Sustainable Living

Sustainable living can be defined as the practice of achieving or maintaining a balance between resources available to society and their use, while preserving and enhancing biodiversity, natural ecosystems, ecological processes, and biodiversity. As we move into an era where climate change is accelerating and people around the world are experiencing extreme weather events like record-breaking floods, droughts, and wildfires, it’s important to remember that there are simple ways you can reduce your own carbon footprint, such as switching out appliances and lightbulbs for LED smart bulbs, opting for renewable electricity, and recycling your old clothing and household goods instead of throwing them in the trash. And if you want to learn more about these initiatives, check out this video from The Guardian: https://www.youtube.com

1) Use less water when possible. If you use water too much, you might release it back into the environment, potentially damaging aquatic life and endangering human health. In addition, excessive water consumption may also contribute to land degradation by leaching toxic chemicals, which can contaminate groundwater and surface waters. Water is essential for life on earth, and it's crucial to limit its usage at all costs. It takes many people working together to make this possible, but that doesn't mean everyone has to do it alone.

2) Switch to solar power. Solar power is an environmentally friendly way to generate electricity without using any fossil fuels. By harnessing sunlight or wind power to generate electricity, solar plants use only what they need to produce one kWh of energy per day. They don't emit greenhouse gases, so they're an efficient way to go if you have limited space and budget constraints. However, before investing in solar panels, take into account how they affect local wildlife, especially birds and other creatures that depend on pollination to survive. So, if you're looking to switch to solar, consider incorporating solar inverters into your home power system which can lower the amount of electricity you need to generate.

3) Reuse items. A lot of us are guilty of tossing things away after they've been used, but here are some ideas to keep your home's contents looking great. Instead of buying new items, think about repurposing items and turning them into something else useful. For example, you could turn old clothes into quilts or fabric pillow covers. You could even give old furniture (like couch legs or dressers) a purposeful makeover and turn them into decorative pillows. There are endless options out there for every home decorating style. Just remember, no item should ever be thrown out. Only recycle what you need to be recycled and reuse what you already have.

4) Avoid single-use plastics. Plastic bags, cups, cutlery, and straws are just a few examples of wasteful products that can be avoided. These products are made up of non-biodegradable plastic, which means the materials they take from the environment will eventually harm it, whether through pollution or chemical spills. Research shows that most plastics end up in the seas, where they become consumed by marine animals who mistake them for food. This not only harms the environment but increases the risk of deadly illnesses like cancers, respiratory diseases, reproductive problems, and neurological disorders. To avoid putting yourself at risk by choosing disposable items, opt for biodegradable alternatives like paper towels or bamboo straws.

5) Keep a list of all the stuff you own. Having a clear mental inventory of what you own helps you be mindful of what you purchase. Keeping track of your possessions can remind you of everything you own and help you know if anything is in short supply. Also, keeping a registry regularly can help protect against theft and ensure that you have enough supplies to last until the next sale. Make sure you keep a copy of the register somewhere safe.

6) Don't buy more than you need. Buying unnecessary items can be expensive. Not only does it cost money, but it also contributes to waste. According to a study conducted by Harvard University, consumers who bought extra clothing, electronics, and toiletries spent almost $300 each year on average, compared to those who saved money on purchases. Even small changes can add up over time to create a big difference in your finances. When making decisions about your spending, keep in mind that "saving" and "spending" does not necessarily equal "saving money." It's important to find a balance between saving and spending and focus on the best option for both your needs. This can be achieved by learning more about different types of financial planning tools available to you.

7) Buy locally grown food. Growing food in soil, sand, and water promotes a healthier ecosystem that is beneficial for wildlife and attracts tourists to the area. Additionally, grocery stores often source their fresh foods from overseas, which increases the chance of food contamination and leads to public health issues. Food companies also spend thousands of dollars on pesticides to prevent pests from developing resistance to pesticides, which poses a threat to crops. Because farmers grow the food, they are also responsible for producing the food and ensuring that all inputs are properly monitored and controlled. Purchasing organic produce and avoiding processed foods is another way to support local growers. Many fruits and vegetables grown in the U.S. are actually imported from abroad. This is because food safety regulations are complex and vary across countries, affecting product quality and production methods. Some popular foreign produce include tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, green lentils, avocados, broccoli, and onions.

