What is Sustainable Living?

Sustainable living has become the new trend in lifestyle choices that involves a person’s relationship to the Earth and the natural resources used by that person. Sustainable living has a different definition for each of its adherents, but the basic concept is living in way that leaves natural resources for future generations. To accomplish this goal, people must not demand to consume more resources than are available and, in some cases, even have a positive effect on natural resources by helping to replenish them. By not overusing resources, they are given the opportunity to naturally replenish themselves.

Supporters of sustainable living often refer to a person’s “carbon footprint,” as the effect that their lifestyle has on Earth. One of the main tenets of sustainable living is reducing one’s carbon footprint. This is done by through changes in diet, transportation and energy consumption. Practicing sustainable agriculture, choosing to use public transportation, driving a vehicle that gets good gas mileage, bringing cloth bags to the grocery store, instead of using paper or plastic, and showering, instead of taking a bath, are all ways to reduce someone’s carbon footprint.

Strict advocates of sustainable living reduce their carbon footprints through sustainable living practice called permaculture, which is an ethical design system. The first of the three core ethics in permaculture is caring for the Earth so that nature is not disrupted or damaged. Secondly, there is a concentration on sustaining people’s needs without damaging the Earth. Finally, adherents to permaculture must accept that they must limit consumption in relation to population growth.

When practicing sustainable living through a permaculture system, there are seven principles that are followed to hold up the ethical core.

1. Conservation - only use the resources that are needed.
2. Stacking Functions - use one thing for as many uses as possible.
3. Repeating Functions - meeting needs in as many ways as possible.
4. Reciprocity - using the outputs of the system to meet the needs of other parts of the system.
5. Appropriate Scale - only produce things at a scale that is conducive to its use with the intention of causing the least amount of disruption to nature.
6. Diversity - utilizing a variety of different elements in the system helps to create resilience.
7. Share the Surplus - give away the abundance in your system to help others sustain.

Sustainable living refers to a lifestyle that aims to reduce an individual's or society's use of the Earth's natural resources. It involves making conscious choices to minimize personal and collective environmental impact, such as reducing waste, conserving energy, and supporting eco-friendly practices. The goal is to create a balance where our needs are met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.

Sustainable living is crucial for maintaining the health of our planet. It helps to combat climate change, preserve biodiversity, and ensure the availability of resources for the future. According to the United Nations, sustainable living practices can significantly contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation.

To start living sustainably, begin by making small changes in your daily routine. This can include reducing energy consumption, recycling, using public transportation, and purchasing products made from sustainable materials. Additionally, consider reducing meat consumption, as the livestock sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

At home, sustainable practices can include using energy-efficient appliances, installing low-flow water fixtures, composting organic waste, and growing your own vegetables. Reducing single-use plastics by opting for reusable bags, bottles, and containers also makes a significant difference. Moreover, supporting renewable energy sources, like solar or wind power, can further reduce your carbon footprint.

Yes, sustainable living can lead to financial savings. Energy-efficient appliances and home improvements can lower utility bills. Buying in bulk, choosing second-hand items, and reducing waste also cut costs. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that if all U.S. households installed water-efficient fixtures, the country would save $18 billion annually on water bills.

While environmental protection is a key aspect of sustainable living, it also encompasses social and economic dimensions. It promotes fair trade, ethical labor practices, and community engagement. Sustainable living encourages a holistic approach to well-being, considering the long-term impacts of our actions on the planet and its inhabitants, thus fostering a more equitable and sustainable world for all.