What is Sustainable Living?
Preserving the planet for future generations should be a common goal and desire of everyone. However, many people rarely consider the impact that their actions may have on the environment. To reduce your carbon footprint and do your part to create a healthier world, learn what sustainable living is all about.
Defining Sustainable Living
Sustainable living simply refers to a lifestyle that attempts to reduce the waste of the earth’s natural resources. This includes energy, food, clothing, and even daily trash. While sustainability does not mean living off the grid on berries and fish, it does suggest a consciousness that surrounding resources are not infinite. As a result, those who live sustainably attempt to preserve the world through intelligent usage of every available resource.
How Can You Live Sustainably?
Even if you live in a bustling city and feel entirely surrounded by 21st-century pollution, you can reduce your carbon footprint! Environmental protection occurs one individual at a time, and that individual can be you. To begin living sustainably, try implementing the following principles into your daily lifestyle.
1. Limit your energy consumption.
Modern conveniences have become so commonplace that most people don’t think twice about leaving a light on or taking a hot, 30-minute shower. Unfortunately, so many people taking these resources for granted leads to a lot of unnecessary waste. While you don’t need to live in the dark, only taking cold showers and eating canned food, try to remain conscious regarding your energy consumption. Only turn a light on if you need it, then turn it off when you leave the room. Reduce your shower time when possible. Save up your laundry for one big load, rather than several small loads. Try to plan combined cooking sessions so that your stove or oven only has to heat up once for multiple meals. Use energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs.
Ultimately, taking the time to evaluate and reduce your energy consumption can make a huge difference over the course of your life.
2. Make it a goal not to throw away food.
Food waste is a massive problem in Western culture. Typically, it is a lack of planning that causes this problem. Too many groceries are purchased and then left to sit in the refrigerator until tossed a month later. Meal planning is a great way to use up what you have in your fridge and avoid purchasing too many ingredients. Not only does this cut down on waste, but it also saves you money. Win-win!
As for the parts of food that you do have to throw away, try finding a way to recycle. For example, produce peelings make great fertilizer for local gardens.
3. Shop secondhand when possible.
Second-Hand stores prove a valuable resource when it comes to many daily items. Dishes, clothing, books, shoes, handbags, etc. can all be purchased from secondhand shops at a largely discounted price. This reduces the amount of clothing being placed in landfills while providing you with unique pieces for your home and closet.
4. Choose reusable products over disposable ones.
If at all possible, buy reusable items. Reusable food transportation, hand towels instead of paper towels, etc. can dramatically reduce how much you throw away on a daily basis. Instead of taking plastic forks and cups to work, use regular silverware and dishes. Use washable napkins, a reusable water bottle, and reusable hygiene products.
5. Recycle according to local guidelines.
Of course, one of the best ways to treat local resources responsibly is to recycle. Take the time to read up on your local recycling guidelines so that you can ensure you are recycling the right items as well as sorting them properly.
6. Support environmentally-minded businesses.
Who you give your money to says a lot about your goals, desires, and morals. Rather than supporting businesses that don’t care about the planet, try supporting businesses that use recycled packaging and carefully watch their energy consumption.
Who Are We, and How Can We Help?
Royal Waste possesses the knowledge, resources, and state-of-the-art equipment to get any size job done right. We are committed to reducing waste through our recycling and composting programs. Our breadth of dependable services, rapid response time, and commitment to problem-solving are unmatched. You’ll find our staff eager to provide the quality, reliable, and flexible waste management your business requires. Call us today.
