Sustainable living refers to lifestyle practices that reduce your impact on Earth’s resources, such as replacing gas-guzzling cars with fuel efficient or electric models, taking advantage of public transit when possible, or using human power transportation on commutes.
Stepping towards environmental responsibility doesn’t need to be complicated or time consuming; many waste-producing behaviors have eco-friendly alternatives such as using reusable water bottles and shopping with inexpensive tote bags.
Use Renewable Energy
Sustainable living involves taking small steps to lessen your impact on the environment. One area to start focusing on is your energy use at home – consider switching away from fossil fuels in favor of renewable options, while making sure your appliances are more energy-efficient.
Living sustainably means using products without toxic ingredients in them – this includes cleaning supplies, cosmetics and more – such as those containing harmful additives and ingredients that contain synthetics. Instead, opt for natural or organic alternatives free from additives that could harm you.
Shopping locally and using sustainable transportation like walking, cycling or carpooling is another effective way to promote sustainability living. Where possible, replace gas-guzzling vehicles with more fuel-efficient ones or electric cars; consider building sustainable materials into your house such as adobe bricks, bamboo or straw houses for their durability and biodegradability; spending time in nature is another effective way to support sustainability, which has been shown to lower stress levels while improving mental wellbeing.
Reduce Your Meat Consumption
Eating less meat may seem like a small change, but it can have a substantial impact on reducing your carbon footprint and bettering animal welfare and human wellbeing. When shopping for meat, try purchasing products produced sustainably without plastic packaging and non-recyclable materials.
Food waste is one of the primary contributors to municipal landfills and an enormous source of pollution, wasteful energy use and wasteful resource consumption. To avoid food waste altogether and save water and energy resources while shopping more responsibly with a list.
At home and at work, there are many steps you can take to become more sustainably-minded. Recycling plastic, paper and glass; switching to power-saving appliances; purchasing a programmable thermostat and selecting sustainable furnishings are just some ways you can be more environmentally conscious. When traveling for work use public transit or bike commuting. Carpool with colleagues for reduced emissions and fuel usage as well as choosing sustainable electricity providers (some providers are better).
Recycle Your Waste
One way of going green is through recycling all forms of waste – paper products, metals and plastics alike. You can further minimize waste by purchasing items with minimal packaging or by reusing items instead of discarding them.
Living sustainably means choosing foods grown locally or seasonally, which require more chemicals for production and have higher greenhouse gas emissions. You can also contribute by eating less meat – industrial meat production being one of the biggest contributors to pollution and deforestation.
Sustainable living begins by electing politicians who support renewable energy and conservation initiatives, and choosing eco-friendly materials and energy saving appliances when building or purchasing your home.
Get Smart Appliances
Smart appliances can make a significant contribution towards making homes greener. These devices offer remote control, energy monitoring and seamless integration capabilities – perfect for pairing with renewable energy sources like solar panels.
Even if you don’t yet own a smart refrigerator or washer, there are still ways you can increase energy efficiency with existing devices. One easy solution is switching to LED bulbs and installing smart plugs around the house – smart plugs enable automated on/off devices as well as set schedules and remotely turn items off when necessary.
Reusing or donating food is another effective way to conserve energy, so regularly assess what’s in your refrigerator and pantry and donate anything that doesn’t appear likely for consumption again. Reusing items like plastic grocery bags may reduce waste output as well as turn off lights when not present and unplug electronics from power strips when possible.