Sustainable living is the key to a healthy planet. In order for all life on Earth to thrive we need to come together and do our part to protect our environment, wildlife, economy and community. In this post we’ll talk about what sustainable living is, why it’s important and finish with lots of practical advice on how you can start making greener choices today.
What does it mean to live a sustainable lifestyle?
The word sustainable is defined as “able to be maintained at a certain level or rate”. If we apply this idea to how humans live day-to-day, it suggests that our lifestyle should be such that we can continue living in exactly the same way for a long period of time.
Currently, the way in which the human population as a whole lives on this planet is not sustainable; if we go on living exactly the same way as we are right now we’re going to see (more) irreversible changes and damage to our planet in the next few decades (more on that shortly).
But, there is hope! We can create a lifestyle for ourselves where we can still enjoy everything we love in life and protect the planet:
Sustainable living means to make conscious choices that reduce or minimise your impact on the environment and your use of the Earth’s natural resources.
By making individual changes to our lifestyle today, we can collectively have a positive impact on the planet.
Let’s look at why it’s important to consider sustainable living. Then I’ll share with you a bunch of actionable steps you can take towards a greener lifestyle.
Why is it important to make sustainable lifestyle choices?
As I mentioned before, the way in which humans are living on Earth is not sustainable and we’ve been polluting the planet in various ways for decades, with devastating effects on our environment, wildlife and vulnerable communities.
We are in the midst of a climate crisis
Scientists and experts have long been telling us that human activities are warming the planet’s atmosphere, oceans and land at an alarmingly fast rate. Activities that involve the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas) and emit large quantities of carbon into the atmosphere cause these gases to trap the sun’s heat. With nowhere for this heat to go, the planet’s average temperature is slowly increasing.
An increase in global surface temperature of just 1.5 degrees Celsius will cause more frequent and severe weather events all over the world, displacing millions of people who currently live in areas that will be rendered inhabitable. Over a million species of wildlife will disappear in addition to the 60% of wildlife populations that have already been lost in the last 40 years. Arctic sea ice will melt and sea levels will continue to rise, flooding islands and devastating vulnerable communities.
I’m not here to be all doom and gloom, nor to I want to list all the things that are already happening that prove we’re currently in a climate crisis.
I want to highlight what is at risk if we don’t stand together and take responsibility for the consequences of our own actions. We need to do everything we can do slow the warming of the planet and we must do it together.
We are generating too much waste
Food, clothing, plastic, cigarettes, packaging – whatever it is that we’re throwing away, we’re doing it way too much and it’s polluting the planet in a big way.
A lot of the stuff we simply throw “away” and put in the bin ends up in landfill, which generates greenhouse gases over time and allows toxic chemicals to seep into the ground below. Plastics and synthetic materials will take hundreds or thousands of years to break down, meaning many generations to come will be left to deal with the mess we’re creating right now. A lot of waste gets dumped into our oceans too and ends up littering shorelines and islands where small communities live, harming marine life and negatively impacting entire ecosystems.
Then there’s food waste. If food waste were a country, it alone would be the third largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions after China and the US. It’s not just the food waste from households and shops that takes up space in landfill, but all the energy and water required to produce, package and transport the food that ends up thrown away has also been wasted.
There is not enough space on this planet for all of our trash; we need to stop this excessive consumer culture we’re currently stuck in and reassess the things we’re buying and too quickly discarding.
We are causing wildlife and biodiversity loss
In the last 40 years, it’s estimated that average wildlife populations have dropped by 60%. Sixty percent of mammal, fish, bird and reptile populations have been lost because of human activity.
To me, this is heartbreaking.
Deforestation and agriculture activities literally remove the natural habitat of many animal and plant species, meaning they have nowhere to live. Poaching and illegal hunting kills thousands of wild animals every year simply for entertainment or to sell their parts on the black market. The increasing surface temperatures resulting from greenhouse gases and the burning of fossil fuels are melting polar ice, affecting entire ecosystems and causing wildlife populations in those areas to decline.
