How to Build Habits That Make Sustainable Living Easy
- Anne-Marie Soulsby
- Aug 19
- 3 min read
Introduction
Sustainable living can feel overwhelming but it doesn’t have to be. The secret is to build habits that support your values and lifestyle, so the choices that protect people and planet become effortless. Good habits reduce decision fatigue, help us stay on track and free up energy for bigger actions.
This post explores the science behind habit formation, how to break unsustainable routines, and what it really takes to maintain positive behaviours long term.
Why Are Habits So Powerful?
Habits shape most of our daily decisions without us even noticing. They’re our brain’s way of saving energy: once something is automatic, it requires little thought or effort. Have you ever thought about why you brush your teeth before or after you shower or even considered all the habits you have?
But that also means that unsustainable habits like driving short distances or buying on impulse can often feel easier than making conscious, low impact choices. Shifting to sustainable living requires us to rewire our brains and create new pathways that lead us in the right direction.
The Habit Loop: Cue, Routine, Reward
Every habit follows a predictable loop. First, a cue or trigger sets it off. Then we perform the routine — the behaviour itself — and experience some kind of reward, even if it's just convenience or emotional relief. For example, feeling stressed (cue), you scroll online shops (routine) and feel momentarily better (reward). To change this pattern, we need to keep the cue and reward but change the routine. Swapping in a walk, deep breath, or creative outlet can help retrain the habit loop without losing the emotional benefit.
How to Create Sustainable Habits
Starting with one small action is key. Focus on a specific change that aligns with your values and feels manageable. Instead of overhauling your entire routine, identify where your current behaviour isn’t aligned with your goals.
For example, if you care about the ocean but often use plastic, begin by introducing a reusable bottle, then phase out other plastics such as toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, dental floss, make up, toiletries. Each success builds momentum and increases your confidence that you can make a difference.
Make It Obvious, Easy and Satisfying
Sustainable habits are more likely to stick when they’re clearly visible, simple to do, and give you some kind of positive reinforcement. Laying out your reusable shopping bags by the door, batch cooking meals, or setting a regular day to check your energy use can embed low impact behaviours in your life. Celebrate progress not perfection and find joy in every win.
How to Stay on Track
There will always be moments when old habits try to creep back in. The key is to notice without judgement, reflect on what triggered the setback and restart without shame. Habit maintenance is about being committed, not about perfection. Using journaling, coaching, or accountability partners can help keep your intentions strong. Over time, what once took effort becomes your new normal.
Conclusion
Habit change is the engine behind sustainable living. And interestingly It’s not about willpower. Actually it’s about structure, mindset and alignment with your deeper values. When habits support your sustainability goals, you don’t have to keep making hard decisions. You simply live the way you really want to: with care, consistency, and confidence.
If you’d like support creating sustainable habits that last, coaching can help you design a lifestyle you love that’s lighter on the planet.
Explore the Sustainability Reset or full Coaching Journey at The Sustainable Life Coach