Sustainable living is a lifestyle that aims to minimize the use of Earth’s resources. It encompasses a wide range of practices and behaviors, from using solar energy at home to eating more plant-based meals. It also includes promoting the use of recycled and non-toxic materials in one’s home, car, clothing, and beauty products. Sustainable living is a great way to safeguard the planet’s environment for future generations.
The ethos behind sustainable living is all about striking an environmental balance with the world, and giving back to it as much as we take from it. It is a more complex concept than simply “going green”, but it is an important one to promote in all areas of life.
This is why it’s so important to make a commitment to living more sustainably, regardless of how small or big the changes you introduce are. Making a few simple, creative swaps in everyday life can have a significant impact on the environment.
One of the most obvious ways to start living more sustainably is to drive less. Ditching your car for a day (or even just once a week) will drastically cut the amount of greenhouse gas emissions you create. If you have to drive for work, consider carpooling or using public transport to reduce your carbon footprint.
Another simple change is to shop local. This isn’t just good for your local economy, but it also helps to lower the emissions that go into shipping goods to you from faraway places. If you need to buy something online, try to find a company with a greener supply chain – or at least a more eco-friendly shipping option like a courier who uses bicycles or trains.
When you do need to purchase items, consider second hand stores first and buying from brands that are ethical. Avoiding plastics wherever possible is an easy way to reduce your environmental footprint, too – simply using your own reusable cutlery and napkins instead of disposable ones is an instant win.
Growing your own plants and vegetables is a simple yet effective way of living more sustainably, too. Even if you don’t have a lot of garden space, you can grow herbs and tomatoes in pots on your windowsill or even in a trough on your porch.
Aside from growing your own produce, you can try to eat more locally-sourced foods and avoid imported food as much as possible. This not only decreases your carbon footprint, but it also supports the local economy and encourages you to eat more healthily.
Similarly, switching to green beauty and cleaning products is another easy, quick change you can make. Not only will this help the environment, but it will also save you money – and many of these products are actually better for your skin! Just be sure to read the label before you switch to a product, and make sure that it’s made from natural ingredients and is free of chemicals.