There are 7.7 billion people on the planet right now and each of us has to eat, get around and consume goods and services. But not everyone is doing it sustainably. Sustainable living involves doing all the little things that add up to make a difference. Using reusable shopping bags and water bottles, recycling, buying from ethically-sourced products and adopting a vegan diet are some of the best ways to be more sustainable.
The key to successful sustainable living is to align your actions with your values and prioritize what’s important to you. It’s also about avoiding waste of all kinds, including energy and natural resources.
It’s a good idea to try and reduce your ecological footprint as much as possible, but no one can stamp out their entire footprint forever. Instead, focus on what you can do, and be proud of yourself for trying to do the best you can.
Many of the practices that make up sustainable living are easy and affordable, and many of them can be done at home. For example, switching to a green search engine like Ecosia can help cut your internet footprint, as well as helping to conserve the earth’s resources.
Another way to be more sustainable is to buy second hand, use e-waste recycling programs and choose reusable or renewable energy sources for your home. Similarly, shopping at zero-waste and Bring Your Own Container stores can cut down on plastic waste. It’s also a good idea to shop with an eco-friendly debit card that’s better for the environment than traditional plastic cards.
A big problem with the world’s current environmental situation is that it’s impossible to reverse climate change without massive action by major institutions. However, individuals can still do their part by putting pressure on politicians to take action. This can be done by making regular phone calls or emails to your federal, state and local representatives. Getting involved with climate activist groups and voting for environmentally-friendly candidates are also great ways to take action and show your support for sustainable living.
There are many more ways you can go green, but it’s important to remember that sustainability is a journey and not a destination. Keep on learning and growing, so that you can continue to improve and do your part to preserve the planet for future generations.