Biodiversity is essential for life on Earth and we should be protecting wildlife and natural areas, not destroying them faster than they can regenerate.
The plastics problem
I know we’ve already talked about waste but I feel that plastic deserves it’s own section because it’s such a widespread problem that affects all corners of the Earth, from the summit of Everest to the deepest parts of the ocean.
Whilst plastic may be seen as a revolutionary invention, the misuse of it, especially single-use plastics, is having a dire effect on our planet.
Many plastic items are thrown away after one use and even though many places around the world now encourage consumers to recycle plastic (and other materials) studies have found that only 2% of it is really being recycled. Most of it still ends up in landfill or dumped into the ocean. It’s estimated that by 2050 there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish. That is mind-boggling!
Discarded plastic ends up leaking toxic chemicals into the ground, in turn contaminating groundwater. Tiny pieces of plastics in the ocean are eaten by seabirds and marine animals, causing physical harm and even death. Traces of plastic are even found in many humans as a result of eating fish as micro plastics work their way up the food chain.
This is an excellent article describing the many ways plastic is affecting human health and the planet as a whole.
Plastic pollution is a global problem that must be addressed by the companies that produce it, by world leaders who ensure these companies are held accountable and by consumers like you and me who demand more sustainable approaches and create more sustainable living habits.
Sustainable living: 18 things you can do today
Whilst I agree that it’s the responsibility of governing bodies and large businesses to step up and take action, I absolutely believe in the collective power of community.
As consumers we can make bold statements to businesses about what is important to us by choosing how and where we spend our money. As responsible citizens we can make daily choices and develop habits that support a lifestyle which is sustainable for the whole planet.
I know it can seem like we are small and powerless as individuals, but collectively we are strong. We do have the power to reduce plastic pollution, to reduce the amount of waste that gets chucked away, and to rewild lost habitats to enable wildlife to thrive.
Here are some things you can consider doing to get started on your journey to a more sustainable lifestyle. If it seems overwhelming try incorporating just one thing per week – every little helps!
1. Educate yourself
The first step to being part of a solution is to understand the problem.
Take time to read articles from verified sources, watch documentaries and have conversations with the people around you. The more you understand the scope of the issues are the more you will care and that is what will drive you to make change to your own lifestyle.
2. Support businesses with sustainable practices
When you need to buy something new, whether clothing or homewares, support brands that incorporate sustainable practices in their business.
This means companies who:
- use renewable energy sources
- use natural materials and ingredients
- reduce or eliminate plastic packaging
- support projects that protect the environment and wildlife
- offset their carbon emissions
You will probably have to do some research into the brands you’re using to find out if and how they are trying to be more sustainable. Luckily companies are becoming more transparent and may share information about what they are doing behind the scenes on their website and social media.
I’m working on a couple of guides to sustainable businesses that I will share with you soon to help you shop greener more easily!
3. Choose sustainable products
This is of course linked to the previous point, but is more focused on the actual product you choose. For items to be sustainable they should be durable and last a long time.
So, next time you’re shopping ask yourself these questions when choosing a product:
- is this a high-quality product?
- will it last a long time?
- is it made with natural materials or ingredients?
- does it come in sustainable packaging (e.g. plastic free or recyclable materials)?
I’m not saying that you must start choosing only sustainable products – this may not be possible for you for various reasons, but even adjusting your mindset and considering these things is already one step in the right direction.
4. Support local businesses
By supporting local businesses you’re not only making connections within your own community (which is so important!) but also choosing products and services with a smaller carbon footprint than international businesses.
People and products won’t have to travel as far to reach you, so the emissions from transportation and delivery are much smaller than if they’re coming from overseas.
Social media is a great way to find local businesses and it’s really great when you have the opportunity to meet the owners face to face too!
5 & 6. Repair and borrow
Here are two tips in one!
When something breaks or you “need” something new what do you do? Probably buy a new whatever-it-is that you need, right?
