relying on air conditioning or fans. This small habit can reduce your household's energy consumption and carbon footprint while improving your sleep quality.

3. Host a clothing swap party

Fast fashion is a top polluter, but swapping clothes with friends breathes new life into old wardrobes. Secondhand shopping is growing faster than any other fashion sector, and platforms like Vinted make it easy. Turn it into a social event: invite friends, serve plant-based snacks, and trade styles guilt-free.

4. Eat less meat

The global food industry contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, especially red meat and animal products. Switching to a plant-based diet, or even cutting back on red meat, can help reduce the environmental impact you're making.

Some plant-based foods, such as avocados, do have a noticeable footprint. However, they still require fewer resources to produce than beef or lamb. You can go a long way toward conserving the planet's resources by making mindful food choices.

5. Use menstruation water

Menstrual blood is rich in nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium - the same elements that are found in fertilizer. People can create a natural, sustainable fertilizer that reduces waste by diluting menstrual blood with water and using it to feed plants. Repurposing these valuable nutrients for gardening can help plants grow in an environmentally friendly way, rather than flushing them away.

6. Eat bugs

Using far less land, water and feed than traditional livestock, edible insects are a highly sustainable source of protein. Crickets, mealworms, and black soldier flies have a much lower environmental impact. They also provide essential nutrients. Just keep in mind: While black soldier flies are safe to eat, their eggs are not.

Greenhouse gas emissions could be significantly reduced and global food production eased by incorporating insect-based foods into our diets.

7. Let your lawn go wild

Ditch the perfectly manicured grass. Long lawns create habitats for pollinators, resist drought, and absorb floodwater better than short turf. Letting clover, dandelions, and wildflowers thrive reduces the need for pesticides (which harm bees and birds) and creates a mini-ecosystem in your backyard. Bonus: Less mowing means fewer emissions from gas-powered tools.

8 Plant native species

Adding native plants to your garden or local environment is an effective way to support biodiversity. It also reduces the need for excessive watering, fertilizers, and pesticides. Native plants are adapted to the local climate and require less maintenance. They also provide food and shelter for wildlife. You can create a healthier ecosystem with minimal environmental impact by choosing plants that thrive naturally in your region.

9. Swap liquid soap for bars

Liquid soap is 95% water, shipped in plastic bottles. Switching to bar soap saves packaging, reduces carbon footprints, and often costs less. For an extra twist, try shampoo bars or DIY soap from natural ingredients like oatmeal and honey.

10. Wash clothes less often

That sweater you wore once? It probably doesn’t need a wash. Washing synthetic fabrics releases microplastics into waterways—16% of ocean microplastics come from laundry 3. Air out clothes, spot-clean stains, and embrace the “less is more” mindset. For stubborn odors, freeze garments to kill bacteria (yes, it works!).

Sustainability isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Whether you’re peeing in the shower or hosting a bug-based dinner party, every quirky step counts. After all, saving the Earth should be anything but boring.

But saving the planet isn’t just about recycling and composting. It’s also about challenging the constant pressure to buy new things, even when we don’t need them. And some of the biggest names in Hollywood are leading the way... Find out who they are in our next article.