Beyond the Keep Cup: 26 Realistic Ways to Live & Work More Sustainably in 2026

Sustainability in 2026 doesn’t need to be loud, perfect, or overwhelming. Most of us already know the basics, such as choosing public transport, avoiding single-use plastic, and bringing your Keep Cup and tote bags. The challenge is actually fitting sustainability into real life, real budgets, and real celebrations.

At The Sustainable Occasion, I’m far more interested in simple, practical shifts that feel doable, and choices that quietly add up over time. This list isn’t about doing everything “right”. It’s about doing a little better in ways that support our communities, reduce waste, and still leave room for joy, whether we’re at home, at work, or gathering.

Around the home

1. Buy fewer things, but buy them better

   Choose products that are built with sustainability practices at the core, or items that can be repaired, refilled, or reused, and let them age instead of replacing them at the first scuff.

   
   

2. Switch one category to refill-only

   Not everything at once. Pick one (cleaning spray, laundry liquid, hand soap) and commit to refilling it for the year.

   
   

3. Stop “wish recycling”

   If you don’t know what bin it goes in, check. Recycling bin contamination sends whole loads to landfill.

   
   

4. Create a household “library” shelf

   Tools, cake tins, camping gear, eskies — things you lend and borrow within your network instead of buying duplicates. You could even create a library within your community, or find an existing one to use.

   
   

5. Wash clothes less, air them more

   Most garments don’t need washing after every wear. Spot clean, air dry, and extend their life.

   
   

6. Meal plan around what’s already in your fridge and pantry

   Start with what you need to use up, not what looks good on a recipe reel.

   
   

7. Choose seasonal food over ‘perfect’ food

   Seasonal produce travels less, tastes better, and costs less. It’s a triple win.

At work

8. Audit what gets printed and why

   If it’s printed for ‘just in case’, it probably doesn’t need to be.

   
   

9. Choose suppliers based on values, not just price

   Local printers, caterers, florists, and makers - especially those with a focus on sustainability - keep money circulating in your community.

   
   

10. Normalise re-use in meetings and workshops

    Whiteboards over flipcharts, reusable lanyards, and name badges that get collected at the end.

    
    

11. Plan projects or events backwards from waste

    Ask: What will be left over at the end?  Then design around reducing that.

    
    

12. Offer flexible work where possible

    Fewer commutes = lower emissions and better quality of life.

    
    

13. Invest in one long-term sustainable solution instead of five quick fixes

    Systems beat gimmicks every time.

For events & celebrations 

14. Design events to be unpacked, not thrown out

    If it can’t be reused, rehired, or repurposed, question why it’s there.

    
    

15. Hire what you only use once a year

    Furniture, tableware, décor - ownership isn’t always the sustainable option.

    
    

16. Serve food that reflects the local season and culture

    Less transport, more meaning, better storytelling.

    
    

17. Make sustainability visible (but not loud)

    Small signs explaining re-use systems help guests participate without lecturing them.

    
    

18. Ditch single-use ‘just in case’ items

    Extra cutlery, napkins, and merch will mostly end up unused.

    
    

19. Choose venues that already do things well

    Consider their production, waste separation, energy efficiency, and water management protocols. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel.

Lifestyle & community choices

20. Support local arts, theatre, and live music

    Culture is part of sustainability, as it keeps communities connected and resilient.

    
    

21. Shop markets and independent stores when you can

    You’ll buy less, but buy better, and your money supports a local business operator.

    
    

22. Spend time outside without “doing” anything

    Bushwalks, beach swims, park picnics -  the more connected people feel to nature, the more likely they are to protect it.

    
    

23. Gift experiences instead of things

    Classes, shows, meals, and memberships equal zero clutter, high-impact, memory-making activities. (Ed's note: this one’s my personal favourite!)

    
    

24. Talk about sustainability without perfectionism

    Normalise doing your best where you are, with what you already have, rather than trying to do it all.

    
    

25. Vote with your wallet, consistently

    One ethical purchase won’t really move the needle, but repeated choices do.

    
    

26. Teach kids (and adults) how systems work

    Where waste goes, how water is treated, how food grows - because understanding leads to care. If you don't know yourself, it's a perfect opportunity to learn. We're to help if you need some guidance!

    
    

A few bonus ones (because real life isn’t a neat list)

27. Say no to urgency culture

    Sustainable choices often take a bit more time, and that’s okay.

    
    

28. Repair something instead of replacing it this year

    Even once counts.

    
    

29. Share what’s working for you

    Your influence doesn’t need a megaphone, but sharing your story can help others on their sustainability journey. 

    
    

30. Shop your closet, pantry, or office storeroom first

    There's a high chance you already own something that will work for what you need.

Sustainability in 2026 doesn’t need to be loud, perfect, or aesthetic; it only needs to be considered, consistent, and human. And simple, really simple.

Let's live - and celebrate - like we love the Earth. 

May 2026 be everything you wish it to be, and more.

Love & light.  

Tai x