Sustainable Sundays: How To Create An Easy Eco-Friendly Weekend Routine
I find that Sundays are a great time to slow down, reset, and prepare for the week ahead. Whether you spend yours relaxing, running errands, or getting out and about, your weekend habits can have a big impact on your sustainability journey. And there’s good news, creating an eco-friendly weekend routine doesn’t have to be difficult, expensive, or overwhelming! It’s about small, simple shifts that fit into your lifestyle while helping the planet at the same time.
In this blog, I’ll explore and share practical ways to make your Sundays more sustainable - without pressure, guilt, or the need to be perfect. Whether you’re looking for easy meal prep ideas, fun ways to enjoy nature, or mindful swaps that reduce waste, there’s something here for everyone!
Start the morning right: A low-waste, slow start
A slow, mindful morning really can set the tone for the day. Choosing a low-waste breakfast is a simple way to start on an eco-friendly note. Instead of reaching for heavily packaged cereals or convenience foods, consider making breakfast from package-free ingredients. Fresh bread from a bakery, oats from a (my) refill shop, or homemade granola are great alternatives that cut down on waste. If you're a coffee or tea lover, switching to reusable filters or loose-leaf tea (coming soon to the shop) instead of single-use pods or tea bags is an easy swap that reduces unnecessary packaging. For storage, glass jars and food wraps help keep things fresh without the need for cling film.
As you get ready for the day, opting for reusable personal care products can also make a big difference. A bamboo toothbrush paired with toothpaste tablets eliminates the need for plastic tubes, while a reusable cotton face cloth is a great alternative to disposable wipes. If you’re heading out for the day, bringing a reusable coffee cup ensures that your morning caffeine fix doesn’t come with a side of waste.
Getting things done: Sustainable errands and shopping
For many, weekends are the time to catch up on shopping and errands. A simple way to make this routine more sustainable is by incorporating a visit to a refill shop. Although I’m technically not open on Sundays it still counts! Bringing your own containers allows you to stock up on household essentials like washing-up liquid, shampoo, and laundry detergent without unnecessary plastic packaging. I also offer food staples like rice, pasta, and spices, making it easy to cut down on single-use plastic. To make the trip even greener, bringing a tote bag, backpack or bike paniers means even less waste at the till!
When grocery shopping, making mindful choices can significantly reduce waste. Choosing loose fruit and vegetables instead of pre-packaged options really helps avoid unnecessary plastic, while opting for locally sourced products supports small businesses and reduces carbon footprints. If you have the option, looking for items with compostable or recyclable packaging is another great way to make a difference.
Instead of buying new, Sundays are also a great time to explore second-hand options. Browsing charity shops for books, clothes, or homeware not only saves money but also reduces demand for newly manufactured products. Joining a local swap group is another fun way to refresh your wardrobe or home decor without contributing to waste. Keep your eyes peeled for organised clothes swap events. If you have items that need a little TLC, setting aside time for simple repairs - sewing a missing button, fixing a broken item, or upcycling furniture - can extend the life of what you already own. Taunton has a monthly repair cafe and you can check social media for dates or to see if there’s one near you too.
Midday break: Getting outdoors and sustainable lunching
Sundays aren’t just for productivity, they’re also about taking time to relax and recharge. One of the most enjoyable ways to do this is by spending time outdoors. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a hike in the woods, or simply a leisurely stroll through your neighborhood, getting outside is a refreshing and sustainable way to enjoy the day. Bringing a reusable water bottle and packing snacks in a reusable container or pouch ensures you stay hydrated and fueled without resorting to single-use plastics. For an extra feel-good activity, consider bringing a small bag to collect any litter you come across too, it’s a simple way to give back to the planet while enjoying nature.
Lunchtime is another opportunity to reduce waste in an easy, practical way. Using up leftovers from the week is a great way to prevent food waste while making mealtime effortless. If you prefer something fresh, making sandwiches or salads with ingredients from refill stores or farmers' markets ensures a low-waste meal. For those dining out, bringing a reusable container for leftovers or a reusable coffee cup for takeaway drinks is a small change that can make a big impact over time.
An afternoon of self-care and sustainability
The weekend and Sundays in particular are perfect for self-care, and making your routine more sustainable can be surprisingly simple. Opting for plastic-free pampering products, such as solid shampoo and conditioner bars, is a great way to cut down on packaging waste. Natural, package-free soaps offer a luxurious feel while keeping things environmentally friendly. If you enjoy face masks, reusable fabric options or DIY treatments made from natural ingredients like oats and avocado can replace single-use sheet masks.
Taking time to unwind with a good book or movie is another great way to spend a sustainable Sunday. Borrowing books from a library, picking up second-hand reads from a charity shop, or swapping with friends reduces demand for newly printed copies. If you prefer watching something, choosing a documentary about sustainability, ethical fashion, or plant-based living can provide inspiration for further eco-friendly changes. Following sustainable living accounts on social media is another way to discover new ideas and stay motivated. Just don’t overdo it on the doom and gloom. It is scary and worrying what the world is facing, but there is hope and a lot of good people out there doing good things to help, it’s important to not lose sight of that.
Sunday evening: Prepping for a greener week ahead
As Sunday winds down, preparing for the week ahead can set you up for success while keeping sustainability in mind. Meal prepping with minimal waste is a great way to start. Planning meals based on what you already have helps reduce unnecessary shopping and overspending, while storing prepped food in glass containers or wraps keeps things fresh without the need for plastic. Freezing leftovers is another habit that ensures nothing goes to waste.
For those heading to work or school, organising essentials in advance can make low-waste choices easier throughout the week. Packing a reusable water bottle, coffee cup, and lunchbox ensures you have everything you need without relying on disposables. Refilling household staples, such as hand soap and cleaning supplies, means you’re prepared without the need for last-minute plastic-packaged purchases. Keeping a tote bag ready to go also ensures you’re always prepared for spontaneous shopping trips. It could be a good idea to keep a little space by the front door or bottom of your stairs for empty containers and bags so you always see them as you go past.
A sustainable Sunday doesn’t have to be perfect
The best thing about building a low-waste weekend routine is that it’s totally flexible, there’s no pressure to do everything at once. Even small changes, like switching to a reusable coffee cup or visiting a refill shop, make a big difference over time.
Sustainability isn’t about being perfect; it’s about making mindful choices that fit your lifestyle. By incorporating even a few of these tips into your Sunday routine, you’ll be taking positive steps towards a greener, more eco-friendly life.
If you’re looking for easy swaps to get started, pop into my little sustainable living shop in Taunton! I’ve got everything from refillable household products to plastic-free self-care, helping you make small changes that matter.
Here’s to making every Sunday a little more sustainable! 🌿