Is Sustainable Living Possible? [2023]

Living sustainably has become an increasingly important topic as the world faces the critical challenges of climate change and environmental degradation. Moving towards more sustainable living not only benefits the planet, but also provides numerous benefits for improving our health and well-being. So, the question really should not be "Is sustainable living possible?", but rather "How can we live sustainably in a way that benefits us and the planet?"

In this comprehensive article, our expert team at Gone Greenish™ will dive into all aspects of sustainable living, covering lifestyle changes, eco-friendly products, energy and water consumption, and much more. We promise to offer unique and effective tips, backed up with researched data and expert knowledge to help you effortlessly live a more sustainable life.

Section One: Lifestyle Changes

1. Embrace Minimalism

Minimalism is not just an interior design trend, it is also a mindset that has the potential to simplify your life and significantly reduce your carbon footprint. Embracing minimalism comprises using less and buying less of what you do not need. It also means reusing, repairing or repurposing the things we already have rather than buying new ones. Here are some ways to embrace minimalism:

• Donate, Giveaway or Sell: Instead of throwing away things that you no longer need, you can donate or give them away. Or sell them online for cash. This way someone else can make use of what was once your possessions.
• Practice Mindful Consumption: Every time you buy something, think about its necessity, the material it's made of, what will happen to it when it becomes obsolete. Ask yourself if it's a long-term investment in terms of your needs.
• Repair and Repurpose: Learning basic repair skills not only helps you keep things longer but can also be immensely satisfying and educational.

By adopting a minimalist lifestyle, you will reduce your expenses and save time, as well as demonstrate a conscious effort to reduce waste and conserve resources.

2. Transition to a Plant-Based Diet

You may be surprised by how impactful the change in your diet can be to contribute towards sustainable living. The Meat Industry produces greenhouse gases that warm our planet. Livestock production accounts for up to 14.5% of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions. Switching to a plant-based diet implies a lower carbon footprint and helps protect natural ecosystems.

• Benefits of a Vegan Diet: Adopting a vegan diet is one of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint and build a healthy body. Research has shown that vegans have a lower risk of heart diseases, certain cancers, and type 2 diabetes.
• Nutritious Vegan Sources: There are many vegan sources of protein, including legumes, nuts, seeds and greens. By combining them you are able to get an adequate balance of nutrients.

If going plant-based feels too challenging, consider slowly reducing the amount of meat you eat instead of eliminating it altogether.

Section Two: Greener Living Products

1. Sustainable Household Products

Household products can be sources of toxic chemicals that eventually end up polluting our environment. However, there are practical and sustainable cleaning products that demonstrate an emphasis on eco-friendliness by not containing harmful chemicals, recycling packaging, and using natural ingredients.

• Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents: Reducing your impact on the environment can start with washing clothes in eco-friendly detergents that don't contain phosphates or harsh chemicals.
• Reusable Cleaning Products: Rather than buying single-use products, consider switching to reusable products like dishcloths, washable mop pads, and reusable cleaning wipes.

By choosing sustainable household products, you're taking a step toward reducing your general waste while improving product efficiency.

2. Sustainable Beauty and Personal Care Products

The beauty industry obviously values overall beauty and confidence, but views on sustainable products has grown. A sustainable personal care product is one that is made of essential ingredients that are healthy for the environment and our bodies.

• Organic and Natural Skincare: Clean beauty is natural beauty. Clean beauty products are created with the mindful care of the environment in mind. Avoiding harsh chemicals in skincare products means that any water that goes down the drain is less harmful to the environment.
• Sustainable Packaging: Avoid purchasing products that are contained in excess waste packaging that pollutes the environment. Prioritize brands that use minimal and sustainable packaging, for instance, packaging with recycled materials.

By investing in eco-friendly beauty products, you're working towards a sustainable environment.

Section Three: Energy and Water Conservation

1. Renewable Energy Sources

Renewable energy sources lessen our dependence on fossil fuels and improve both human health and the environment. Here are some examples of renewable energy sources:

• Solar Power: Solar power generation uses natural energy from the sun reducing emissions from traditional power generation.
• Wind Power: The wind is a clean source of energy. Wind farms generate enough energy to power households and even towns.
• Geothermal Energy: Geothermal energy uses heat stored below the earth's surface to create steam that powers turbines.

As alternatives to conventional energy sources, renewable sources are environmentally friendly and can be used to service the many electrical appliances people use in their daily lives.

2. Water Conservation

Conserving water at home means actively looking for ways to reduce water usage, and adapting new habits. Adopting water-conserving habits means prioritizing the reduction in water waste at home. This section covers some practices that can be adopted to conserve at home:

• Leaks and Repairs: Check and fix all leaky faucets and toilet tanks. A dripping faucet can waste many gallons of water every day while a leaking toilet can waste many gallons of water every hour!
• Replace Toilets and Showerheads: Use toilets and showerheads that are designed to conserve water. Look for the WaterSense label that identifies water-efficient products.
• Landscaping: Landscape using drought-resistant grasses and plants, and avoid over-watering. Use mulch to retain soil moisture.

By conserving water, you reduce your water bills. Dig it deeper into the reasons why people love water conservation.

FAQ

Why are we not living sustainably?

Most people do not live sustainably because they are not aware of their choices. Lack of education on the practices of sustainable living or an unwillingness to make lifestyle changes can also be contributing factors.

Are humans capable of living sustainably on Earth?

Yes, humans have the capacity to live sustainably on Earth. Sustainable living involves an understanding of sustainable practices, which, when embraced, makes the process smooth and more straightforward. By taking proactive measures to reduce our environmental impact, we can ensure that our planet remains healthy enough to support life for many more generations.

How to live 100% sustainably?

Living 100% sustainably would require significant changes to the current way we consume and treat the environment. However, living sustainably in smaller ways significantly contributes to the greater picture. A sustainable life might include actions like alternative transportation (riding a bike or walking, for example), reducing energy consumption at home, conserving water, and eating a plant-based/ vegan diet.

Quick Tips and Facts

• 81% of Americans want companies to be environmentally responsible.
• Over half of the world's ocean is a dead zone caused by pollution.
• Animal agriculture is responsible for 18% of greenhouse gas emissions, more than all transportation emissions combined.
• 75% of aluminum that has ever been produced is still in use today or recycled.
• By drinking tap water instead of bottled water, you can save approximately 170 plastic water bottles a year.

Conclusion

Sustainable living is not only environmentally friendly but crucial for the survival of our planet. By adopting sustainable living practices, we can play our part in protecting the earth. This article is a comprehensive guide for you to make informed decisions and jump-start your sustainable living journey. Every little effort counts, we hope you learned tips for sustainable living that can positively impact the environment and your health.