Sustainable September is a month-long campaign across the UK that encourages people to take small, meaningful steps toward greener living. From cutting down on waste to supporting local businesses, the idea is simple: progress over perfection.
At Planet and Pocket, we believe sustainability should be affordable, practical, and rewarding — not a luxury or a guilt trip. So here are 30 realistic ways to live more sustainably this month, without blowing your budget.
🛍️ 1–5: Smarter Shopping
1. Shop secondhand Join Oxfam’s and pledge to buy no new clothes for the month. Charity shops, vintage markets, and online platforms like Vinted offer quality finds at a fraction of the cost.
2. Support local growers and makers Buying from nearby producers cuts down on transport emissions and keeps money in your community. Look for farmers’ markets, refill shops, and independent cafés.
3. Avoid impulse buys Before buying anything, ask: Do I need this? Will I use it? Is there a better alternative? Delaying purchases helps reduce waste and save money.
4. Choose products with less packaging Opt for loose fruit and veg, refillable cleaning products, and brands that use compostable or recyclable materials.
5. Use loyalty schemes wisely Supermarket points and cashback apps can help you save — but don’t let them tempt you into buying things you don’t need.
🍽️ 6–10: Greener Eating
6. Plan your meals Meal planning reduces food waste and helps you shop more efficiently. Use up leftovers and freeze extras.
7. Try plant-based meals Even one or two meat-free days a week can lower your carbon footprint. Lentils, beans, and seasonal veg are cheap and filling.
8. Buy what’s in season Seasonal produce is fresher, tastier, and often cheaper. Look for UK-grown apples, carrots, leeks, and cabbages this month.
9. Reduce food waste Use apps like Too Good To Go and Olio to rescue surplus food from shops and neighbours.
10. Compost food scraps Even in a small flat, you can compost using countertop bins or wormeries. It keeps waste out of landfill and feeds your garden.
🚿 11–15: Energy and Water Savings
11. Switch to LED bulbs They use up to 80% less energy and last much longer than traditional bulbs.
12. Turn appliances off at the wall Standby mode still uses power. Switching off saves energy and money.
13. Wash clothes at 30°C Lower temperatures clean just as well for most loads — and cut your energy use.
14. Shorten your showers Reducing shower time by just 2 minutes can save thousands of litres of water a year.
15. Use a clothes airer Tumble dryers are energy-hungry. Drying clothes naturally is free and gentler on fabrics.
🚶 16–20: Travel and Transport
16. Walk or cycle short journeys It’s free, healthy, and reduces emissions. Plus, you’ll get to know your neighbourhood better.
17. Use public transport Buses and trains are part of the 15-minute city model — helping people access essentials without relying on cars.
18. Car share when possible Lift-sharing apps or informal arrangements with colleagues can cut costs and traffic.
19. Plan efficient routes Batch errands together to reduce mileage and save time.
20. Maintain your vehicle If you do drive, keeping tyres inflated and engines serviced improves fuel efficiency.
🧼 21–25: Cleaning and Household Habits
21. Make your own cleaners Simple mixes of vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, and lemon can clean most surfaces — without harsh chemicals.
22. Use reusable cloths Ditch disposable wipes and paper towels. Microfibre cloths last for years and reduce waste.
23. Switch to eco laundry detergent Look for brands with biodegradable ingredients and minimal packaging.
24. Reuse jars and containers Glass jars are perfect for storing leftovers, dry goods, or homemade sauces.
25. Repair before replacing Fix broken items where possible — whether it’s sewing a button or gluing a cracked mug.
📱 26–30: Digital and Lifestyle Choices
26. Unsubscribe from marketing emails Fewer emails mean less digital clutter — and less temptation to buy things you don’t need.
27. Go paperless Opt for digital bills, receipts, and statements to reduce paper waste.
28. Support ethical brands Research companies that prioritise sustainability, fair labour, and transparency.
29. Join a local sustainability group Community litter picks, repair cafés, and eco workshops are great ways to connect and learn.
30. Share what you’re doing Post your progress on social media using hashtags like #SustainableSeptember or #PlanetAndPocket. You might inspire someone else to start.
🌬️ Bonus: Why It Matters
Every small action adds up. Reducing car use improves air quality. Supporting local businesses strengthens communities. Cutting waste protects natural resources. And saving energy lowers your bills.
You don’t need to be perfect — just consistent. Sustainable September is about making changes that stick, not ticking boxes.
📌 Final Thoughts
Living sustainably doesn’t mean spending more or doing everything at once. It means making thoughtful choices that benefit your life, your community, and the planet.
At Planet and Pocket, we’ll keep sharing practical tips that help you live greener without going broke. If you’ve got a tip, a question, or a story to share, feel free to leave a comment or connect via the contact form.
📅 Last updated: 18 September 2025
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