When it comes to living eco-friendly, many of us are familiar with the standard advice—recycle, reduce plastic usage, and conserve water. But did you know that research shows there are lesser-known habits that can significantly help reduce your environmental impact? These surprisingly simple and effective strategies go beyond the basics and can make a real difference in healing the planet. Here are six science-backed ways to lower your environmental footprint while promoting sustainability.

1. Sleep Without Clothes

Believe it or not, sleeping without clothes can actually benefit the planet. Ditching your pajamas isn’t just a way to sleep more comfortably; it can also lead to energy savings. By sleeping naked, your body can naturally regulate its temperature, reducing the need for air conditioning or excessive use of fans. In warmer climates, simply opening a window for fresh air can significantly cut down on household energy consumption. This change might not only help reduce your environmental impact, but it could also improve your sleep quality, making it a win-win for both you and the planet.

Why This Works:

Research shows that regulating your sleep environment—such as by avoiding excessive cooling or heating—can have a significant effect on overall energy usage. Small changes like these can collectively make a difference, especially when practiced by many people.

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The health benefits of sleeping naked

2. Reduce Meat Consumption

The meat industry is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, with red meat and dairy being particularly resource-heavy. Reducing your meat consumption, or even transitioning to a more plant-based diet, can have a profound impact on your carbon footprint. While certain plant-based foods, like avocados, still have some environmental cost, they require far fewer resources compared to raising livestock like beef or lamb.

Why This Works:

Research shows that livestock farming is responsible for a substantial portion of global greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and land degradation. By reducing the demand for animal products, we can lower the strain on ecosystems and reduce the emissions tied to food production.

3. Pee in the Shower

It may sound strange, but one unconventional habit that can help save water is peeing in the shower. Toilets account for a large chunk of household water usage, and flushing every time you need to go uses gallons of water. According to a student-led campaign in the UK, if just 15,000 people adopted this habit, it could save millions of liters of water annually—enough to fill 15 Olympic-sized swimming pools!

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The Truth About Peeing In The Shower

Why This Works:

Water conservation is a key factor in reducing environmental stress. The average person uses up to 13,000 liters of water per year just for flushing toilets. Making small changes like peeing in the shower can lead to a significant reduction in household water consumption.

4. Use Menstruation Blood for Plants

This might sound unconventional, but menstrual blood can be used as a natural fertilizer. It contains vital nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium—key elements that plants need to thrive. Rather than flushing these nutrients away, you can dilute menstrual blood with water and use it to nourish your garden. This eco-friendly practice reduces waste while providing plants with a natural, nutrient-rich fertilizer.

Why This Works:

Menstrual blood is a resource that is often wasted. By using it to fertilize plants, you’re reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers, which can be harmful to the environment. This practice is an example of turning waste into something useful and sustainable, benefiting both your garden and the planet.

5. Try Eating Insects

While it may not be for everyone, eating insects is one of the most sustainable ways to source protein. Insects like crickets, mealworms, and black soldier flies require much less land, water, and feed than traditional livestock. They are rich in protein, healthy fats, and other essential nutrients, making them an environmentally friendly alternative to meat.

Why This Works:

Insect farming produces far fewer greenhouse gas emissions than traditional animal farming. By incorporating insect-based foods into your diet, you can help reduce the environmental impact of food production, ease the pressure on global agriculture, and lower your carbon footprint.

6. Plant Native Species

One of the simplest and most effective ways to help the planet is by planting native plants in your garden. Native species are naturally adapted to your region’s climate, meaning they require less water, fertilizer, and pesticides to thrive. In addition, they support local wildlife by providing food and shelter. By choosing plants that are native to your area, you contribute to a more sustainable and biodiverse ecosystem.

Why This Works:

Native plants help conserve water and promote biodiversity. They are adapted to local conditions and don’t require the same level of care or resources as non-native species, which often need more water and chemical treatments to survive. Supporting native flora is one of the easiest ways to create a healthier, more sustainable environment right in your own backyard.

Conclusion: Small Changes for a Greener Planet

In 2025, more people are looking for simple yet effective ways to help heal the planet. These six research-backed habits—ranging from sleeping naked to eating insects—might seem unconventional, but they are backed by science and can have a meaningful impact on reducing our environmental footprint. By making small adjustments in our daily routines, we can collectively contribute to a healthier, more sustainable world.

Whether it’s reducing water use, cutting back on meat, or supporting local biodiversity, every small action counts. The more people adopt these strategies, the bigger difference we can make. So why not start today and make a positive impact on the planet’s future?