Photo by: Karolina Grabowska – Pexels
“Sustainable” is a term that’s used quite a bit these days and it can apply to many aspects in life. Sustainable living is based on lifestyle choices and decisions that reduce waste, so future generations aren’t compromised.
Americans are big consumers due to their “bigger is better” mindset. Our culture tends to equate material possessions with success. The US has had historical growth and prosperity over the years. Socially, we feel the pressure to keep up with others and our consumption is tied to our emotions.
Apps, fast shipping, and delivery services offer convenience and availability. It makes it easy to fulfill our buying needs. Here are some ways you can begin to live a sustainable lifestyle:
Reduce waste – reuse and recycle as often as possible. Say no to single-use plastics (bags, straws, bottles.) Compost food scraps to reduce methane emissions from landfills.
Shop mindfully – buy only items you love. Invest in good quality. Support local when you can. Thrift items instead of buying new. We purchase so many possessions that we don’t even need, especially clothes.
Conserve Energy – Energy-efficient appliances help with this. Unplug electronics when not in use. Reduce heating and cooling needs by dressing for the weather. I always wear a sweatshirt in the house during winter months and set the heat to 69 degrees.
Drive less, move more – walk or bike when possible. Carpool or drive a fuel-efficient vehicle. Plan errands together to cut down on driving. I usually group together multiple stores that are close in proximity on the same day.
Eat sustainably – buy local and seasonal foods to reduce transportation emissions. Meal plan and use leftovers to reduce food waste. I pack my lunch and rarely eat out. I’d like to frequent the local farmers’ market more often and need to make a point of doing that.
Conserve water – Fix leaks and turn off the tap while brushing. Set a timer for showers. Collect rainwater for plants. Choose drought-resistant plants for landscaping. If you have a decent amount of land, plant some trees each year. This adds oxygen into the atmosphere via photosynthesis.
Choose better products – use non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning and personal care items. Avoid cheap, synthetic materials that contain microplastics. Look for certifications like Fair Trade or USDA Organic. I use the Environmental Working Group database to check ingredients in all my products (ewg.org) This has been a focal point since I had kids.
Get involved – support environmental organizations. Advocate for eco-friendly policies in your community. Educate others about sustainability. Eventually these topics will gradually catch on.
Embrace minimalism – learn to live with less to lower consumption and waste. Prioritize experiences over possessions. Americans tend to stuff pantries, closets, cabinets and rooms full of objects that rarely get used. Be mindful of everything you bring into the house.
Stay informed & flexible – keep adapting and make changes as you learn new things about sustainability. Take small steps as you come across information so it’s not too overwhelming.
My dream would be to live on a self-sufficient homestead. Maybe not 100% sustainable, but a garden, chickens, and a water source at bare minimum. A decent piece of land would offer enough privacy and space and room to breathe. Here are some ideas to consider when you purchase acreage:
*There are more recreational opportunities, such as hiking, biking, ATVs, camping, or just exploring the outdoors.
*There would be room to grow and freedom to build a guest house, workshop, or additional dwellings.
*Land is often a great investment and appreciates over time, especially in growing areas. Large parcels can be subdivided or developed offering future income potential.
*There’s peace of mind that comes with the freedom and control over how you use your land. Traffic, noise, and construction usually isn’t an issue in rural areas.
There are many benefits to sustainability including overall improved health, positive environmental impacts, and a sense of purpose. It’s a great way to be independent and rely less on stores and businesses. Becoming resourceful builds confidence.
Our comfortable lifestyles have a negative impact on the planet. We live for today and buy possessions for instant gratification instead of real purpose. Adopting a sustainable lifestyle doesn’t require perfection. It simply calls for mindful choices that add up over a period of time. Do what you can, when you can consistently and consciously.
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