Before rushing to the shops, consider repairing the broken item. Often we can actually sew or mend damaged clothing and objects, but we rarely do so. This means we’re throwing away lots of items way before they’ve actually reached the end of their lifespan. If you don’t know how to mend something, go online! There are so many video tutorials on YouTube nowadays you’re bound to find a how-to guide for what you need.
Alternatively, if the item really is beyond repair could you borrow a replacement from a friend or family member instead? Sharing items is a great way to get more use out of them and reduce our personal purchases.
7. Buy second-hand
Vintage and second-hand shops are another great place to shop for clothing, books, toys, homewares and more.
Pre-loved items are usually cheaper than brand new ones and means their lifespan is extended. You can often get really good bargains in second-hand stores and if you’re lucky you might even find high-end brands at very low prices!
In the U.K. we have lots of charity shops that sell second-hand things, so you’re not only rehoming perfectly good items but also supporting non-profit organisations with every purchase.
8. Buy local and seasonal produce
Moving onto food now! When you do your grocery shopping, look for local and seasonal produce. By local I mean anything that has been grown in your area or in your country.
In the U.K. fruit and vegetables labels will state where the produce has come from, so it’s easy to take a quick look and see if it’s traveled a long way to get there. By choosing local produce, you’re reducing the emissions generated from the transportation to deliver it to the store.
Seasonal produce is the fruit and veg that is “in season” at that time of year. Certain fruit and vegetables grow at specific times of the year and this is when they are at their best!
Since produce that is in season grows in abundance, there is so much of it that prices for those items will normally drop – so eating seasonally may also save you money.
Look online which fruits and vegetables are in season in your country each month so help guide your choices. You can also visit local farm shops and farmers markets to get local and seasonal produce!
9. Grow your own veggies and herbs
Eliminate transport emissions altogether and grow your own food!
You don’t need much space for little plants like herbs and chillis as they will be very happy on windowsills. A balcony is also enough to have a go with salad leaves, baby carrots, radishes and other fairly small produce as they can be planted in window boxes and deep trays. You can even get grow-in-the-bag tomatoes and potatoes for balconies if you want to try something larger!
Of course if you have a garden or access to a community allotment you can go all-out and create a vegetable garden. It’s a lot of work but really satisfying if you have some time and enjoy being outside!
10. Reduce your food waste
One of the biggest sustainable living habits you can develop is reducing your food waste.
Whilst this is a massive issue that involves all points on the food production and distribution line, household food waste is a huge problem that we can have a direct impact on.
Here are some ways that you can reduce your food waste right away:
- plan your meals so you only buy what you need
- save your leftovers in the fridge or freezer for another day
- store your food in the correct places so it lasts longer
- learn to read and understand food labels (e.g. use-by and sell-by dates) to stop throwing things out unnecessarily
- use your fruit and veg scraps in homemade broths and stock
- put your fruit and veg scraps in a home compost
Read this blog post to go in-depth into the above points!
11. Eat less meat and dairy
Agriculture and deforestation account for over a quarter of greenhouse gas emissions, abuses human rights in countries like Brazil and kills wildlife. It’s estimated that over 60% of all mammals on the planet are livestock.
I absolutely believe that diet is a very personal choice, but by choosing to consume less meat and dairy you can help reduce the environmental impact industrial farming is having on the planet.
Here are some tips to help you eat more plant-based:
- incorporate one or two veggie dishes into your weekly meal plan
- participate in Meat Free Mondays for inspiration and motivation
- substitute meat with a plant-based alternative
- cut out meat, fish and poultry one at a time (rather than all at once)
You can read my guide to going vegetarian for more support or browse my recipe archive for lots of delicious plant-based recipes!
12. Recycle
More and more parts of the world are integrating recycling facilities into their infrastructure, which is a fantastic step towards reducing waste.
Find out from your local council what you can recycle at home and what you need to do it right (you may need to request additional bins, for instance). For example, in my hometown we have a separate bin for cardboard, paper, glass, tins/cans, foil and some plastics too. This means that we actually recycle more than we throw into our general waste!
