In a modern world where climate change and environmental problems are taking a toll and disrupting our everyday lives, people are looking for ways to adapt to a more sustainable lifestyle. People are gaining interest in everyday sustainability practices not only to improve their way of living but also to help the environment in the long run.
If you can resonate with that, we urge you to stay around and keep on reading this article to learn how you can embrace a sustainable lifestyle one step at a time.Â
What do we mean by sustainable lifestyle?
Essentially, sustainable living means taking positive steps to reduce your individual environmental footprint. The ultimate goal is to reduce your carbon emissions, live sustainably, and be a role model for other people who want to make a positive change in their lives and care for the Earth.Â
There are numerous ways to live a more sustainable life. For instance – using less plastic, reducing your air travel, utilizing clean and renewable energy, choosing sustainable products in eco-friendly packaging, limiting resource consumption, as well as recycling, composting, repurposing waste, etc.
It can feel overwhelming to take your first steps on your “going green” journey. There is a lot to learn and many ways to adapt to this new eco-aware lifestyle. Yet, going sustainable is actually quite simple and affordable.
5 tips for sustainable living
Reuse
A shift to a sustainability mindset or zero waste philosophy goes beyond addressing cleaner products. It is about stopping overconsumption in its entirety. With that in mind, a sustainable lifestyle does not require you to spend a lot on brand-new items.Â
Making eco-friendly purchases and getting rid of plastic items actually contributes to generating waste and more consumption. Which is the opposite of what you should strive for. In reality, the most sustainable products are those you already own and that you can repurpose.
In addition, we recommend buying second-hand items or giving away the items you do not use or need to charitable organizations. Donations are a wonderful way to get rid of the things you have no use for and be sure that they would be reused and not end up in nature or in the landfill.
Buy sustainable products
Purchasing eco-friendly products which have a low environmental impact and do not affect local communities negatively is a huge step towards going green. That way you support green businesses, contribute to the sustainability of producers and minimize your individual eco-footprint at the same time. To ensure you are shopping smart, make sure to check the goods for sustainable labels and certifications (typically displayed on the packaging).Â
Support local businesses
Our next tip for sustainable living is to shop local. It’s an important step toward a more sustainable lifestyle. Small local businesses that are independent tend to be more eco-oriented than large corporations.Â
So take your time researching the brands you are loyal to. Think about what their values, purpose, and internal policies are. If they give back to the community or resonate with your sustainability views – keep on supporting them.Â
Use biodegradable packaging
Buying sustainable products means nothing if the packaging is not sustainable, since the packaging is often the biggest consumer waste. And do you know what happens to all the plastic wraps and containers that get thrown away daily? They end up polluting nature, and oceans, harming wildlife, or emitting toxic gases upon their break down at the landfills, degrading for hundreds of years.Â
That is why it is essential to choose biodegradable packaging. This type of packaging is made of all-natural renewable resources, that break down in a matter of days or weeks without leaving any harmful traces after its disposal. Biodegradable materials are recyclable, and in many cases – compostable.Â
Include more plants in your diet
Last but not least, make changes in your diet. Eat more plants and less meat to reduce your eco-footprint. Livestock production is responsible for a large part of global greenhouse emissions. At the same time, producing meat requires tons of water. So quitting or limiting the consumption of factory-farmed meat is essential if you want to live more sustainably.
