As environmental issues enter public awareness at increasing levels, you might be wondering how you can live more sustainably. To live sustainably means to live in such a way that you’re contributing less waste to the environment. It also means you do what you can to reduce the need for fossil fuels — like oil and coal. When you approach life in this way, you help create a planet that can support human life better for longer.
Shift Your Energy Priorities
Shifting your energy priorities can have a huge impact on your life and the environment. You can start small by turning off appliances and lights in your home when not in use. Open windows in the early summer and wear layers in early winter to avoid turning on the air conditioner and heater for as long as possible. And don’t run your clothes dryer in the middle of the day, which uses more energy. These changes can help you save energy and money.
For bigger shifts, homeowners can invest in solar panels to become less dependent on the energy grid altogether. Solar panels use renewable energy, and every house that makes this change reduces the need for fossil fuels. If you’re worried about the hefty up-front costs, you can look into leasing solar panels, which will spread those costs over 20 or 30 years. You’ll likely still end up saving money, and you’ll be living more sustainably.
Walk and Take Public Transportation
Another way to shift your energy priorities is to use less gasoline. The more cars driving on roads across the globe, the more fossil fuels get used up every day. To add to this problem, the burning fuel expels greenhouse gasses into the environment, which contributes to the erosion of the earth’s ozone layer. It also contributes to air pollution, which is not great for humans walking around trying to breathe fresh air.
This sad reality doesn’t mean you have to give up your car entirely. It does mean that you can start to think of ways to use your car less. Take fewer trips when possible, loading up on groceries and other supplies while you’re already out. You can also walk or ride your bike shorter distances, if you live in a walkable environment. And for those who live in a city with quality public transportation, consider taking the bus or rapid transit to work instead of driving.
Invest in Good Quality to Buy Less
Speaking of quality, there was a time, not so long ago, when products were made with sustainability and longevity in mind. Furniture, clothes, and appliances were purchased with the idea that you would keep them forever, or at least for decades. Sadly, that tradition has gone by the wayside for many corporations in favor of making items cheaply that can be thrown out for new ones within a year or two. As a result, landfills are growing, to the detriment of the planet.
To contribute less to those landfills, you can think twice before you buy cheaply made products. Instead, research companies that make quality, lasting clothes, appliances, electronics, furniture, and even cars. Furthermore, when something you own tears, glitches, or breaks down, consider repairing it instead of tossing it for something new. While these items may cost more up front, you will likely save money in the long run, so you can think of it as an investment.
Recycle and Compost Your Waste
When you can’t reduce your waste, consider keeping it out of landfills anyway. Landfills are heaps of trash that will take decades or centuries to break down. In many cases, your “trash” doesn’t need to end up in your trash bin. Your compost and recycle bins are designed for products and materials that are either biodegradable or can be reused. Check with your waste management department to find out what items can go in these other bins instead of the trash.
When it comes to composting, many people don’t realize that so much more than grass and pruned plants can go in. If it’s edible, you can put it in the bin, so that’s all your food scraps. Paper towels, napkins, and tissues can also often go in the debris bin — they’re plant products, after all. As for recycling, check the labels and buy products that can be recycled. Then, when you’re done with what’s inside them, you can toss the packaging in the recycle bin!
Shop Locally
Finally, many people don’t realize that the food and other items they buy at the store often come from far away. The longer the trip, the more fossil fuels are used to transport the goods. Sometimes, even fruits, vegetables, and meat are packaged and shipped via airplanes and large trucks from other continents. This transportation burns tons of fuel, which leads to a greater burden on the environment. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
In many places around the United States, you can find fruits, vegetables, meat, and even furniture, clothes, and other products produced locally. When you buy locally, you’re also contributing to small businesses, your local community, and the economy. So, you can feel good about this shift for more reasons than one.
It’s important to note that you don’t have to make all of these changes at once. Learning to live more sustainably can take a lifetime, and there will be some areas where you find you can’t compromise, and that’s OK. Make the changes you can make now and commit to shifting slowly in other areas of your life. Every little step you take goes toward creating a better environment, and all the little steps add up to big changes.
