Sustainable living is about returning to the Earth whatever you take from it, and attempting to strike an environmental balance. In practical terms, it means changing your home design and lifestyle to make greener choices in all areas of your life. This may sound overwhelming but there are many simple changes you can make that will make a difference.
Clare McDermott, business development director for the Soil Association, explains: “Sustainability is about working with nature, not against it. It’s about making informed decisions that respect the environment and ensure that we don’t deplete natural resources.”
Eating sustainably is another important part of sustainable living. Choosing organic produce, meat and dairy helps reduce the amount of pesticides, artificial fertilisers and other harmful chemicals that are sprayed on crops and released into the water system, damaging the ecosystem. “Eating a well-balanced diet of whole foods, including a variety of vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds, is also a good way to ensure you’re eating in a sustainable manner,” she adds.
Using reusable containers when shopping and choosing to shop at local markets or farmers’ markets rather than supermarkets is an easy way to support sustainability. Buying organic and fair trade produce is another way to promote sustainability, as it supports the people who grow your food and ensures the welfare of animals.
Plastic waste is another big problem for our planet. At least 14 million tons of it ends up in the ocean each year, where it pollutes our waters and kills marine life. To help cut down on this, avoid plastic products as much as possible – from straws to teddy bears – and opt for glass or metal whenever possible.
Other ways to go green include switching to energy-efficient appliances and lighting, reducing your use of paper (and printing it out only when necessary), using a recycled content or recyclable packaging, using a garden compost bin for yard clippings and switching to a search engine that uses renewable energy to power its servers. Embracing sustainability as a lifestyle can feel like a big ask but it’s the cumulative effect of everyone’s small actions, from opting for reusable face wipes to calling your elected representatives, that will make a huge difference.
So, what are you waiting for? Start your sustainable journey today! It’s never too late to change. Make it a habit and encourage others to join you. Together, we can build a world with less pollution and waste and healthier forests and oceans.