This article was originally published at Substack.
Image Courtesy: Pixibay
When people think about sustainability, it is often overwhelming. I can say that from my experience. I thought it required major changes in everyday life. Changing daily routines, a new lifestyle, a new set of habits, and so on.
But to my surprise, the truth is much simpler.
Sustainability begins in the quiet moments of everyday life. Few conscious choices in the kitchen, around the house, or in our lives outside the house. These small changes seem insignificant, but they can add up to make an impact on our lives.
Living sustainably is about awareness. It begins with the simplest choices.
Here are a few ways we can begin.
Reducing What We Throw Away:
Single-use plastics have become a way of life. A plastic water bottle, a plastic straw, plastic cutlery, a plastic container- I can go on and on.
But small swaps can make a meaningful difference.
For water, carry a reusable water bottle. This is the simplest habit we can build to reduce plastic waste. Stainless steel or glass bottles last for years and remove the need for disposable plastic bottles.
While going out shopping for groceries, carry a reusable cloth bag instead of relying on plastic bags from the store. Keeping cloth bags in the car or near the door can quickly become second nature.
In the kitchen, swap plastic containers with glass containers. They keep the food fresh longer and reduce plastic waste. Using beeswax wraps instead of plastic cling wraps is another way to reduce plastic waste.
Even something as simple as reusable or wooden cutlery can help reduce the constant cycle of disposable plastics.
These changes are not dramatic, but together, they slowly reshape our daily habits.
Mindful Energy:
Use of energy is another way to play our part in helping the planet.
Most of the electronics continue to use electricity even when they are turned off. Just one step, such as simply unplugging devices or using a power strip with an off switch, can reduce this notorious energy use.
Using LED bulbs is another small step to conserve energy, and they also last longer than traditional light bulbs.
Have you thought about using a cold water cycle for washing clothes instead of a heated cycle? Well, this thought never crossed my mind. Heating water accounts for a significant use of energy during the laundry cycle. Choosing a cold water cycle can dramatically reduce energy use.
These changes are small, but they can add up over time.
Reducing Food Waste:
What food we bring home and consume has a deep connection to sustainability.
It takes land, water, energy, and human labour to grow and bring food to our table, yet a lot of that grown food ends up in waste. And ultimately contributing to the emission of greenhouse gases.
Reducing food waste begins by taking small steps. For instance, planning meals for a week can reduce overbuying and overspending on groceries. Yesterday’s leftovers can become tomorrow’s lunch. Using leftovers can reduce food waste and creatively turn into a delicious next-day meal.
While food scraps like vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and other kitchen leftovers can be turned into soil via composting. Turning waste into something that nourishes your flower garden.
In many ways, sustainable living begins with respecting the food we eat and share.
Rethinking The Way We Move:
Every day, we have a choice to support the environment by deciding on the mode of transportation.
Walking or biking instead of driving close distance can reduce emissions and help connect with the environment around. Carpooling or using public transport can reduce the number of vehicles on the road. Finally, opting for electric or hybrid vehicles to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Even a small decision on how we move during our everyday lives can make a large impact
Supporting Thoughtful Brands:
Every purchase we make tells a story.
Choosing products that are made using sustainable and eco-friendly materials can help businesses that are working towards a more responsible future. Opting for second-hand items is another way to support sustainable living. Shopping at thrift stores, vintage stores, and resale platforms gives new life to the product and reduces waste and items ending up in landfills.
One of the important aspects of choosing products is prioritizing quality over quantity. Buy fewer things, but of the best quality. Opting for items that are made to last for a long time.
This mindset moves us away from fast consumption and moves us closer to intentional living.
Slower Way Forward:
Sustainability is not about perfection.
It is about the small choices we make in our everyday lives and slowly shaping them with more intention.