Sustainable living is often thought of as making environmentally friendly choices. And while that is a part of it, sustainable living is about much more. It’s about making good choices for both people and the planet. That means choosing products made from sustainable materials that are non-toxic, safe for people and animals, and don’t damage the environment. Here are 10 tips to help you live more sustainably:
1. Drive Less
Every time you get in your car, you emit greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. And those emissions are contributing to climate change. If everyone tried to reduce the amount of time they drive, we could all help reduce air pollution. So driving less is a staple of sustainably living.
2. Eat Less Meat and Dairy
Eating less meat or dairy is very helpful. The livestock industry is one of the leading contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. If everyone ate less meat and dairy, we could help reduce those emissions. So consider contributing less to the livestock industry by consuming less animal products.
3. Go Paperless
Almost everything can be done digitally these days, so paper is almost not needed. By using less paper, you can help save trees and reduce the amount of pollution that comes from making and transporting paper products.
4. Recycle and Reuse
Recycling is one of the easiest ways to live sustainably. And it’s not just about recycling paper and plastic. You can recycle all sorts of things, from clothes to electronics. And when you’re done recycling, try to reuse what you can instead of throwing it away.
5. Buy Less Stuff
The less stuff you buy, the less you have to throw away, and the less pollution you create. This is due to the plastic wrapping on most products as well as other factors such as contributing to businesses that create a lot of waste. So next time you’re tempted to buy something new, ask yourself if you really need it.
6. Reduce Water and Electric Usage
You use energy whenever you turn on the faucet or the light switch. And that energy often comes from fossil fuels, which release pollution into the air. Reducing your water and electric usage can help reduce those emissions.
7. Grow a Vegetable Garden
Vegetable gardens provide you with fresh, healthy food and can also help reduce your carbon footprint. That’s because growing your food requires less energy than buying food grown and transported elsewhere. So if you have the means, consider growing your own produce.
8. Shop with the Environment in Mind
When you’re shopping for new products, try to choose items that are made from sustainable materials and that are eco-friendly. You can also look for certified fair trade products, which means the workers who made them were paid a fair wage.
9. Go Plastic Free
Plastic is one of the most common materials used in manufacturing and is also one of the most polluting. If everyone made an effort to stop using plastic, we could all help reduce the amount of pollution in the environment. So try using reusable tupperware instead of disposable plastic bags.
10. Volunteer for a Local Environmental Organization
Many organizations are working to make the world a more sustainable place. By working for one of these organizations, you can help them in their efforts and make a difference in your community. Living sustainably also means supporting companies that practice fair trade and pay their workers a livable wage. When everyone makes an effort to live more sustainably, we can all make a difference.
Making an effort to live more sustainably is important for the environment and the people living in it. You can make a difference in several ways, reducing the time spent driving to eating less meat—every little bit helps. So if you want to make a difference, start by making small changes in your life.