What Is Sustainable Living?

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.