What does sustainable living really mean? We see the word a lot, and I wonder if it is just a buzzword, stripped of its true significance. However, let me assure you, sustainable living is far from a mere buzzword. Let me unravel the significance of Sustainable Living.

It embodies a profound concept with tangible implications for our planet and future generations

Sustainable living is a lifestyle choice which has grown in recent years. It challenges the current culture of consumerism by making us think about our own consumption and make responsible choices.

It is too slow down climate change. Allowing the planet to continue to be habitable; for everyone and everything that lives on it.

What is Sustainable Living?

It’s a way of life where we strike a balance between what humans need while preserving the planet for future generations

By embracing these principles, individuals can play an active role in mitigating the environmental impact of consumerism and adopting a more sustainable lifestyle.

At its core, sustainable living recognises the finite resources of our planet. It aims to ensure their responsible use to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

If you have children, check out this blog about how to get children to care about the environment

Why is Sustainable Living important?

It promotes a healthier lifestyle by prioritising clean air, water, and food. By reducing exposure to things like

• pollutants
• consciously embracing organic
• locally sourced products
• actively adopting sustainable transportation options

we can significantly improve our overall well-being and effectively mitigate the risks of environmental health hazards

I look at it as an investment in the future of our planet and future generations

To put it another way – we need the planet to live.

Examples of Sustainable Living

Taking the initiative to reduce your plastic waste is an excellent starting point. Plastic is commonly packaged alongside various products, looking at your purchasing habits will enable you to identify areas where it can be reduced. Here is a free digital download to help you get started.

You can eat seasonal food – this reduces the carbon footprint transportation, you will support local farmers and buy from a greengrocer or farmers market will reduce your plastic waste. Buy loose fruit and veg where you can.

Fast-fashion is a huge problem because a vast amount of resources are used to create cheap clothing, some brands produce clothes in countries where workers are exploited.

Personal healthcare is an area where some really good changes can be made. Ditching toothpaste tubes in favour of tablets (it may help speaking to a dentist), switching to eco-friendly deodorants, swap to a safety razor, eco friendly nail polish, soap and shampoo bars.

The Barriers

As people are becoming more conscious about the choices they are making, there are often barriers that stop people from getting started.

• Cost
• Habits
• Availability
• Societal pressure
• Lack of trust in corporations
• knowing where to start

BBC Bitesize has a great resource – check it out here

In summary, sustainable living is important for environmental preservation, resource conservation, climate change mitigation, social equity, health and well-being, economic stability, and the well-being of future generations. By embracing sustainable practices, we can work towards a more balanced and sustainable world.

These are my opinions and some ideas that work for me but may not work for everyone. Here are my terms & conditions for further reading