In a world where fast fashion, microplastics, electronics, and pollutants plague the environment to the point where erratic weather patterns and natural disasters have become commonplace, not only have we lost touch with nature, but we are nowhere closer to reversing the damage to the environment.
Every day, with each advancement in technology, it becomes even more imperative that we become more eco-friendly.
So, what do we do as individuals? Do we sell everything we own and set out for the hills? Absolutely, not.
To become more sustainable, we do not have to become hermits. A sustainable lifestyle is actually about making smart choices while keeping in mind the environment and its welfare.
There are many aspects of our lives where making one change can have a significant impact. Sustainable brands, buying from organic markets, switching plastic with metal or wood, using electricity wisely, using public transport, etc. are just a few of the many ways you can do your part for the environment.
What are some ways to live a more sustainable lifestyle?
Here are some sustainable lifestyle tips to step up your game in protecting our earth!
1. Thrifting: Thrifting need not just be your fashion preference; it can also become your way of living an eco-friendly lifestyle. Thrifted clothes and furniture are often cheap and of good quality if you purchase from reliable thrift stores. You can also find a lot of vintage pieces that would otherwise be expensive.
If you are a reader, you can also thrift books instead of purchasing new copies. There are often book swap meets where people get together to exchange old books for new ones!
2. Replacing plastic: Most of the plastic products we use are everyday products, like combs, toothbrushes, straws, water bottles, etc.
A great way to live an environmentally friendly lifestyle is to replace these plastic products with products made from more sustainable materials.
For example, you can replace your regular plastic toothbrush with one made from bamboo. Many brands sell bamboo or wood-based haircare products like brushes, combs, etc.
The next time you use a straw, opt for one made of steel or bamboo.
3. Buying local: Fruits and vegetables that are local to your area are more sustainable because they have traveled fewer miles. Also, by buying locally, you are supporting local agriculture, which is also equally beneficial for the environment.
In addition to buying local, buy seasonal. Buying seasonal means buying what is naturally harvested during that particular season. Produce grown according to natural seasonal calendars also has a lower carbon footprint.
4. Switch up your transport: Another way to live a more sustainable lifestyle is by opting for greener modes of transport. Take the subway or the bus. Organize a carpool with your friends at work. Walk to the grocery store for weekly supplies. You can also bike!
Cycling is not only sustainable, but it is also a form of workout. Along with helping restore environmental health, you can also improve your own!
5. Recycling: We cannot discuss sustainability without talking about recycling. Let us look at some of the ways that we can incorporate recycling into our daily lives:
- Separating plastics, paper, glass, and metal.
- Avoid single-use plastic like spoons, straws, and containers.
- Composting organic waste at home.
- Recycling newspapers and old books.
- Recycling can also mean repurposing by creative means like DIY projects out of waste.
6. Home garden: Plant a garden at home! You can pick pretty flowers or even grow fruits and vegetables at home.
Having a home garden is a great way of reducing our household carbon footprint. It also gives you a new hobby and makes your home look very pretty!
If you feel like you cannot handle caring extensively for a garden or if you do not have enough space, cacti are always an option. Having cacti takes minimal effort and works really well if you have a small space.
7. Be brand conscious: When you shop, make sure you know enough about a brand’s sustainability before purchasing. Purchase from brands that are sustainable, eco-friendly, and actively working towards a greener tomorrow. Support fashion brands that are ethical and environmentally conscious.
You can also judge brands by their packaging, the contents mentioned on the package, and the composition of the product. Being more mindful of the brands you purchase from also helps contribute to a sustainable lifestyle.
8. Education and awareness: In order to practice, it is important to know. In addition to practicing an eco-friendly lifestyle, it is also equally important to be educated and aware of environmental conditions and news.
There are many podcasts and social media pages that post regular updates about the environment and cover sustainable living as well.
9. Join a community: A way to make a bigger impact is by joining a community or a local group that does work to make a green change.
There are many non-profit organizations that you can be a part of to do your part for society. These communities often organize awareness drives, workshops, and other fun events where you can educate both yourself and others while actively making a change.
10. The concept of mindful consumption: Be a mindful consumer. We often tend to make impulse purchases or end up purchasing more than we need, or even, at times, something we don’t even need.
The concept of mindful consumption is basically being more mindful about each purchase you make and the kind of products you consume.
It is of utmost necessity that we start incorporating sustainable practices into our lives. Living a sustainable lifestyle is the collective duty of every person on earth because we owe it to our planet to protect and preserve its natural environment.
It is high time that we raise awareness about the importance of living a healthier and more eco-friendly lifestyle and put words into action.
Our planet, our responsibility!
Reviewed by
Environmentalist
