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Living mindfully and monitoring our consumption has become imperative in today’s time. We’ve all heard about sustainable and conscious living, about reducing our waste, and being mindful of our waste production. But what exactly is sustainability and zero-waste living?
Sustainable living is a practical philosophy that aims to reduce personal and societal environmental impact by making positive changes that counteract climate change and other negative environmental concerns. In amateur’s terms, it is basically the practice of being mindful of our consumption in order to protect the earth for our future generations. To live a sustainable life, try to have as little impact possible on earth. It’s all about reducing our carbon footprint.
Why sustainable living?
Everything we do all day, from what we eat to the car we drive to what we wear, affects the environment. We are now seeing the impact of climate change and it’s prime time to be mindful of our consumption & start living sustainably. The way we are producing resources, using energy, and producing waste is not sustainable in the long run. It leads to pollution and has long-term effects such as climate change which causes harm to our environment, wildlife and humans too.
How to live a more sustainable lifestyle?
Living sustainably is being mindful of your consumption and waste. Now you don’t have to bike everywhere or stop using plastic completely but we have to start somewhere, even if small. None of us will ever be able to attain zero environmental impact but we need to do our best to save the environment for our future generations. Sustainability is not a choice in today’s time. It’s a necessity, it’s the need of the hour.
Here are some steps to help you live a more sustainable lifestyle –
Save energy – By using less energy, you help reduce carbon emissions. You can start by switching off appliances when not in use. Reduce the usage of air conditioners and heaters. Wash your clothes with cold water.
Eat less meat – Did you know that the production of meat is one of the largest contributors to climate change and causes pollution in waterways and landscapes? Eating meat not only harms the animals but also harms the environment. No one is telling you to turn vegan instantly. You can start small and be mindful of your meat consumption and save the earth simultaneously.
Adopt a minimalist lifestyle – Try decluttering your house. Donate or give away stuff you don’t need. You’ll be surprised to see how much you are able to declutter and help someone who needs it more. Think before buying anything new and ask yourself if you really need another item in your life. Every product we buy has an environmental impact, a carbon footprint. So mindfully consume the amenities around you.
Use reusable alternatives – Single-use products, particularly plastic ones, end up in landfills and the ocean, causing harm to wildlife and the environment. Ditch that plastic bag and go for a reusable one. Start by using reusable straws instead of plastic ones. Start carrying your cutlery with you. Ditch that plastic bottle and switch to a metal one and start using a bamboo toothbrush. These simple changes can help you reduce your carbon footprint.
The need of the hour is “Be mindful of your actions and your surroundings”.