JUNE 27, 2020
Tips On Adopting A More Sustainable Lifestyle
Environmentally-friendly companies (like VEERAH and the other sustainable shoe brands out there) are on the rise, offering products and services that promote more responsible, mindful lifestyles. And the core message of these green companies is clear: Adopt a sustainable lifestyle, for the good of our planet. But what does it mean to live sustainably, anyway? And what are some of the ways in which you, #VEERAHwarriors, can easily live and maintain a sustainable lifestyle?
According to the Oxford Dictionary, sustainability means the “avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance.” In other words, it boils down to mindful consumption, with the intent of conserving our natural resources.
A sustainable lifestyle involves all aspects of life, from your purchasing decisions to your diet. And while it may be challenging to keep up with the demands of a sustainable lifestyle, it’s certainly not impossible. We’ve broken it down into five major categories to make it easier for you to follow:
Sustainability in Food Consumption
For starters, don’t hoard food. Not only are you making sure that others get what they need, you’ll also avoid having your food go bad and decompose in storage—one of the major reasons behind the abundance of methane in landfills across the country.
Another straightforward but powerful lifestyle change towards sustainability? Cut meat out of your diet. Meat production ranks high on the list of things that destroy the environment, due in no small part to the sheer amount of space and resources it requires (and the environmental destruction it causes). By simply going vegan, you can reduce your environmental footprint considerably.
What are your things made of? (photo by THE 5TH/PEXELS)
Sustainability in Purchasing Decisions and Ethical Consumerism
Avoid retail therapy at all costs (pun intended). Don’t just spend on things you don’t need; always ask yourself that filter question before making a purchase, or even better, prepare a list of things you need to buy beforehand so that you won’t end up buying things you don’t.
Opt for quality over quantity: Buy things because they will last long, not because they’re affordable. In the long run, you’ll make things worse by having to buy multiples of a cheap item that breaks easily instead of just investing in something for the long term.
Always check the labels. They’ll tell you exactly how the product was made and what it’s made of, helping you make an informed decision.
Sustainability in Waste Management
Always strive to find ways to breathe new life into plastics, glass, and other containers that would otherwise find their way into the trash bin. Instead of buying a new item, see if the various materials lying around your house can be repurposed for any needs. By taking an active role in the recycling movement, you can help reduce the amount of waste the country produces, which all end up getting dumped in a landfill and ultimately contributing to pollution.
Also, learn how to repair things. Often, appliances and furniture that have sustained damage can still be used, provided you have the right knowledge and skills to fix them. Basically, don’t attempt any dangerous fixes, but definitely do your best to repair and recycle if possible.
Reduce, reuse, recycle. (Photo by: Karolina Grabowska/Pexels)
Sustainability in Energy Consumption
Did you know that by simply turning off your lights or unplugging appliances when they’re not needed, you can save a tremendous amount of energy? Additionally, switching to LEDs will let you consume 75% less energy than your standard halogen light bulb, so you’ll want to do that, too.
Another simple lifestyle change you can make is to switch to rechargeable batteries. This may cost a bit more at the start, but eventually, you’ll save more, as one battery (if taken care of properly) can be as useful for just as long as a thousand single-use batteries would be.
Sustainability in Transportation
Instead of using your car, why not bike or walk short distances instead? Not only will this reduce your footprint, it’ll also help you maintain good health as well. It’s a great way to ensure that you’re getting enough physical activity each day, even if you don’t go out of your way to get to the gym. And if you must use a car, consider carpooling or public transportation (e.g. trains, buses) instead.
Find a way to reduce your waste. (Photo by: Pexels)
These are just some of the ways in which you can incorporate sustainable products and practices into your day-to-day lifestyle. Continue to do good while looking incredible, #VEERAHwarriors.
Mother Nature is counting on you.
References:
https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/You-and-your-home/Live-sustainably/Top-10-tips-for-living-sustainably
https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/programs/population_and_sustainability/sustainability/live_more_sustainably.html
https://ownyourimpact.com.au/news/tips-for-sustainable-living
