Greener Every Day: 30 Sustainable Living Tips For April
2026 Apr 21st
Happy Earth Day!
In honour of the planet we call home, we’ve put together 22 sustainable living tips you can use to adopt more eco-conscious habits and make a difference this Earth Day.
Psst: read our Sustainability Initiative to learn what we’re doing to help.
Sustainable Tips To Live By
1. Turn Off & Unplug
Be conscious of your energy consumption by turning off unneeded lights and unplugging electronics — your power bill will thank you!
2. Reach For Eco-Friendly Fibers
Opt for naturally responsible fabrics like organic cotton or bamboo. These healthy, breathable materials use less water and fewer chemicals while supporting eco-friendly farming practices.
3. Give Your Car a Break
Try to walk, bike, or bus when you can to reduce carbon emissions and get some exercise! If you really need to drive, try carpooling.
4. Reuse Where You Can
There are plenty of ways to reuse packaging beyond reusable shopping bags. Try repurposing glass jars as cups, take-out boxes as permanent food storage containers, and use duvet bags for seasonal stowaways.
5. Support Sustainable Brands
Vote with your dollars by supporting certified-sustainable companies that prioritize environmental and social responsibility.
Did you know? QE Home is Canada’s first B Corp certified bedding brand.
6. ReHome Your Old Bedding!
Our textile recycling and takeback program, ReHome, rewards you for bringing in your old bedding (any brand!) to be recycled. At participating QE Home locations, we’ll give you shopping credits in return for your eco-friendly efforts.
7. Try Meatless Mondays
The less meat you eat, the lower your carbon footprint, so incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet by giving ‘Meatless Mondays’ a try.
8. Choose Quality Over Quantity
Invest in high-quality, timeless textiles that are designed to last rather than wear fast.
Sustainable products may seem pricier initially, but their long-term benefits outweigh the added costs, because of their extended lifespan. Plus, they’re usually better for your health as well as the planet’s!
9. Embrace Cold Water
Wash your clothes and bedding in cold water to save energy while preserving the fabric quality of your textiles. Also, wash similar fabrics together to prevent friction and wear on your items in the laundry.
Check out these 10 Sustainable Laundry Tips for more inspiration!
10. Lay Off the Heat
Bundle up to warm up and keep heating habits minimal. You’ll conserve plenty of energy and lower your electricity bills too!
11. Upcycle With DIY Projects
Reduce waste and turn old trash into new treasures by embracing the art of upcycling.
A prime example is repurposing fabric scraps from unwanted bedding. From holiday decorations to lamp shades, there are tons of DIY projects that’ll help you breathe new life into old linens.
12. Be Certified Responsible
Ward off greenwashing and shop with confidence by checking for accredited third-party certifications like OEKO Tex®, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Downmark, and Responsible Down Standard (RDS).
Learn more about our certifications here.
13. Spot Clean First
Got a stain? Try spot-cleaning instead of starting a laundry cycle. This will extend the lifespan of your fabrics and reduce the need for repeated washes. We really love Grandma’s Spot Remover for this!
14. Grow Your Own Garden
Plant herbs and veggies in your garden, on your patio, or even on your windowsill, and enjoy the delicious, environmentally-friendly “fruits” of your labour.
15. Take the All-Natural Cleaning Approach
Ditch the chemicals in favour of all-natural, eco-friendly options like our Tru Earth Laundry Detergent Strips. You can also make your own cleaners with household items like baking soda and white vinegar.
16. Shorten Your Shower
Research shows that sticking to a functional five minute-shower saves about 170 liters of water every time. That’s about 85 days of drinking water for one person!
17. Get Involved
Participate in a local cleanup event or tree-planting initiative to meet like-minded individuals and make a difference. Not only is this good for the planet, but it’s good for the soul too!
18. Sun-Cure Where You Can
Get in the habit of ‘sunbathing’ clothing and bedding to naturally kill bacteria and freshen them up sans the washing machine.
Did you know? Sun-curing silk duvets is the best way to keep them fresh.
Check our Laundering & Fabric Guide for more tips and tricks.
19. Reuse Rainwater
Got a green thumb? Set a jug outside to collect rainwater; your plants will thrive and your water conservation efforts will rise. In rainy climates, this offers a wholesome way to transform gloomy weather into a positive experience.
20. Donate What You Don’t Need
Embrace minimalism by reviewing your belongings and donating unneeded items to nonprofits, charities, and other programs that give to those in need.
21. Shop Local
Skip the big-box store and shop at your neighborhood farmer’s market to support the local economy and community while cutting the carbon cost of transportation.
22. Reflect & Renew
Reflect on your sustainable living journey, and set new goals to keep the green times going — because protecting our planet never goes out of style.
We hope these sustainable living tips have inspired you to mind your impact this month and beyond! For all your eco-friendly bedding needs, shop QE Home online or visit one of our 75+ stores across Canada. Happy Earth Month!
