Over the past years, global warming, climate change, ozone layer depletion, and resource depletion have become a hot topic. We can no longer ignore the devastating effects of these events on the human and animal lives.
Currently, there are about 616 non-government environmental organizations accredited with the United Nations working towards efforts to mitigate the negative human impact on the environment. Apart from that, more people, especially the younger generations, are keen on helping the environment.
Since the release of the documentary film, An Inconvenient Truth, back in 2006, the media and all other industries have started to promote a sustainable lifestyle. Embracing a sustainable lifestyle not only benefits the environment but the future generations as well.
What Is Sustainable Living?
In unfussy terms, sustainable living is a lifestyle choice that focuses on reducing one’s ecological footprint. This lifestyle includes altering one’s method of energy consumption, diet, transportation, and other personal decisions that may harm the environment.
In a broader sense, sustainable living is designed to attain environmental equilibrium with the Earth. Sustainable living aims to strike out a “zero energy balance” with our mother Earth or to return to the Earth whatever we took from it.
Tips for a Sustainable Lifestyle
Although achieving a zero environmental impact is quite impossible to achieve, there are several life choices available to us to help reduce our carbon footprint on this planet.
Home Living
The easiest way to transition to a sustainable lifestyle is by making initial sustainable changes at home since it is your safe-haven and the most frequent place you spend time on.
Several benefits come along with having a sustainable and environmentally-friendly house. Not only will you create a healthier home environment for your family, but you also effectively lower your energy, water, and other maintenance bills.
You do not have to spend thousands of dollars on expensive renovations to make your home sustainable. You can do it by just simply changing your old light bulbs to LED or CFL ones, replacing old appliances with Energy Star rated ones, and if budget allows, installing a water filtration system.
Transport Options
You can extend your practice of sustainability even outside your home. When doing errands, going to the office, or merely traveling somewhere close, opt to use the public bus or a bicycle. Even better, buy a second-hand bike and use it to commute everywhere.
Walking and cycling do not only benefit the environment but also your health and wellbeing. Nonetheless, if a car-free living does not work for you, you may invest in an electric-powered vehicle.
Fashion
Choose a sustainable fashion. Take a cue from Macklemore and buy preloved clothes on your next shopping spree instead. There are many great places to find good deals on second-hand clothes ━ in local thrift stores, garage sales, and flea markets. You may also support fashion brands that are advocates of ethical and environmental consciousness.
Grocery
When buying groceries, consider bringing a bag. Opt for paper bags instead of plastics when buying meat or fish products. Shop at your local farmer’s market to help reduce your carbon footprint from distribution and shipping costs. You may even go all the way and start growing an organic garden in your yard.
Banking and Finances
When banking, consider selecting ethical banks who are not only socially responsible but also directly address environmental concerns. Although there is no definite standard of what an ethical bank should be, banks deemed Certified B Corporations or are members of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values are considered ethical banks.
Food Options
One of the primary sources of greenhouse gases is livestock. The methane produced by animal manure contributes to global warming 28 times higher than carbon dioxide. Considering this fact, switching to a vegetarian or vegan diet helps reduce the negative human impact on the environment. But if you have to consume meat, opt for free-range ones.
Funeral Planning
Even in death, you can practice sustainability. Several burial sites in America have turned into landfills, making the funeral business rethink about death. There are many mortuaries today that offers a green funeral arrangement.
By preplanningyour funeral, you ensure that your family and friends observe your wishes in having a green funeral arrangement. Environmentally-friendly burials have steadily grown popular over the years, and they do not interfere with burial traditions.
Even though you are just a speck of dust in this vast universe, in adopting a sustainable lifestyle, you contribute towards a greener future. Keep in mind that every little step counts.
