11 Ways To Live A Sustainable Lifestyle And Why Is It Important?
We have learned the value of freedom, independence, and individual liberty through centuries of struggle and chaos. But do we also realize that some people abuse their privilege by using the ecosystem as a whole?
Indeed, you are reading me correctly. However, some of us have a different understanding of these terms than others. But, to me, a life devoid of responsibility is equivalent to a brain empty of consciousness. How can we live in a way that ensures our contribution to environmental sensitivity? Simply by taking responsibility for one’s own life and making more specific lifestyle changes.
Why Is It Important?
Do you have any idea? That we have enough evidence to believe that the greatest threat to humanity is a climate catastrophe. As a result, a sizable number of responsible people want to do their part. Yes, it is possible. We can all go green and rely on renewable energy sources. That said, you do not have to abandon your current way of life completely. Instead, it can be an uncomplicated lifestyle change. A change that is both rational and realistic, and you can apply it in real-time. Therefore, this blog will disclose some of the most simplistic and easy-to-do lifestyle changes to go green. Besides, you all can do this no matter your race, ethnicity, social status, and economic condition. So, no matter whether you are living alone or with friends or family.
1 Consumption of Meat
We have built a lifestyle based on meat consumption, and it is difficult to challenge it. Most of us can’t get enough of our favourite burgers, cheese, meatballs, and chicken sandwiches. However, we can begin by reducing our beef consumption, as beef consumption is not a sustainable way of life. You must think about it if you want to live a sustainable life. Meat production is a super contributor to climate change and environmental damage to landscapes, rivers, and streams. You could even help reduce the environmental impact of the beef industry by eating less of everything. For more in-depth information, check out this article. In addition, you can check the annual meat consumption numbers here.
Or, try these whole foods instead of beef consumption:
- Beans
- Lentils
- Chickpeas
- Mushrooms
- Seeds
- Nuts
- Soybean
- Green vegetables & fruits
- Coconut milk
2 Make Use of Renewable Energy
Renewable sources can help power everyday household devices to work efficiently. In addition, they can also help the automobile sector with effective logistics. Such efforts by organizations can result in a reduction in energy consumption. But why are we waiting for big corporations and governments to take action? Since we can also contribute immensely by changing our attitude towards how we deal with energy. For example, we are replacing power-hungry home appliances with sustainable and renewable ones. And why is that a pressing issue? Because the energy demand is rising exponentially. The industrialized nations consume 28% of the world’s population and down 77% of the world’s energy production.
There are three essential things you can consider:
- Using solar energy to power your home
- Using electric devices that are eco-friendly.
- If you can afford it, try to use an electric car instead of a gasoline or diesel engine.
3 Reducing, Reusing, and Recycling
There are two significant suggestions for you here:
- Try to reuse your products organically.
- If you do not need more products, do not buy more because it may cause a solid waste stockpile.
- Recycle glass jars and paper bags.
Keep a bin at residence and attempt to visit the recycling facility instead of the landfill.
4 Farming Which Is Both Organic and Regenerative
Organic farming helps reduce the need to use more energy and its regenerative ability and health benefits. Besides, it is toxic-free and uses a minimal amount of pesticides and chemicals. Did you know? That in-organic farming is the leading cause of biodiversity loss and fauna and fora. So, please, if you can do it, you must do it. In other scenarios, you can try to use food items that are biodiverse and organic. One simple tip would be to check the labels before buying any item. You can read more about organic farming here.
5 Consider Your Purchasing Habits
You can quickly adapt to this habit. Here is a simple tip: What we purchase and sends a clear message to the global market about consumer habits. Hence, it influences the company’s business model too. Therefore, take into account the products you feel obliged to buy and their life – cycles.
Some products that are not eco-friendly:
- Plastic wrappers
- Cans and bottles
- Coffee pods
- Plastic disposables
- Disposable plates
- Farmed salmon
- Bottled water
- Sunscreen
- Teabags
- Papers
You can easily find alternatives to these valuable items if you give a second thought before purchasing any of them. Some practical options are using wooden and clay pods instead of plastic dishes and disposables. Similarly, using nature and fresh produce instead of farmed and frozen foods.
6 Eat Domestically
Consuming food domestic is the best way to aid in sustainability. Here is how it works:
When you eat locally, you are only consuming fresh produces that come from local supplier and farmer. And by doing this, you avoid export products that require colossal energy consumption in supply and logistics.
7 Purchase Local Products
Similarly, like adapting to eating domestic produces, this tip also centres around the same vantage point. Did you realize why so many international brands in your nearby grocery mart? Well, because of our habits. Because we persuade companies to import an absurd amount of products, that would otherwise be available locally. So, please think before buying any product from the supermarket. An exported product means more fossil fuel.
8 Preserve Water or Reuse It
You can do it in two easy manners. First, save water when it is available. Second, try spending less on water supply, install a water butte and use greywater. Or read more about how to reuse or preserve water here:
https://www.wessexwater.co.uk/help-and-advice/your-water/save-water
9 Stop Wasting Food
We can always be minimalistic with how we deal with the food. The simpler yet quicker solution to this is to use leftovers the next day. Please, do not throw the food away when you still can reuse it. Another manner in which you might stop wasting food is to reduce the portions. In brief, try to prepare food that is enough for your needs.
10 Stop using power-hungry electric devices
Some electronic devices are power-hungry such as traditional lighting systems and hair dryers. You may potentially reduce the quantity of electricity your home uses, so if you can stop the cycle of using your dryer for every wash. Apart from your freezer, your hairdryer is the item that uses the most electricity. Putting your clothes in the sun also serves to lighten greying whites and lift stubborn dirt — a brainer!
Besides, here are some of the energy-efficient devices that you may consider. Luckily, you can also save some money while being responsible if you thought these:
- Intelligent and innovative power strips
- Effective charging stations
- Smart LED lighting thermostats
- Fridges and kitchen appliances that use less power
- Power-efficient plumbing
- Home energy monitors and desktop computers
- Electric vehicles
11 Stop using Trash Bags
Did you know that trash bags are plain plastic only that require more water to produce and millions of years to decompose?
Besides, the worst working conditions at many manufacturing facilities to create those plastic items are no joke. So what is the solution here?
There are two best ways to eliminate plastic bags for trash collection in your home. Either throw your trash directly into the bin and clean/soak it frequently, or you can buy eco-friendly trash bags.
Conclusion
In a world where nature-society imbalances can jeopardize economic and social stability, sustainable development is primarily concerned with people, well-being, and interpersonal relationships equity. In summary, our habits have such an enormous impact that they have the potential to either save the planet or destroy the entire human race. Yes, you read that correctly. Some numerous reports and surveys show how severe climate change can be. Given our current shopping habits and reliance on power-hungry electric and automobile infrastructure, it is clear that we are not on the right track. Therefore, we must examine how we interact with the resources that we have.
Nevertheless, the good news is that we can do it, but the bad news is that old habits die hard. Eventually, there are two options available to us. First and foremost, we must live for ourselves as selfish beings. In contrast, we all must accept responsibility for our actions and consider the big picture.