Sustainable living is a lifestyle, practice and philosophy that promotes environmental responsibility. It encourages people to limit their impact on the planet, and support businesses that are ethically minded. From choosing reusable straws and shopping for recycled-only clothes to planting trees and switching to LED lights, small sustainable habits can make an immense difference.
While it’s important to keep in mind that climate change reversal will need massive action on a grand scale, there are many things we can do to make our lives more eco-friendly. From reducing our consumption and adopting a less materialistic mindset to purchasing second-hand goods and using clothes rental services, these simple sustainable living ideas can help us reduce our carbon footprint and live a greener life.
Using less water is one of the most important steps we can take to be more sustainable, as it helps reduce our dependency on this vital resource. Common ways to do so include installing low-flow toilets and shower heads, buying a rainwater harvester or adding a rain barrel to your garden, and making an effort to not overwater plants.
Opting for a vegetarian diet is another way to be more sustainable as it cuts down on the amount of meat we consume, which can have huge environmental impacts. Additionally, eating locally produced foods is good for the environment because it reduces the amount of fossil fuels that are used to transport the produce from the farm to your local supermarket.
Another big step we can take is to say no to plastic, which is a major source of pollution and waste in the environment. At least 14 million tons of plastic end up in the ocean each year, resulting in thousands of seabird deaths from ingesting it and other marine creatures getting tangled in it. Luckily, it’s easy to cut down on your plastic usage by switching to reusable bags and bottles, avoiding products that contain or come in plastic packaging, and selecting unwrapped produce when shopping at the grocery store.
Building a green home is also an important step towards sustainable living, as it will significantly cut down on your home’s energy costs and carbon emissions. Investing in solar panels, LED lighting, and draught-proofing your house can significantly reduce your carbon footprint, as well as save you money on your utility bills.
Finally, a car-free lifestyle is an excellent choice for sustainable living as it drastically cuts down on the use of fossil fuels, which are harmful to our environment. It’s easy to do by walking or cycling to your destination, and using public transportation like trains or buses instead of driving.
Moreover, if you are in a position to do so, try to purchase a new or used vehicle that uses alternative energy sources like hybrid engines or electric cars, as opposed to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. And remember to recycle everything you can, whether it’s aluminium cans, cardboard boxes or plastic bottles. You can also help reduce the amount of pollution being released into our atmosphere by calling your local representatives and telling them you want climate action.