We often hear about sustainability in our daily life. But do we understand what it means and how it works?
Sustainability is about fulfilling the needs of current generations where the needs of the future generation are not compromised while ensuring a balance between economic growth, environmental care, and social well-being.
Natural systems work to encompass and maintain diversity, ensuring that everything required for the environment remains in balance in the present and future both. Sustainability is not just about strategic development but also considering economic, social, and environmental development.
Why is sustainability important?
Sustainable living practices reduce pollution and conserve natural resources like water and energy. People and businesses that care about sustainability also help protect biodiversity by not intruding on the natural habitats of wild animals, not misusing resources, and being responsible toward their surroundings.
As rightly said by Philippe Cousteau Jr. “We do not need to sacrifice our quality of life in order to sustain the planet. The opposite is true: by embracing sustainable practices, we can enhance our lives and the world around us.”
Here’s a compiled list of over 50 sustainable living choices that you can adapt to, divided into sections for your ease –
Sustainable Practices for Kitchen
1. Compost your food
Composting food scraps reduces methane emissions, prevents toxic soil contamination, and promotes sustainable living while combating food waste. Click here to learn.
2. Responsibly upcycle leftover food
Minimize food waste by repurposing discarded items for desserts, soups, broth, juice, pet treats, and bird feeders, and turning old bread into salad toppers.
3. Buy loose or package-free produce
Buying loose or package-free produce limits the use of plastic and occupies less space.
4. Reduce or eliminate the consumption of meat
One less meat meal per week combats emissions and water pollution, promoting a greener lifestyle.
5. Consume grass-fed meat
Grass-fed meat (and cheese) is planet-friendly, reducing water use, soil erosion, and fossil fuel consumption while being ethical, and nutritious.
6. Consume more plants
Eating a diverse range of fruits, legumes, and veggies supports agriculture, benefiting farmers, bees, and micro-habitats.
7. Use beeswax wrap instead of plastic wrap
Beeswax wrap offers a sustainable alternative to plastic wrap, reducing environmental impact.
8. Reduce your food waste by eating only what you need.
9. Use washable metal straws instead of disposable plastic straws.
Using washable metal straws instead of disposable plastic straws promotes sustainability and reduces plastic waste.
10. Use cloth napkins instead of paper napkins
Using cloth napkins instead of paper napkins promotes sustainability by reducing paper waste and supporting reusability.
Sustainable Practices For The Office
11. Use double-sided printing
This ensures less wastage of paper and saves money.
12. Do not leave lights on overnight
Leaving office lights and electronics consumes a lot of energy that could be saved for later. Try to save on energy in office spaces.
13. Dispose of electronics responsibly
Dispose of electronic devices responsibly by recycling them to prevent the release of toxic chemicals into the environment.
14. Opt for receiving bills electronically
Electronic bills promote sustainability by reducing paper waste, resource consumption, and carbon emissions from printing and transportation.
15. Mail packages responsibly
Use sustainable shipping materials like compostable bags, biodegradable envelopes, mushroom-based packages, or eco-friendly air pillows.
16. Add plants to your workspace
17. Incorporate CSR activities relating to the environment.
To contribute to the environment, visit Nelda.
18. Reuse shipment packaging material
Repurpose packaging materials creatively to minimize waste, such as using them for art journals or other practical purposes.
19. Collect scrap and put it for recycling.
Sustainable Practices For Home And Living
20. Invest in sustainable furniture
Include ethically sourced furniture in your sustainable living ideas to reduce waste and pollution guilt-free. You can add jute and bamboo too in your home decor.
21. Put up plants and trees in and around
Planting trees and incorporating greenery improves air quality, supports wildlife, reduces carbon emissions, and enhances ecosystems.
22. Turn off your lights when you leave a room.
23. Get a water-saving showerhead.
24. Start a garden
A lot of people don’t realize that growing your veggies and herbs is super sustainable, and it’s a great way to help the planet and your wallet.
25. Repair instead of replace
Repairing broken electronics saves money, reduces carbon footprint, fosters a connection, and supports small businesses.
26. Maximize the use of natural daylight rather than relying on overhead lights or lamps during the daytime.
27. Switch to energy-saving light bulbs
Energy-saving CFL bulbs use 70% less energy and last longer, saving money and reducing environmental impact.
28. Practice minimalism
Minimalism maximizes purpose, minimizing waste and emphasizing sustainability by ensuring everything you own serves a purpose, recycling more, using less, and supporting mindful consumption.
29. Use natural cleansers
Research homemade natural cleaners like vinegar and water for surfaces, and quinoa saponin for laundry, reducing plastic packaging and water pollution from chemical cleaners
30. Install solar panels for energy
Solar energy is sustainable by utilizing the sun’s power to generate clean electricity without emissions, resource depletion, or environmental harm.
31. Limit the use of plastic materials.
Sustainable Commute Practices
32. Use public transport
Public transports reduce traffic congestion, lowers emissions, and promotes efficient land use for a sustainable future.
33. Take the stairs instead of the elevator
Elevators consume a lot of electricity and require frequent maintenance. Hence, using stairs is a conscious choice.
34. Opt for electric vehicles
Vehicles that run on fuels consume a lot of fossil fuels, impacting the consumption and production of natural resources. Electric vehicles produce less heat and pollution compared to fuel vehicles.
35. Live close to your office to avoid a long commute. Save gas and help the environment.
36. If available, use rent-a-bike services in your city.
37. When flying: take direct flights to reduce your emissions (takeoff and touchdown take much more fuel than cruising at altitude)
38. Consolidate your transportation needs and club all your shopping needs in one trip instead of multiple.
39. Ditch your car and embrace car-free living.
Sustainable Fashion Practices
40. Donate old clothes
Donate the clothes that you no longer want to charity or second-hand shops.
41. Rent clothes for special occasions
Buying for any special occasion is not only expensive but also not worth it as it is not worn a lot of times, rather go for renting outfits.
42. Alter or recycle old clothes
Try to alter old clothes into new ones instead of throwing them away.
43. Try to switch to minimalism
Adopt a minimalist lifestyle. Learn to manage with fewer items and simpler living.
44. Reduce the frequency of wash
Washing clothes frequently reduces the quality of clothes and also adds to pollution as detergents release harmful chemicals into the environment.
45. Shop local and support small businesses
Opting for local shops and small business owners makes your fashion choices more sustainable and reduces your carbon footprint.
46. Invest in natural materials
Natural materials are more durable and eco-friendly, whereas, it is challenging and sometimes impossible to discard synthetic materials.
47. Carry your bags
You can minimize the use of shopping bags and plastic by carrying your shopping bags.
48. Try thrifting
Buying brand-new everything increases your carbon footprint because it jacks up production and waste.
49. Do not invest in fast fashion
Invest in better quality items that last longer. Slow fashion trumps fast fashion.
50. Finally, always buy things with longevity in mind
Try to buy clothes that will be usable for years, even a decade. Simple is good.
Ready to adopt these sustainable living practices?
In conclusion, incorporating sustainable living practices into our daily lives is crucial for creating a healthier and more environmentally friendly world.
By adopting just a few simple habits, we can make a significant impact on reducing our ecological footprint and preserving the planet for future generations.
