Sustainable living is the process of minimizing our consumption of Earth’s natural resources. It includes practicing energy efficiency, eating organic foods and reducing waste production. It is also about choosing products that are made from recycled materials and using reusable water bottles. Additionally, it is about supporting local business and charities that focus on sustainability.
The more people that practice sustainable living, the less pressure there is on our natural resources and environment. A small change in our everyday habits can have a big impact. It can be as easy as walking or biking instead of driving, reducing electricity usage, buying locally grown food, donating clothing and shoes to secondhand stores and even choosing to live in a smaller house.
Practicing sustainable living does not only benefit the environment, but it can also save you money in the long run. A small investment in renewable energy can go a long way in cutting down the amount of electricity you use at home and reducing your carbon footprint.
Another aspect of sustainability is avoiding excessive water use in your home, business or farm. It is recommended to install a rainwater collection system for storing and reusing water. You can also choose to grow your own herbs, vegetables and fruit in a garden instead of purchasing them at the supermarket. Growing your own vegetables and fruits reduces the need for chemical fertilizers. Additionally, it also reduces the strain on local and national agriculture systems.
If you are unable to grow your own food, consider buying produce at the farmers market or at grocery stores that support sustainable practices. Buy local meats and dairy products to reduce the environmental damage caused by factory farming, and try to avoid processed foods as much as possible.
The most important thing to remember is to always recycle, reuse and upcycle whenever you can. Reusing paper for notes and memos can help cut down on the billions of pounds of non-recyclable waste that ends up in landfills each year. Similarly, reusing envelopes and wrapping paper can make a huge difference. You can also use a notebook or message book to keep track of your to-dos, shopping lists and other reminders instead of a smartphone app.
A final important tip is to turn off electronics and lights when not in use. Most electronic devices draw on electricity even when they are turned off, so it is important to pull the plug to reduce energy use. This will save you money on your electricity bill and prevent unnecessary pollution.
Another easy tip to promote sustainability is to choose to shop for bespoke fashion. Companies like Benjamin Fox and MaisonCleo provide tailor-made pieces using limited-stock fabrics to create a more environmentally friendly approach to fashion. This is a more ethical and sustainable way to get the latest trends while also cutting down on excess stock that would otherwise end up in landfills. You can also choose to shop secondhand, as the majority of new clothes are produced under unsustainable conditions.