What Is Sustainable Living?

Sustainable living is an eco-friendly way of life that seeks to reduce a person’s impact on the environment. The philosophy includes a commitment to renewable energy, recycling, and conserving Earth’s natural resources. It also focuses on healthy eating and supporting companies that use sustainable practices. People who live sustainably often vote for politicians that support environmental initiatives such as reducing waste and protecting the natural environment.

A sustainable world would be one in which there is no poverty or hunger and everyone has equal access to clean water, education, health care and jobs that pay fair wages. In addition, the environment is protected and a balance between supply and demand for the planet’s natural resources is achieved.

In practical terms, sustainability means consuming earth’s resources consciously and reducing a person’s carbon footprint. Most individuals are not able to completely stamp out their environmental footprint, but they can make small changes that add up to a big difference.

Fossil fuels such as gasoline, diesel and coal should be avoided in favor of renewables like solar, wind and water-based energy. These sources of energy are sustainable and do not produce toxins during production or burning. It’s also helpful to practice Leave No Trace when camping or hiking. This means using non-toxic bug spray, cleaning up any trash that is left behind and avoiding areas of wildlife that are overly disturbed.

When shopping, look for items that are reusable and made from recycled materials. Plastic bottles, for instance, are not great for the environment and end up in landfills and oceans where they can be a threat to marine life. Instead, purchase a reusable water bottle and use it whenever possible. Similarly, disposable napkins and tissues should be replaced with cloth versions or reusable alternatives. Many communities have composting programs that turn food scraps and other household waste into nutrient-rich soil for gardens and farms. If your community does not have a program, start one!

It is also helpful to support local businesses. This helps cut transportation emissions and supports the local economy. If you can’t shop locally, try to buy organic foods when possible. Organic farming practices help reduce the amount of pesticides, herbicides and synthetic fertilizers used in agriculture. These chemicals are bad for the environment and often enter the food chain to eventually end up on our plates.

When you do need to purchase items, buy in bulk and avoid anything packaged in plastic. This reduces the number of individual packaging pieces that are produced and eliminates waste from the manufacturing process. Lastly, consider purchasing second hand goods from thrift stores or scouring the Facebook marketplace.

Buying eco-friendly goods can help reduce your carbon footprint, but the best way to reduce your impact is by growing some of your own food. This cuts down on the environmental costs of farming and transporting food to your door, plus it saves money. You can also reduce your impact by avoiding excess energy use, such as blasting the heat in winter or running the AC all day in summer.