Some items can’t be recycled at home but can be taken to large supermarkets, such as plastic bags and crisp packets. You could collect these items up and take them in bulk once a month.
Each country and area will differ in their recycling capabilities, so do your research and simply do what you can!
13. Say no to plastic
Plastic pollution is a global issue that impact land and sea. Although plastic production needs to dramatically decrease, we can also choose to use it less ourselves.
You can say no to plastic by:
- investing in reusable drinks bottles, coffee cups, food containers, cutlery and durable carrier bags
- not using plastic straws
- choosing alternative products that are made with natural or biodegradable materials
- buying products that are packaged in plastic-free materials
- choosing loose fruit and vegetables at the market – which is also usually cheaper than packaged produce!
- shopping at refill stores for staple food ingredients (e.g. nuts, grains and pulses)
- shopping at refill stores for liquids like detergents and shampoo
Here’s more information on the plastic problem and how you can help tackle it.
14. Save water
Wherever you are in the world it’s important to remember that our fresh, clean water supply isn’t infinite. Many places around the world have reported water shortages and even countries like Australia and England have warned that their cities are at risk of running out of water in the next 15-20 years if we are not more conscious of our consumption.
You might roll your eyes at me for this one, but it’s so important that we don’t take water for granted and let it run unnecessarily! I was shocked when I saw people in Argentina washing the pavement outside their homes with a hose every single day; surely there are better uses for water than that!
Do remember to turn off the taps when brushing your teeth, washing the dishes and lathering your hands with soap. Consider taking shorter showers, boiling your veggies in less water (just add enough to cover them) and collecting the cold water whilst waiting for it to get hot to water your plants!
15. Save energy
The majority of energy we use in our homes is generated by burning fossil fuels somewhere down the line. Burning fossil fuels is one of the greatest contributors to greenhouse gases, so the better we get a saving energy the lower our emissions will be.
Here are some tips to help you save energy in your home:
- Remember to turn off lights and appliances in your home when you’re not using them – and switch the plug off at the wall too.
- Switch to energy-saving light bulbs
- Put your phone on low-power mode to conserve battery
- Use an eco-shower head that uses air instead of energy to push the water through
- Turn the heating down by one or two degrees and put an extra layer on
16. Use public transport or start a car pool
We all know that vehicles generate lots of emissions and contribute to air pollution, so we should try to reduce our use of them where possible.
If you live in a large town or city there should be public transport services to help you get around. Do consider taking the train or bus instead of the car if you can. For shorter distances simply walk or cycle, which is great for your health too!
If you can’t ditch the car for work or school runs, why not start a car pool with neighbours? Car sharing gets vehicles off the road and increases social interaction.
17. Community clean ups
A lot of trash ends up washed up on beaches, littering natural spaces and blowing up and down our city streets. This doesn’t look nice and causes problems for wildlife since little of this waste takes centuries to break down (if at all).
Many coastal towns and cities host community clean ups where, together with other like-minded people, pick up the trash that has found its way to the shore. These clean-up activities don’t have to be limited to beaches as there are plenty of places inland that could also do with a helping hand to get clean.
Take a look at local Facebook groups and newspapers for events like this – or organise your own clean up and make your town beautiful!
18. Support organisations that protect the planet
Organisations like Greenpeace have made it their mission to “defend the natural world and work for a green and peaceful future”.
These organisations educate the world about all these issues that we’ve spoken about in this post and more. They also hold events, fundraisers and create petitions to get climate and environmental issues in front of politicians and governing bodies.
Consider supporting an organisation like Greenpeace by signing up to their emails and educating yourself on these topics. From there you can make more sustainable living choices and decide if you want to get involved at a deeper level!
Are you ready to start living sustainably?
I hope you enjoyed learning more about sustainable living with me and I’d love to know whether you’ve been inspired to make a change to your lifestyle today!
Leave a comment and tell me what one thing you’re going to start doing differently.
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