Most socially conscious human beings have the goal of leading a sustainable life that benefits others and themselves. Yet few seem to accomplish this goal for reasons that simply evade them. The fact of the matter is, failure to live up to your own expectations has more to do with the expectations themselves. When they are unreasonable, you fall into the trap of setting yourself up for failure right at the start. Trying to live sustainably can sometimes feel like this. However, the notion that sustainability requires you to ditch your car, buy solar panels, and start reusing your bath water to make a difference is simply untrue! Small changes can have a big impact over the course of a year. Most of us donÕt have the resources to switch our homes over to solar power, but we do have the ability to start recycling.

SEE ALSO: Top 8 Sustainably Sourced Gifts To Give

With that said, here are some sustainable living suggestions that you might want to consider aiming for in 2015. Not only are these easy to follow, but, once implemented, they will help you create a life that benefits you and others around you!

1. Shop For Used Items

Most people will agree that buying a brand new automobile is not a thrifty financial decision. Buying a good condition used vehicle saves more money while providing the same benefits. People rarely realize that most used items have similar advantages. So, while you might be tempted to buy that new shirt since you just got your check, the fact is that you may be spending more than you need to.

Take a closer look into your wardrobe and see how many sets of clothing you really have and dig into those that you have packed away as well. Most people come to the startling conclusion that they have just about all the clothes they need! For items that you are lacking, how about looking into vintage stores, thrift shops and stores like Wilmington’s own The Wonder Shop? Try buying quality used clothing instead shopping at malls, outlets, and high end fashion stores in 2015. You just might find that the used items you acquire are of even higher quality than the new clothing you would have purchased for the same price.

2. Say No to Disposable Plastic Water Bottles

ItÕs a common practice in homes around the world Ð disposable water bottles are stocked cold in the fridge and ready to grab and go. While this may be convenient, is it really necessary?

Did you know that buying one gallon of water from bottled water bottles costs more than buying a gallon of gas? Reusable water bottles are much safer and more cost-efficient for you and your family. Companies like Klean Kantean make versatile reusable water bottles and follow humane and sustainable practices for production. Instead of buying disposable water bottles each month, you can save money by investing in one of these! 

They come in all sizes and colors and can be purchased at Tidal Creek.

3. Start A Compost Bucket For Your Kitchen

Compost buckets are a great way to recycle unused food and scraps from your kitchen. This not only helps you make fertilizer for your garden or lawn, but it also ensures that you are sending less garbage bags to the landfill which will result in monetary savings when you end up using less trash bags in the long run. By banishing your food waste to the compost bucket, your trash bin will also smell better as a result! Click here for a simple way to make a compost bucket for your own kitchen.

4. Walk More, Drive Less

Did you plan on joining a gym in 2015? If so, then good for you! However, donÕt ignore walking in the new year. Even those who workout 7 times a week can feel the negative effects of sitting all day. There are countless studies that point to the benefits you stand to reap by simply walking more often as a part of your daily routine. Walking to the coffee shop or the store over driving will benefit your health as well as the environment!

SEE ALSO: 5 Yoga Poses To Beat Back To School Stress This Semester

Some people arenÕt able to walk long distances that would normally be driven (yet!), and thatÕs okay. While it is highly recommended that you add at least 30 minutes of walking time to your everyday routine, simply adding 10 more minute of walking to your daily routine can create big changes, too. Starting small is still a great way to start! Strolling around your office for a few minutes every now and then can also do wonders for your health. For an easy way to get some extra steps in, try parking your car a little farther than you usually do when you are going to the supermarket or work.

Ready to kick start 2015 in a big way? Us too! Tidal Creek Co-op was one of first health food stores in Wilmington and has been proudly serving the community for over 30 years. This year, we’ll be giving back to the local charity, Ocean Cure, which has helped locals with spinal cord injuries learn to surf among other notable deeds. Starting January 1st,  you will have the option of rounding up your shopping total and donating the change to this amazing local cause every time you shop at the Co-op.

Want to help Tidal Creek give back? January is our Ownership drive. Tidal Creek Co-op is essentially the grocery store that’s owned by the community. Find out what it means to “become and Owner” at the Co-op and how it makes a difference in Wilmington:

• Why Should I Become An Owner At The Co-op?
• Top 10 Reasons To Shop At A Coop
• Ebook: The Economic Impact Of Co-ops On The Community

Want to know how to become an Owner for $30 at Tidal Creek Co-op? Click here!