Sustainable living is a term that has become very popular in the last five years. According to this concept, the people practicing sustainable living try to limit the use of natural resources and their Carbon footprints. Sustainable living is an entire lifestyle that can be adopted for the betterment of the world. Actions like not using your car and using the subway, using a bucket to wash your car instead of a hose, being more aware of your energy consumptions; all add up to make a greater impact.
What is Sustainability?
Sustainability, in the simplest words, can be explained as living a life that doesn’t compromise on the needs of the future generation. Despite the fact that we have a lot of inexhaustible resources, there will be a time when these resources will be limited to certain regions. The resources are not divided evenly throughout the world. When we talk about water, the majority of the world’s freshwater reserves are limited to 7 or 8 countries. When we abuse the resources that we have, we are indirectly taking away something from our future generation.
There are three founding principles or pillars of sustainability. These are profit, people, and the planet; until all these three are incorporated truly, sustainable living cannot be achieved. Companies that are trying to come up with sustainable policies need to consider all these three.
People
Social development will only be possible when people are aware of sustainability. It is important to bring awareness to the people through educational programs as well as social awareness messages.
Profit
Also known as social development, sustainability without economics is not possible. Companies need to come up with policies that focus on long-term goals rather than short term goals. They need to come up with things that will ensure a safer environment as well as individual growth.
Planet
For creating sustainability, the environment will always come first. The interaction with the environment will only be sustainable if we respect the resources provided to us and come up with ways to conserve them.
Why is Living Sustainably Important?
There is no longer a debate; whether we need to live sustainably or not because this is the only choice. If we want to live on this earth, enjoy the resources that we have, and have a good quality of life, sustainability is crucial. Research done in North America states that we would need at least five more planets to live on if we keep on using the resources at the pace we are using today. Considering the speed at which the population is increasing and how we are using the resources, there is a high chance that in the next few years, we will run out of most of our natural resources. We need to make responsible decisions to have a better word for tomorrow.
100 Ways to Live More Sustainably
1. Use what you already have around the house.
2. Buy preloved and used things.
3. Buy only what you truly need.
4. Remember to shop for recycled and reusable things.
5. Use LED bulbs with longer life.
6. Reduce the use of heating by layering your clothes.
7. Use as much as natural light possible during the daytime.
8. Use solar energy.
9. Practice using limited electricity.
10. Switch the lights off when leaving a room.
11. Limit your paper mail.
12. Use drying lines instead of power dryers.
13. Hand wash clothes for smaller loads.
14. Install a water-saving showerhead.
15. Build your kitchen and herb garden.
16. Turn all unnecessary power devices at night or when traveling for a long time.
17. Use all-natural fertilizers.
18. Eat seasonal produce.
19. Use reusable or mesh bags for groceries.
20. Limit the use of paper towels.
21. Limit the use of plastic and disposable kitchenware.
22. Use cloth napkins.
23. Reuse takeaway food containers.
24. Limit the use of a microwave.
25. Create your food waste recipes.
26. Use peels and seeds to make your compost.
27. Store rainwater to water your plants.
28. Recycle abundantly.
29. Take short showers.
30. Use sulfate-free shampoos.
31. Use soap bars instead of liquid hand washes.
32. Use limited packaged products.
33. Do not buy packaged plastics.
34. Use a bicycle to commute for short distances.
35. Use public transport for longer travels.
36. Use the stairs instead of the elevators.
37. You do not have to get coffee from the coffee shop every day.
38. Reduce air travel.
39. At grocery shops, take your own bags and reuse them on each visit.
40. Visit the local farmer’s market to get fresh produce.
41. Buy a little extra to limit the number of visits.
42. Do not buy plastic-wrapped fruits and vegetables.
43. Use glass or stainless steel bottles instead of plastic bottles at home.
44. Do not buy bottled water.
45. Reduce one-time use plastics.
46. For fresh bread, take your own basket or bag to the local bakery.
47. Take up a capsule wardrobe challenge.
48. Sew your clothes.
49. Learn more about sustainable fabrics.
50. Do not wash clothes frequently.
51. Repurpose old clothes.
52. Buy clothes that can be paired with multiple things.
53. Opt for digital letters.
54. Commute via e-mails instead of letters.
55. Suspend daily newspapers and read news online.
56. Switch notepads with laptops or computer sticky notes.
57. Turn your computer off before leaving the office.
58. Limit paper use in the office.
59. Add plants to your office.
60. Use large windows for natural light.
61. Use double-sided printing for informal discussions.
62. Reuse printed papers.
63. For children, limit the use of diapers.
64. Get wooden spoons and cutlery.
65. For children, buy toys that have natural fibers.
66. Repurpose jars in the kitchen.
67. Use jars to restock products bought in plastic bags.
68. Try making natural home cleaning supplies.
69. Use the dishwasher to limit the use of water.
70. Use natural dish cleaning supplies.
71. Use fruit and vegetable peels for juices.
72. Cook your meals instead of ordering food.
73. Limit wastage in the kitchen.
74. Cook as much as you can eat.
75. Close taps in between brushing your teeth.
76. Use cruelty-free makeup products.
77. Use makeup products that are free of toxic chemicals.
78. Use reusable cotton pads for makeup removal.
79. Use natural products like sugar and coffee to make scrubs and exfoliators.
80. Reuse gift bags and gift wrappers.
81. Limit the use of scotch tape for wrapping.
82. Invest in experiences instead of things.
83. Use loose tea instead of teabags.
84. Use milk in bottles instead of tetra packs.
85. Use rechargeable batteries.
86. Repair things instead of buying new ones.
87. Use metal straws instead of plastic ones.
88. Spend time in the outdoors.
89. Instead of going to the gym, take up a sport.
90. Do not accept disposable cutlery at the takeout.
91. Use handkerchief instead of tissue paper.
92. Use matches instead of a lighter.
93. Use scented candles instead of air fresheners.
94. Shop from goodwill.
95. Get associated with groups and charities that are serious about sustainability.
96. Encourage your friends to live sustainably.
97. Spread awareness.
98. Make sure your business follows the same protocols.
99. Support brands that are passionate about sustainable living.
100. Volunteer for the environment.
The list goes on. These are a few changes that you can bring in your life if you already haven’t. These small changes will go a long way in preserving our environment.
