Living Regeneratively

Cultivate native plants in your garden to support local ecosystems, attract pollinators, and promote biodiversity. Regionally appropriate species are naturally adapted to local climate and soil, making them low-maintenance and resilient. By choosing natives, you also create a safe haven for birds, bees, and butterflies while helping restore habitats that have been lost to urban sprawl. Plus, their unique beauty can add a sense of place and harmony to your outdoor space. Visit the Biota of North America Program website to learn what grows best in your area: bonap.org.

Fishing is one of the most regulated sports in the nation, with strict catch limits and seasonal restrictions that help maintain balance in marine and freshwater ecosystems, ensuring sustainability. While many smaller species — including mackerel, sardines, trout, and mussels — regenerate faster than larger ones, responsible fishing practices are crucial for preserving delicate populations. By understanding and adhering to regulations, anglers play a key role in protecting aquatic biodiversity and maintaining the health of our oceans and fresh waterways. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website is a great resource to consult before you cast a line: fws.gov.

If you have access, consider purchasing produce and goods from local farms or community supported agriculture (CSAs) practicing regenerative agriculture to support carbon reduction, encourage sustainable farming, and to consume more nutrient-dense and delicious foods. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), there were 6,969 farmers’ markets across the United States in 2023, and that number is rising as the regenerative organic movement grows. Find farmers’ markets near you on the USDA website: usdalocalfoodportal.com.

Shop for clothes and home goods at thrift stores or online resale platforms to lessen the demand for resource-intensive new products. By choosing secondhand items, you give gently used goods a new life, keeping them out of landfills. Thrifting also helps conserve the energy and raw materials required for manufacturing new items. It’s also an affordable way to find unique, high-quality pieces while supporting a more sustainable, circular economy.

If it’s permitted in your area, set up a rainwater harvesting system to water your garden or for supplemental household use, reducing your dependence on municipal water. For example, setting up a rain barrel is easier than you think. Collecting rainwater not only lowers your utility bills but also helps conserve precious freshwater resources. It’s an eco-friendly way to manage runoff, prevent soil erosion, and reduce the strain on local water systems during dry seasons. Plus, rainwater is naturally soft and untreated, making it ideal for nurturing plants and soil health, especially as we’re learning more about what’s in our city water, like PFAS, also known as forever chemicals.

Engage in regenerative agriculture in your own backyard by using your and your neighbors’ food scraps for healthier soil. Composting these scraps creates nutrient-rich soil amendments that improve plant health and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers. This simple practice diverts waste from landfills and also helps sequester carbon and enhance soil’s water retention. By turning food waste into a resource, you can create a thriving backyard ecosystem that supports both your garden and the planet. Search for “composting at home” on the Environmental Protection Agency’s website: epa.gov.

Extend the life of your belongings by repairing or creatively repurposing them instead of discarding them and buying new ones. Mending torn clothes, fixing broken furniture, or upcycling old items saves money while curbing the demand for resource-intensive production. These efforts contribute to a circular economy, where materials are kept in use for as long as possible. Giving new life to your possessions fosters creativity and builds a deeper appreciation for the things you own, too.

Participate in reforestation efforts or plant trees in your community to restore ecosystems and improve air quality. Trees play a vital role in capturing carbon dioxide, supporting wildlife, and stabilizing soil to prevent erosion. Planting even a single tree can create a ripple effect, providing shade, reducing urban heat, and enhancing biodiversity. It’s a tangible way to combat climate change while fostering a greener, healthier environment for future generations. The Nature Conservancy maps reforestation efforts across the states: reforestationhub.org.

Use your voice to support environmental policies that encourage regenerative practices in agriculture, energy, and waste management. Advocating for systemic change amplifies the impact of individual efforts, helping shift industries and governments toward sustainable solutions. Whether by voting, signing petitions, or joining grassroots movements, your involvement can drive meaningful progress. Supporting these policies fosters healthier ecosystems, reduces carbon emissions, and builds a more resilient future for communities worldwide. We like nonprofit Kiss the Ground’s list of regenerative resources: kisstheground.com.

Grow and save heirloom seeds to promote biodiversity and protect plant varieties that are more resilient to climate change. Buying heirloom seeds from places like Seed Savers Exchange preserves genetic diversity, ensuring a rich variety of plants that can adapt to different environmental challenges. By saving and sharing seeds, you contribute to a global effort to safeguard food security and maintain the cultural heritage tied to traditional crops. These resilient plants often boast richer flavors and nutrients, connecting you to a more sustainable and tastier food system. Seed Savers Exchange can help get you started: seedsavers.org.