Live sustainably with simple lifestyle changes

Adopting and sticking to a selfless, eco-friendly lifestyle can be challenging when we know that our efforts will be offset within minutes by big polluting corporations. The reality is that climate change requires a collective response. Personal lifestyle changes may not seem very effective, but we can achieve excellent results if we implement them across the board.

Living an eco-friendly lifestyle means being aware of the environmental impacts of your actions and being responsible for those impacts, whatever they may be.

Think collectively. It is important to understand that your decisions affect others, both locally and globally. You may not see the benefits of your eco-friendly efforts, but others certainly will. Future generations will be indebted to you. So, what can you do to live more sustainably and do your part to protect the planet?

Use renewable energy

The IPCC found that in 2018 89% of global CO2 emissions came from the burning of fossil fuels and industry, so it only makes sense to start with energy sources. While governments are working to get renewables up to speed, we as consumers can speed up this process by exchanging harmful fossil fuels for sustainable sources where possible.

Install solar panels is a popular way for homeowners to self-sufficiently meet their energy needs. If this fails, people can opt for an energy supplier that is supported by renewable sources.

Outdoors, consumers can replace combustion-engined vehicles with hybrid or electric cars. More extensive lifestyle changes require more attention, so you might consider: rent an electric car before deciding which option is right for you.

We are only at the foot of the mountain of renewable energy. In the coming decades, new alternatives will come to the market that offer individuals more creative solutions to reduce their emissions. Check out this space.

Don’t waste anything

Don’t waste anything. A mantra to live by wherever you go.

Let’s start with energy consumption. There are endless possibilities to reduce energy consumption, from using a clothesline in the summer to putting on an extra layer in the winter. Challenge yourself to find new creative solutions to make your home more energy efficient.

We also need to talk about food waste. A 2018 study published in a Science Journal suggests that 6% of the global greenhouse gas emissions from food loss and waste. Buying only what we need helps reduce emissions from storage and transportation and prevents plastic from ending up in the environment.

One of the benefits of becoming more energy efficient and reducing food waste is that you save a little money. Think of it as compensation for your eco-friendly efforts.

Recycle, recycle, recycle

There is no excuse do not recycle in countries with structured waste management systems. Failure to do so will result in wasted packaging ending up in the environment and damaging natural habitats.

Help yourself, join the movement without waste and simplify your recycling system. Designate a specific area for your recycled items, purchase additional bins and add appropriate labels as needed so you don’t fall into the trap of throwing out items made from perfectly recyclable materials. Each year, millions of tons of recyclable items end up in landfills, ultimately releasing harmful pollutants into the environment.

The more you recycle, the more guilty you’ll feel at those times when you don’t feel like rinsing out that empty can of tomatoes and throwing it in the trash. Do your best and it will soon become second nature.

Be disciplined

It’s not easy to develop new habits, so don’t be hard on yourself if you can’t flawlessly adopt a sustainable lifestyle. Start with small changes and praise yourself for any progress you make.

Remember, you are doing something amazing. Sharing your new eco-friendly habits with others is a great way to create positive change. Encouraging friends and family to make more sustainable life choices may be the most powerful thing you can do. With more people on board, the burden is lightened for all of us individually.

Small changes can make a big difference. It may take some initial upheaval, but you’ll soon learn to love your new eco-friendly lifestyle.