Living sustainably doesn’t have to mean big, sweeping lifestyle changes. In fact, some of the most impactful shifts can start right at home in your kitchen and garden. By making intentional choices with how you cook, grow, and source food, you can reduce waste, improve your family’s health, and support a more sustainable future.

Here are 6 simple, practical practices you can begin today:

1. Compost Food Scraps

Instead of tossing kitchen scraps in the trash, turn them into rich compost for your garden. Fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells all break down into nutrient-dense soil that helps your plants thrive, and you’ll naturally reduce the need for chemical fertilizers.

2. Grow Herbs and Vegetables at Home

Whether you have a backyard or just a sunny windowsill, growing your own herbs and veggies is one of the easiest ways to live more sustainably. Having your own fresh basil, mint, or parsley not only cuts down on packaging waste but also adds flavor and nutrients to your meals. Learn more about cultivating your herb garden by enrolling in the ACHS micro-credential Master Herb Gardening for the Home Herbalist.

3. Cook Seasonally and Locally

Choosing foods that are in season and sourced from local farmers reduces the carbon footprint of your meals. Seasonal produce is also fresher and often more nutrient-dense, supporting both your wellness and your community’s economy.

4. Preserve Food Naturally

From fermenting vegetables to drying herbs, learning natural preservation techniques extends the shelf life of your harvest and reduces food waste. These practices also help retain beneficial nutrients and support gut health.

5. Reduce Single-Use Plastics

Small swaps, like using reusable produce bags, glass jars, or beeswax wraps, can greatly cut down on plastic waste. These alternatives keep food fresh while keeping harmful plastics out of the environment. Learn about how the ACHS community reduced single-use plastic by participating in the Plastic Free Ecochallenge.

6. Embrace Whole-Food Cooking

Cooking from scratch with whole ingredients not only supports your family’s health but also minimizes packaging waste from processed foods. Plus, nutrient-preserving cooking methods like steaming or sautéing help maximize the benefits of your meals.

Take Your Sustainable Living Journey Further

If you’re inspired to deepen your knowledge of natural wellness and sustainable practices, the Nature’s Remedies Community Certificate program at ACHS is the perfect next step.

This flexible certificate is designed for individuals seeking to enhance their family’s health through natural remedies. You’ll explore:

• Aromatherapy: Discover how essential oils can boost mood, promote relaxation, and enhance focus.
• Herbalism: Learn how to combine herbs to create personalized wellness blends.
• Restorative Nutrition: Practice nutrient-preserving cooking techniques and safe food handling with whole-food ingredients.

Through hands-on learning, you’ll be empowered to take charge of your family’s health naturally, deepen your connection to nature, and embrace a more sustainable lifestyle. Get started today!

This article is for informational purposes only. The information included is representative of industry trends as provided in the references. Please refer to third-party sites for additional information. ACHS does not guarantee graduate employment or other placement. Note, that professional success is achieved by a number of factors beyond education and experience, including soft skills, work ethic, integrity, and other skills that may not be developed through education and training alone.