8) Take care of your physical health. Being fit and healthy requires regular exercise and eating healthy meals. Regular exercise helps build muscle mass, which helps prevent weight gain and maintain a healthy weight. Eating healthy also involves consuming plenty of nutrient-dense foods, which can help you feel full longer and keep your blood sugar stable. Consuming a good amount of protein, fiber, and healthy fats can also help promote overall well-being, including improved sleep patterns and reduced stress levels. Physical activity also helps improve mood and boost brain function, which can lead to greater cognitive functioning and higher productivity. The recommended amount of daily physical activity for adults is 150 minutes per week for total exercise.

9) Practice positive self-talk. Positive self-talk can help you stay motivated and optimistic. By focusing on positive thoughts, you'll increase your chances of success in reaching your goals and accomplishing great things. Try speaking positively to yourself, rather than thinking negative thoughts that could hold you back. Encouraging yourself to believe in yourself and focusing on your strengths can encourage you to achieve your dreams.

10) Be mindful of your surroundings. Our actions have consequences. Do you really need to drive your car every day? Are you going to forget to pack the lunch you made? Taking action rather than waiting for circumstances to happen, taking steps, and being proactive can increase your resilience and lead to long-term benefits. Being aware of our surroundings can help us live a more fulfilling life. This can mean getting rid of the clutter in your bedroom that you never used, making better use of your closet and storage space, and staying organized. Practicing mindfulness can help you cultivate a sense of calm, which can help reduce anxiety and enhance overall wellbeing. Mindfulness can be practiced through meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, or simply paying attention to your thoughts and feelings. It can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels, enhance emotional regulation, foster motivation, and help develop mindfulness skills.

11) Reduce your intake of animal feed. Animal feeds are usually high in fat, which can cause significant nutritional deficiencies in children. Furthermore, consuming large amounts of meat and dairy can lead to increased rates of obesity and chronic illness. Reducing your intake of animal feed can be a practical way to save the planet from becoming uninhabitable. Plant-based diets can be a low-impact and affordable solution to reduce the need for animal feed. Vegetarian and vegan lifestyles can be incredibly satisfying and are typically nutritionally balanced compared to omnivorous ones that rely heavily on animal sources. By lowering your meat consumption, you can help lessen the number of animals killed for food.

12) Consider purchasing reusable bags. Using reusable shopping bags can help reduce waste and increase sustainability. Recycling your shopping bag will allow you to store your shopping efficiently and reduce the amount of garbage produced by landfills. Plus, by doing so, you'll be able to preserve valuable materials that would otherwise end up in the landfill. Recycling your basket can save 10-15% of food waste going to the landfill. Additionally, using recyclable plastic bags on the checkout and delivery lanes can be a great alternative when you're out and about. Bags made of recycled paper or cardboard can be reused multiple times without compromising on the look and feel of your bag.

13) Go for a walk every morning. Walking is a fun, low-impact workout that offers numerous health benefits. All-day walking can improve cardiovascular fitness, strengthen the body's immune system, and regulate metabolism. One study published in the Journal of Physiology looked at mice that were sedentary and found that walking on treadmill or in nature led to significant improvements in running performance and motor coordination. Other studies suggest that walking may even help reduce the risk of heart disease due to increasing blood flow to the brain and improving oxygen uptake. Additionally, the American Heart Association recommends 30 minutes of moderate-intensity walking per day for optimal health. With these guidelines in place, you can enjoy a combination of fitness benefits and minimal environmental damage.

14) Stay hydrated. Drinking water is vital to supporting bodily functions without harming the environment. Dehydration can lead to headaches, nausea, weakness, and constipation,