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What Our Grandmas Got Right: Rediscovering Sustainable Wisdom from the Past



In a world buzzing with smart tech, fast fashion, and 15-minute delivery apps, it's easy to forget that some of the most sustainable ways of living aren’t futuristic at all, they’re from the past. Our grandmothers (and their mothers) lived in a time before “sustainability” was a buzzword, yet their daily habits naturally aligned with low-impact, environmentally conscious living. What can we learn from their simpler lifestyles, and how does it compare to today?


Photo by Paul Theodor Oja, Pexels

1. Waste Less, Reuse More

Grandma didn’t throw much away. From reusing glass jars for storage to patching clothes and darning socks, she had a habit of extending the life of everything. A butter cookie tin became a sewing box, old bedsheets turned into cleaning cloths, and food scraps went straight to the compost or to the chickens.

Today: We’re learning to bring back the art of repair and reuse. Brands are launching circular programs, and DIY culture is on the rise, but there’s still a long way to go to match our grandparents’ level of resourcefulness.

2. Homegrown and Homemade

Many families had gardens, even if just a few pots on a windowsill. Preserving the summer harvest through canning, pickling, or freezing was common. Meals were made from scratch, often with seasonal and local ingredients. Grandparents didn’t rely on processed foods but ate fresh, whole ingredients, nourishing their bodies while reducing packaging waste.

Today: The farm-to-table movement and interest in edible gardens echo these traditions. Eating locally and reducing packaging waste aligns directly with what past generations did by necessity, not trend, and there is still so much more we could do to reconnect with those values and reduce our impact today.

3. Shopping Mindfully and Seasonally

There were no weekly online shopping hauls. Shopping was done with purpose, buying what was needed, often from local butchers, bakers, and greengrocers. Plastic packaging was minimal, and carrying a reusable bag wasn’t a political statement, it was just practical.

Today: Conscious consumerism is growing, but convenience still wins. Slow, seasonal shopping is one of the easiest and most powerful sustainable shifts we can reclaim.

4. Low-Tech, Low-Energy Homes

Clothes were air-dried, dishes hand-washed, and lights were used only in occupied rooms. Heat came from the fire, and instead of turning up the thermostat, people simply wore sweaters to stay warm.

Today: We rely on high-energy appliances and heating systems. But energy-saving habits from the past, like layering up, using draft stoppers, and switching things off, can significantly reduce our carbon footprints.

5. Transport on Foot or Wheels

Cars were a luxury, and people walked, cycled, or took the bus. Errands were local, and outings were often shared with neighbours or family.

Today: Car culture dominates, but there’s growing momentum around active transport, carpooling, and investing in local infrastructure. Walking more and choosing sustainable travel options not only cuts emissions, it brings us closer to our communities.

6. Community and Sharing

Need something? Borrow it. Whether it was a cup of sugar, a lawnmower, or childcare, neighbourhoods were tight-knit, and resources were shared. This not only saved money but reduced unnecessary consumption.

Today: The sharing economy (think: tool libraries, freecycle groups, community fridges) is slowly reviving this spirit, and it’s one of the most scalable solutions to overconsumption.


Why It Matters

Our grandmothers didn’t live sustainably because it was trendy, they did so out of necessity, practicality, and a culture that valued frugality, community, and respect for resources. In many ways, we’ve lost that mindset in today’s fast-paced, convenience-first world.

But as we face climate change, pollution, and social disconnect, the wisdom of older generations offers powerful lessons. The more we blend modern innovation with traditional values, of simplicity, care, and mindfulness, the more resilient our future becomes.

Sustainability isn’t new. It’s remembering what we used to do, honouring it, and adapting it to fit our modern lives. By looking back, we may just find the key to moving forward.

👉 What’s a sustainable memory you have from your grandma (or that generation)? Share it in the comments 💚


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Location: London, UK

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