Sustainable living is a set of green habits that help us reduce our climate impact and support biodiversity. It is often rooted in an ethical philosophy and includes actions like avoiding disposable products, choosing locally produced food, and using water and energy more efficiently.
Embracing these practices is more accessible than ever thanks to the internet and a growing awareness of environmental issues. Even small changes can have a big impact.
For example, using reusable items like glass jars and canvas grocery bags reduces the amount of plastic that gets added to landfills. It also saves natural resources that are used to make these items such as fossil fuels and minerals. Another way to live more sustainably is to buy fewer things in general. This helps reduce the need for material production and reduces impulse buying. It can also save money by reducing energy and water bills and reducing the need to upgrade your electronics or buy new gadgets.
When you do need to replace an item, consider its longevity before purchasing something else. For example, a well-used wool blanket can last for years, while a new one may need to be replaced every year or so.
It is also important to minimize the amount of waste you produce. This can be done by donating or selling old items instead of throwing them away. It is also possible to reuse items such as plastic shopping bags and tin cans. In addition, a zero-waste lifestyle is possible by using reusable body care products, such as bar soap and reusable menstrual cups, and limiting food waste.
Another aspect of sustainable living is being mindful of the environment when enjoying outdoor activities. This can include adhering to Leave No Trace principles, carpooling when possible, and purchasing eco-friendly bug spray and sunscreen. It is also important to minimize your carbon footprint when traveling. This can be done by minimizing air travel, taking trains and buses instead of flying and by purchasing carbon offsets.
The most important part of sustainable living is how we use our most precious resource, water. This includes reducing indoor home appliance water consumption, reducing outdoor water usage, and increasing daily water awareness.
Lastly, it is important to minimize our energy and gasoline usage. This can be done by reducing or eliminating your use of fossil fuels and investing in renewable energy sources such as solar panels for the home.
When celebrating, remember that excessive waste – including decorations, gifts and single-use food and drink containers – is a huge burden on our land, waters and wildlife. Choose plant-based foods, give secondhand or homemade gifts, and make sure to recycle. If you must buy a gift, try buying something from an ethical brand or donating to Project Beauty Share or an eco-friendly charity. Also, consider using a search engine like Ecosia* to reduce your data footprint and switch to a green electricity provider.