IT has become increasingly popular for individuals, businesses and big corporations to realise the necessity and benefits of a more ‘green’ and sustainable lifestyle.
Sustainability revolves around the creation of products, goods and services with a focus on satisfying current requirements while ensuring the preservation of resources for the well-being of future generations. This concept acknowledges the nature of the environment, emphasising the crucial need to utilise its resources responsibly and safeguard it for the benefit of the planet and all living organisms.
Also read: How to live a zero waste lifestyle in South Africa
Here are ways you can make a difference as an individual and live a more sustainable lifestyle:
- Grow your own food – Starting your own garden patch will greatly reduce your carbon footprint as well as ensure you’re consuming fresh fruit and vegetables.
- Start a compost heap – Compost is perfect for reducing food waste and living sustainably. You can add most organic materials to the pile, like potato skins, egg shells, fruit peels and old newspapers.
- Use cold water – Washing your clothes in cold water and having cold showers can reduce your energy consumption.
- Lose single-use plastics – Ditch the plastic bags and bottles and opt for reusable shopping bags and glass bottles.
- Unplug your devices – Even if you are not charging a device but it is still plugged in, it is still using energy.
- Use less water – Reducing your water usage reduces energy consumption.
- Shop your groceries locally – Purchasing groceries from local farmer’s markets is a great way to ensure you eat fresh foods, and you get to support local and small businesses – which reduces the energy usage in the transportation of food – something that creates a huge carbon footprint.
- Buy second-hand clothing – The fashion industry is the second-most polluting industry. Instead of buying new items, consider thrifting ‘new-to-you’ clothes.
- Upcycle your clothes – Upcycling is becoming increasingly popular as people are finding new ways to wear and show off their clothing items. You can upcycle your clothes by adding extra features or making them into a different garment.
- Get outside more – Studies show that spending at least 20 minutes outside can reduce stress and anxiety and help you sleep better. It is also more likely that during this period you would be living environmentally friendly.
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