You’ve probably heard the phrase “sustainable living” several times. But what does it really mean to live sustainably?
I have recently began to adopt a few sustainable practices in my own life. I now only use a refillable water bottle, use biodegradable products, pay attention to cautionary ingredient lists, and shop at the farmer's market when I can. Obviously, this hasn't sparked a revolution (and probably won't) but I'm left feeling fulfilled when I know that I'm doing what I can to positively impact the environment.
That may not appeal to everyone, but I genuinely believe adopting sustainable practices might be the natural cure to our environmental crisis. Today, I will give you some helpful tips to understand what sustainable living implies.
Our planet is in trouble and has been for a long time. And sadly, our global response to the environment’s inevitable destruction (you’re right, that is a little dramatic) has become one of little concern.
So, how do we properly respond to this environmental crisis? For starters, we shouldn’t rely on the government to tackle this challenge. Why? Because there are a multitude of areas where we can effect positive change from the comfort of our own homes. That said, allow me to briefly explain the in's and out's of sustainable living.
What is sustainable living?
I could opt to share a dictionary definition, but I am a firm believer in simplicity. Here's my simplified definition of sustainable living. Sustainable living, sometimes called “earth harmony living” describes a lifestyle that attempts to reduce our impact on the environment and the Earth’s natural resources.
It’s a system whereby today’s actions don’t negatively affect the quality of the future and a way of ensuring we preserve the Earth's natural resources for years to come.
If you'd like to learn more about what this specifically entails, Sphera provides a more detailed description here.
How can you live sustainably?
Well, I won’t pretend it’s an easy practice. In fact, it’s especially difficult to navigate in a world surrounded by processed, manufactured goods. Luckily for you and me, there a few beginner tips to get rolling in the right direction.
1. Start by calculating your existing carbon footprint. A carbon footprint means the total amount of greenhouse gases that are generated by our actions. Answer questions about your buying habits, energy use, transportation. Calculating your carbon footprint will encourage you to reflect on how your choices already affect the environment. Click here for a tool to calculate your carbon footprint provided by the US Environmental Protection Agency.
2. Make eco-friendly decisions at home. You can swap plastic storage bags for reusable ones. Choose biodegradable products instead of plastic. Reuse and repurpose old containers. Compost your food waste instead of throwing it away. Start a garden (this one is my favorite). This part of the process is independent to your needs and desires, which makes it that much more fun!
3. My last tip is to shop local. If you live in a smaller town, you can visit the weekend farmer’s markets instead of taking a trip to the nearest Walmart. This website provides some guidance to understanding why shopping local is beneficial. It not only helps protect the environment, but serves as a great way of supporting your local community.
Why is it important to live sustainably?
The answer is simple. If we don’t take active steps to protect our planet, then we reduce our quality of life here on Earth.
It's a necessary lifestyle ethos that should become the default if we want to preserve the planet for future generations.
If that’s not a good enough reason, then be encouraged that living sustainably will simplify your life, help save money and increase your confidence by learning to provide for yourself! That seems like a pretty good list of reasons to me.
If you’d like to learn more about living sustainably, or how to make positive impacts on the environment, feel free to subscribe to get notifications whenever I post. Together, we can embark on this glorious journey of crafting a green world.
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