A sustainable lifestyle is all about using the earth’s resources wisely and acting in a way that’s responsible for the environment. It can seem daunting, but everyone has a role to play in protecting our planet. While urging leaders and corporations to institute policies that help lower carbon emissions is vital, individual efforts to live sustainably also make a difference.
Purchasing eco-friendly goods, reducing waste, eating locally grown food, using reusable sanitary products, donating used clothing and other items to charities, supporting the reforestation of our rainforests and lowering your energy usage are just a few of the small steps you can take to live more sustainably. You can even save money by making your own cleaning products and ditching single-use plastics.
According to Clare McDermott, business development director at the Soil Association, sustainable living is about “operating with care and consideration so that we don’t deplete natural resources.” She says it means “living a more environmentally conscious life with minimal impact on our precious planet.”
Many of the things you use every day aren’t great for the environment: From cleaning products to standard toilet paper and even those squeezable shampoo bottles, it’s easy to find alternatives made from recycled or biodegradable materials. Switching to energy-efficient appliances and renewable energies is a great way to reduce your environmental footprint.
It’s also important to think about how you get around, whether that’s by car or public transport. Car sharing is a great option as it reduces the number of cars on the roads, which in turn cuts down on fossil fuel emissions and traffic congestion. Using public transit is another way to help the environment, as are bike rides and walking.
Eating a plant-based diet is one of the most effective ways to be more sustainable. It cuts down on animal meat consumption, which can have a big impact on our environment. But if you do need to eat meat, there are plenty of ethical brands that are more sustainable than others.
Another great sustainable living tip is to get your clothes repaired or tailored, as this prevents waste and gives your wardrobe a new lease of life. “Bespoke fashion is back,” explains Prew, and businesses like Benjamin Fox and MaisonCleo are creating pieces from limited-stock fabrics.
Lastly, you can also help the environment by avoiding excessive air travel and choosing sustainable gifts for friends and family. You could buy a gift certificate to a local restaurant or spa, make a thoughtful video or handwritten note, or give the gift of an experience. If you can’t do any of these, you can still help the environment by donating to green charities.
If you’re feeling inspired, you can also choose to study sustainability at university and go on to have a career in the field of environmental science, ecology or conservation. There are some fantastic colleges to choose from, all of which can be found in our comprehensive guide. You can also help the environment by volunteering in wildlife rehabilitation centers and rewilding projects.