What is a sustainable lifestyle and how can you start leading one?

Sustainability is something that should be adopted by all businesses, government entities, and individuals in today’s time. It is a step in the right direction towards saving the environment.

However, just recycling won’t help resolve the environmental problem. Sustainable living will go much further. It takes into account many things like what foods you are consuming (and their packaging), transportation, energy use, socialisation, waste disposal and much more.

To speak broadly, a sustainable lifestyle means meeting the needs of the present without jeopardising the future. It ensures the least waste and most negligible impact, and this way of being can be continued indefinitely without damage or harm to living beings and the climate.

Tips for beginning a sustainable lifestyle

• Conserve water as much as possible. A lot of water wastage happens in the bathroom, in both the shower and the tub. Cut your long bathing sessions short and use recycled water for secondary use like watering the plants. You can also switch to energy-saving efficient devices which will prevent water wastage.

• Waste management is an integral part of sustainable living. You can reduce the amount of waste generated from the household by recycling the waste whenever you get a chance. For example, recycle your kitchen waste by converting it into compost for gardening. Secondly, while you are out shopping, carry reusable bags; this reduces the waste of packaging material. Buying a present for your loved ones is one of the many pleasures in your life but wrapping gifts does generate more waste. Try using reusable fabrics and newspapers. Also, opt for ground services while buying and shipping products.

• Change your diet, switching to a plant-based diet. The more you opt for locally available plant-based products you will help in reducing pollution. Plant-based diets or vegan diets are good for the environment, and they can help in reducing a considerable amount of carbon footprint.

• Reduce or eliminate your dependency on fossil fuels. For example, don’t drive when you don’t have to. Try to walk if the destination is nearby and if not then go for public transport. On average, a single household requires 1,143 gallons of gas per year, and it is statistically estimated that the number of cars and trucks will double in the coming 30 years. If car travel is unavoidable, switch to hybrids for better efficiency, and if possible use electric cars. Moreover, keep your vehicle regularly maintained, because wear and tear can degrade its performance and efficiency considerably. If you do get into an accident, cheap car insurance will help bear the repair expense. Take good care of your car and use it only when it’s most required so that it creates less pollution.

These are the small amends towards living a more sustainable life. It’s okay if the start of your sustainability journey is rocky, as long as it’s consistently improving and you’re practising it perpetually. Rest assured, you can make a huge difference!