Emma’s great post about sustainable travel from last week got me thinking about sustainable living in general, and the ways that we can all work towards it. Here are some simple ways to achieve a more sustainable lifestyle:
- Dry your clothes outside or on a rack, instead of using a machine
- Eat locally! By reducing the distance it takes for your food to get to you, you’re greatly reducing your carbon footprint
- Stop buying disposable utensils, cups, plates, etc…
- Extend the lives of your goods by reselling and donating what you no longer need
- Stop buying bottled beverages and using plastic in general
- Think before shopping – every product has an “environmental footprint.” Between the production and packaging and shipping, there is a calculable amount of pollution that went into getting that product to you. Think about this and determine if you need that product or if you can find a more environmentally friendly alternative
- Drive less – biking, walking, or using public transportation are a few great ways to reduce your carbon footprint and live more sustainably
- Eat less meat! The meat industry is very energy intensive, so by eating less meat you are reducing your environmental impact
Making a change can be tricky, so taking it one step at a time is the way to go. These also make for some nice New Year’s resolutions!
Written by Teddi Shapiro, class of 2019
This is very refreshing! With just enough ideas I can try to incorporate into my life even. Another resource I’ve found interesting is The Sustainabilitist Hub, which tackles personal sustainability from the angles of mindset and habits.