What Is Sustainable Living?

Sustainable living focuses on choices and behaviours that centre on living within our means to encourage human and environmental health.

Sustainable development was first defined by the Brundtland Report in 1987. He aimed to present environment-related issues and challenges in the context of political, social, and economic development.  

Today, the principles of sustainability are emphasised by the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which want to preserve the planet for future generations.

The shift towards sustainability in our homes, communities, and lifestyles looks different for everyone.

Individual actions can lessen our impact on the planet as they are part of the collective movement. Living a sustainable lifestyle can benefit our household, the community, economy and environment.

It is important to note that the onus is not exclusively on the individual. Corporate and state-producing entities also need to address the planet's environmental issues.

We're consuming resources at an unsustainable rate.

• Reducing our energy use means more than turning off the lights. Investing in energy-efficient appliances can make a significant impact.
• Water use has increased more than twice the rate of population growth in the past century. However, we can change how we use water and reduce our overall consumption.

A great place to start reducing our waste is learning how to recycle.

• Avoid purchasing single-use plastics and explore new ways to repurpose items before throwing them in the trash.
• Composting is a great alternative to throwing out food in the trash.

Finding new and sustainable ways to produce, reuse, create, and substitute products and services that you would otherwise purchase encourages self-sufficiency while lessening the environmental impact.

• Reduce the waste of unused goods by using what you have at home and within our means.
• DIY possibilities are endless, from growing your food to sewing, making your own cleaning products, home goods, and beauty accessories.
• If you can't DIY, try DIFO - Do It For Others. Exchange services and skills with community members.

When it comes to material things, shop less and with purpose rather than impulse.

• Consider purchasing goods that are well-made and less likely to have a high turnover rate.
• Before looking for something new, try thrift stores or a local clothing swap.
• If you are buying something new, try to support brands that have adopted sustainable practices.

When you choose to take public transportation, car-pool, walk, or bike as a means of transportation, you are effectively offsetting your daily carbon emissions.

Re-evaluate your investment portfolio and consider divesting from funds and stocks connected to environmental destruction.

The core beliefs of sustainable living go beyond our homes and communities.

• Familiarize yourself with local, sustainable initiatives in your community and find ways to contribute to your household.
• Pay attention to national and international environmental and climate events and causes, and learn how your actions might have international reactions.
• Promote environmental awareness with friends, family, coworkers, and neighbours.
• Donate to sustainability initiatives.