Editorial Team In 2021, there’s no getting away from the fact that a climate crisis is coming. If we as a global society want to maintain the health of the world we live in and preserve it for future generations, we’ll all need to do our bit. Sustainable living is one of the best ways to go about helping the planet. However, making the switch to sustainable living will require more than just a clean break from your current day-to-day.
It actually involves lots of little changes in all areas and, as such, requires a good understanding of what sustainability is all about, why it’s necessary, and how best to implement it.
What is Sustainable Living?
Sustainable living is not one single thing. In fact, many people who make the effort to live sustainably do so in very different ways. This often has to do with what resources are available to people and what changes make the most sense for them.
Generally speaking, though, sustainable living has a few primary philosophies at its core, including:
1. Protect wildlife
Looking after the planet means looking after its other inhabitants. Many aim to minimize their impact on the animal population as a central tenet of their sustainability practices.
2. Preserve water
The earth’s surface might be 72% water, but 99% is undrinkable. As such, it is crucial that farms, corporations, and individuals alike all seek to preserve water.
3. Prevent waste
The world is full of rubbish, much of which is sent to landfill or dumped in the ocean. But, humanity’s waste problem is proving to have unintended consequences. That’s why the term “reduce, reuse, recycle” is so ubiquitous these days, because it helps us to remember the guiding principles of waste prevention.
How To Lead A More Sustainable Life?
There are lots of different ways to protect, preserve, and prevent as a means of improving the health of the planet. Here are just a few for you to try.
1. Shop with environmentally friendly companies
Businesses that put the planet first will do all they can to minimize things like water consumption and waste production in their operations. Do your research before making any purchases. This is particularly true when shopping for clothes, because the fashion industry is responsible for around 10% of global CO2 emissions. That’s more than international shipping and flights combined.
2. Use less plastic
Plastic is produced using chemicals that contribute to global warming, and was designed to be virtually indestructible. Consequently, every single piece of plastic ever made still exists, and a shocking proportion ends up in our seas, endangering underwater wildlife. Swapping out plastic bags and water bottles for reusables will help to make a significant difference.
3. Drive an electric car
One of the most consistently polluting activities you are likely to do every day is driving. You can mitigate the impact your daily commute has on the world’s wildlife by investing in a Tesla or similar vehicle. These cars run on electric power rather than fossil fuels, so they are far less damaging to the environment.
The Benefits of Sustainable Living
Still not convinced that going sustainable is worth it? Just take a look at some of the biggest benefits a sustainable lifestyle can bring.
1. Be more cost-effective
You might think that a sustainable life would be more expensive. But, actually, if you opt to purchase better quality, more environmentally friendly products, reuse what you already have, and invest in more energy-efficient modes of transport, you can save yourself a substantial amount of money in the long run.
2. Look after your health
Another significant benefit is that a more environmentally friendly lifestyle is good for your physical health. This has to do with the fact that the more people reduce their emissions, the better quality the air will be for all.
3. A happier planet for future generations
Regardless of if there are little ones in your family, it’s important to think about the future of the younger generation. The decisions we make today will inevitably affect the planet they inhabit tomorrow. It’s only fair to hand down a world that is safe, stable, and can thrive for years to come.
