Have you wondered about the ways to live more sustainably to conserve our resources? A healthy environment is vital to not only our own existence, but survival of all living.
Read on to find out how you can make small changes to live more sustainably and limit your carbon footprint/ take climate action and slow down climaten change to conserve our natural resources and wildlife.
“The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.”
What is Sustainability and why is it important to live a sustainable lifestyle?
A sustainable future is one where people can meet their needs without compromising the ability of people in the future to meet their own needs.
Sustainability improves the quality of our lives, protects our ecosystem and preserves natural resources for future generations. Going green and sustainable is not only beneficial for the company; it also maximizes the benefits from an environmental focus in the long-term. The principles of sustainability are the foundations of what this concept represents. Therefore, sustainability is made up of three pillars: the economy, society, and the environment. These principles are also informally used as profit, people and planet.
Why the sustainability movement faces challenges
Social barriers: Population growth, paired with unsustainable consumption and production patterns among the wealthy, are the biggest social challenges to achieving sustainable development in the world. … Insufficient incentives to for the private sector to pursue sustainable development.
“Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
However there are many small lifestyle changes we can make to live more sustainably.
Here are the Ten ways to live more sustainably:
#1 Reduce
By lowering your carbon footprint, you can help contribute to the overall reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. … Whether it’s cleaner air, a healthier diet, or reduced energy bills, these benefits of reducing your carbon footprint also mean you’re doing your bit to combat climate change.
When actions are taken to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, many things are accomplished: Keeps goods and materials out of landfills. Advances green technology and source reduction processing. Results in less hazardous waste.
#2 Go plastic free/ Zero waste
Reducing plastic waste will reduce the contamination of the environment and the soil, air, and water. Less trash is going to incinerators, landfills, and oceans – We can save up depleting landfill space, reduce the plastic entering our oceans, reduce burning plastic and releasing toxic gases.
While getting rid of plastic waste is the primary environmental problem, the production process is a leading cause of carbon emissions contributing to global warming. It takes a lot of energy and resources to make plastic, with more than 90% being produced from fossil fuel resource
Marine mammals: 54% of all whales, dolphins and seals are impacted by plastic. NOAA estimates that 100 000 marine mammals are killed by plastic each year. A 2019 study of dolphins, whales and seals in waters of the UK found that 100% of dead animals on their coast had ingested plastic. Many more animals and their habitats are affected directly and indirectly by plastic and its production and distribution globally.
How to go plastic free/ Ditch the non-reusables?
Our favourite alternatives to disposable plastic items
- Coffee cups.
- Shopping bags.
- Drinking straws.
- Water bottles.
- Produce bags.
- Disposable cutlery.
#3 Shop Local
When you shop local, you do far more than get the items that you want quickly and conveniently. Buying local actually stimulates the economy in our community, helps benefit local schools and charities, and it even helps the environment… One of the most important ways buying locally helps the environment is by reducing your food miles. By shopping locally, you are purchasing goods produced in your local community. By cutting down on these miles, you are reducing the environmental impact of your food.
Purchasing more local food provides environmental benefits. Importantly, it also preserves small farm land; When local farms are established, eating local protects farmland. Reducing food miles helps alleviate our dependence on fossil fuels, reduce air pollution and cut back on greenhouse gas emissions
#4 Boycott products and companies that endanger wildlife
Species become endangered for two main reasons: loss of habitat and loss of genetic variation. A loss of habitat can happen naturally. … Human activity can also contribute to a loss of habitat. Development for housing, industry, and agriculture reduces the habitat of native organisms.
Its important to do your own research about the products you use on a daily basis in your everyday life. If they are contributing to animal habitat loss or environmental degredation, it may be time to swap them out for eco-friendly/ vegan products, to support local companies with ethical business foundations.
#5 Reduce meat consumption
At the very least, a reduction in consumption of meats and dairy products is essential to avoid further negative environmental impacts. Reducing meat consumption will create tangible benefits almost immediately through reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and decreased pressure on land and water use.
#6 Try plant-based alternatives
Plant-based diets offer all the necessary protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals for optimal health, and are often higher in fiber and phytonutrients.
One of the most straightforward reasons that a plant-based diet is better for the environment is simply that it’s more efficient. Shifting from a meat-based to plant based diet alternative cuts out the enormous environmental burden that goes along with animal agriculture. Great inside from 10 Ways to live more sustainable.
#7 Go energy efficient / research renewable energy
Easy steps to be more energy efficient
- Lower Your Thermostat. Adopt the habit of lowering the temperature on your thermostat while away from home.
- Start a Compost Pile.
- Install Low-Flow Showerheads.
- Seal All Windows.
- Limit Space Heater Use.
- Turn Off Unnecessary Water.
- Replace Incandescent Bulbs.
- Unplug Unused Chargers.
Seven ways to power your home with renewable energy
- Solar power. You can use the sun to generate electricity for your home through solar photovoltaic panels that are installed on your roof.
- Renewable electricity supply.
- Wind energy.
- Air source heat pumps.
- Biomass systems.
- Solar heating.
- Hydroelectric systems.
#8 Vote for sustainable policies/ use your voice
Climate action means active efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-induced impacts, including: climate-related hazards in all countries; integrating climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning; and improving education. Voting for parties that have these issues at their forefront, guarantees movement towards consistent climate action and positive changes in sustainable development.
#9 Innovate: Reuse and resell
Advantages of Reusing
Reusing saves or delays purchasing and disposal costs. conserves resources. reduces the waste stream. causes less pollution than recycling or making new products from virgin materials.
#10 Home growth of veggies
By growing your own garden, you are the one to decide what goes on your plants and into your soil, allowing you to reduce the amount of harmful chemicals polluting our environment and waterways. Organically growing your own food is sustainable and nourishes your soil by using safe and natural fertilizers and products
Summary on 10 Ways to live more sustainable
It does not have to be hard to practice small changes towards sustainability and the journey does not have to be perfect either.
To read further into the motivations behind necessary action towards sustainability, have a look at our 10 most endangered and most recently extinct animals blogs.
For similar reading and to get inspired for future travels and animal encounters, visit our blog on the reasons to love travel.
Thank you for reading 10 Ways to live more sustainable.
As a little kid, I fell in love with nature, wildlife, and animals. Living in the USA, South Africa, and Germany have me the opportunity to discover the world's Wildlife. My favorite animals are Mountain Gorillas, Siberian Tigers, and Great White Sharks.
I'm a certified PADI Open Water Diver and hold a Master of Science in Economics.
For any feedback please message [email protected]
- Meet the Giant Crocodile ‘Dominator’ That Leaps from the Water - May 9, 2023
- Discover the Fascinating World of Long-Neck Dinosaurs - May 8, 2023
- Discover the Animal that can regenerate itself: Baby Axolotl - April 30, 2023
