30-Day Sustainable Eating Challenge

Try our Sweet Potato Black Bean Burger for a meatless main tonight. This recipe takes a vegetarian spin on a classic comfort food. Plant-based protein sources like beans make this recipe filling and nutritious.

Next time you go shopping, bring your own bags to the store. Keeping a stash in your car or right by the door will make it easy to remember them. Some grocers even give credit for bringing bags to encourage people to cut down on plastic use.

Not only will bringing your own water bottle help you cut out plastic bottles, but it is a great way to stay hydrated. Small changes, like opting for a reusable bottle, can help lead to a happier planet and healthier you.

There are several ways to cut down on the emissions it takes to get where you're going. If the weather allows and it is realistic for you, leave your car at home and try walking or biking to your destination. Walk or bike with kids to school if it is realistic to make it a family activity.

Studies have shown that getting out in nature will boost your mood and help you appreciate the world around us. To get excited about making sustainable choices, try spending some time in the great outdoors today, no matter the weather. 

Not only can making or packing your own lunch help you cut down on waste (yay, leftovers!), but it is a great way to save money and ensure you have something healthy to fuel your day. Bonus points if you use your own reusable containers and utensil.

Even if you are not using them, electronics use small amounts of energy just from being plugged in. Try unplugging electronics after you're done using them to cut down on your carbon footprint (and your electricity bill). Toasters, blenders and coffee makers are a great place to start in your kitchen.

This recipe for Veggie-Packed Okonomiyaki makes a savory Japanese pancake perfect for any meal. It is typically made with cabbage, but our version includes zucchini and carrots as well. Top it with a fried egg for a protein-packed meatless main.

Whether it is in a window box or a garden, try growing your own vegetables or herbs. It doesn't get more local than coming from your own home. Not to mention, it can help save you money and helps you appreciate the work that goes into what is on your plate.

If your store offers bulk bins, they are a great way to save money and cut down on waste. Pantry staples like spices, whole grains and beans can be found for a fraction of the price. Plus, you can buy just what you need. Many stores allow you to bring your own reusable containers for bulk items so you can shop waste-free on a budget.

Try using your phone or tablet for your grocery list. There are several grocery list apps, but reminders work just fine if you want to keep it simple. Going paperless when you can, for items like grocery lists and receipts, will help you cut down waste.

There are inevitably some parts of vegetables that cannot be used in cooking. However, hang on to the scraps you wouldn't normally use to make homemade veggie stock. Scraps can be stored in a gallon bag in the freezer until you're ready to make stock that is flavorful and free.

Whether it is for take out or something you packed yourself, use your own reusable utensils to avoid single-use plastic utensils restaurants provide. If you're ordering delivery, request no utensils. Little choices like this can add up over time.

Use reusable cloths to clean your kitchen, instead of paper towels. Stock up on several and wash them often to keep them in good condition to pick up any messes.

Perfect for everything from brunch to dinner, try this Caramelized Onion & Mushroom Quiche today. The rich onions and savory mushrooms add layers of flavor to this surprisingly easy and decadent main. Plus, it uses minimal ingredients so it's perfect if you are cooking on a budget.

Switching to a biodegradable cleaner, as opposed to a store-bought cleaner with chemicals that don't degrade, for your home and kitchen can add up to big environmental savings for things you're already doing. Check out our DIY Cleaning Solutions that include things you probably already have on hand like lemon, vinegar and soap.

Recycling is a great way to reduce your trash, so long as you're doing it right. Always rinse recyclables so they are free of food scraps. Check to see what can and cannot be recycled through your waste management company to make sure your efforts are doing what you hope they are.

Try bringing a reusable mug for your coffee today if you are on the go. It will help keep your coffee hot for longer and help you cut down on waste. Many cafes will fill mugs from home, sometimes even at a discounted price.

There are several vegetables that can be eaten from root to stem, including broccoli, carrots, leeks and kale. Check out our article below to get creative ways to use all the edible parts of a vegetable.

One factor that contributes to the carbon footprint of your food is how far it has to travel to get to you. Local foods not only travel less, but you'll be supporting local farmers and producers. Outside of the farmers' market look for local signs at your grocery store.

Snack bags and plastic wrap ultimately turn into waste that ends up in a landfill. Swapping in a reusable alternative, like a food storage container or (our editors' obsession) Stasher Bag, will help you cut out plastic and keep food fresh and portable.

There are so many ways to conserve water in your day to day routine, once you get more conscious of your usage. Turn off water when you aren't using it, like between washing dishes or while brushing your teeth. Take shorter showers and make sure you have a full load before doing laundry or running the dishwasher.

Our Plant-Based Smashed Burgers make this classic dish meatless without sacrificing flavor. The patties showcase plant-based meat, such as Beyond Beef or Impossible Burger, for all the protein with none of the animal products.

When you have extra meals or ingredients, share with people around you instead of throwing it away. Bring some leftovers to a neighbor or drop off leftover unopened ingredients to a local food pantry. This will help keep your community nourished while you cut down on food waste. 

Focusing on produce that is in-season in your area is a great way to try new foods and green up your plate. Foods that are in-season typically have less travel to get to you and are usually produced by local growers, so you can cut down on waste and support your community.

Instead of tossing them in the garbage, start composting food scraps if you don't already. This helps you use what would be wasted to return nutrients to the soil (for future food!). We have this handy Composting 101 guide to help you get started.

Think twice before throwing away fruit and vegetables scraps—some can be used to grow more produce! From herbs to lettuce to strawberries, there are plenty of ways to use your food scraps to grow more fresh food. This will help you save money and cut down on food waste.

Say goodbye to single-use plastics once and for all by stocking up on a variety of reusable food-storage containers. We have some favorites, including the beloved Stasher Bags, but you don't have to buy new if you are on a budget. Cleaning and reusing empty containers and deli cups works well, too.

For a fresh, crunchy and flavorful main, try our Black Bean Wraps with Greens & Cilantro Vinaigrette. Black beans bring protein, fiber and nutrition to help you feel full and satisfied for longer, while whole wheat tortillas and vegetables round it out to make it a balanced meatless main. 

The next time you are cleaning out your house or kitchen, donate what you can instead of throwing it away. Whether it's clothes, appliances or unopened food, offering things you don't use to community organizations helps you cut down on waste while helping others.