Small Changes That Can Make a Big Difference

I’m Dawn and I live in a semi-off-grid farmhouse near Motril. Over the past four years I’ve grown passionate about sustainability, self-sufficiency and cooking with real, plant-based ingredients. I’ve also written two books about how small daily choices can lead to a more sustainable lifestyle — especially here on the Costa Tropical.

We’re lucky to live in such a beautiful region, but it’s also one that’s vulnerable to resource strain and climate shifts. The good news is that sustainable living doesn’t need to be complicated. Small actions, shared across a community, can have a big impact.

Here are three key areas where we can all make a difference locally:

Water: Every Drop Counts

Andalucía is one of the driest regions in Europe. Moving off-grid made me aware of just how much water we use. Did you know the average person in Spain uses 133 litres per day?

Simple ways to reduce use:

– Turn off taps while brushing teeth or rinsing dishes

– Fix dripping taps quickly – they can waste 200 litres a day

– Reuse grey water on your plants

– Keep pools covered instead of draining and refilling

– Fit a water meter to track usage

Food: Waste Less, Choose Better

We have access to incredible produce here, but food waste is still a big issue. In Europe, 127 kg per person is wasted every year.

Tips that help:

– Meal plan and store food well to reduce spoilage

– Freeze leftovers or repurpose them into new meals

– Shop at local fruterias (rather than supermarkets) to support local growers

– Swap one meat meal per week for a veggie dish to save water and emissions

– Compost food scraps for garden soil instead of landfill

Clothing: Buy Less, Wear More

Fast fashion creates huge waste and pollution. It’s easier than you think to shift habits.

Try this:

– Join Costa Women Swishing events to swap clothes

– Buy secondhand or vintage where possible

– Choose well-made basics that last

– Repair, upcycle or repurpose what you already own

We all start somewhere. I’ve found that once you begin to shift your habits, it becomes easier and more rewarding over time.

Groups like Costa Women Costa Tropical are a brilliant place to learn, swap ideas and connect with others taking steps towards sustainable living. Together, can make a difference.

Dawn Punter is the author of Waste Not Want Not – In the Kitchen and runs DawnsPlantKitchen.com

(Feature: Sustainable Living – Costa Women Costa Tropical)

Keywords: Sustainable Living Style, Reuse Grey Water, Cover Pools, Dripping Taps, Upcycling

news, andalucia, granada, costa tropical, sustainable living style, reuse grey water, cover pools, dripping taps, upcycling

Author’s Update: “Thank you for reading my piece on sustainability! Since publishing, I‘ve reflected on a few extra tips that might help:

Water: A simple shower timer (or even a playlist of 5-minute songs) can cut usage without sacrifice, plus you get to sing a favourite tune!

Clothing: Check out a local seamstress or tailor (there are loads nearby). Repair your favourite pieces rather than binning them!

Food: ‘Ugly’ produce boxes (or seconds) can be a great option. For instance, Alcampo in Motril does a Happy Box for under €3. Reduce food waste and bag a bargain at the same time.

I’d love to hear your own sustainable hacks—what’s one small change you’ve made that stuck?” – Dawn Punter

Reader’s comment: “If Andalusia is one of the driest areas in Europe, why oh why do I still see farmers running water for two or three or more days and nights onto their fields, to run off into the roads? It’s old fashioned and cheap, I guess.” PB Storey