Are there things you try to practice daily to live a more sustainable lifestyle?
Well the daily prompt did have to ask.
Regular readers will already know what I am about to write, but for those new to the blog here are some ideas that I aim to put into practice daily in order to live more sustainably. I am hoping it inspires you to do similar.
When they say that big business must do the heavy lifting of sustainably using energy and resources for our planet’s future, it’s true.
But there’s so many small ways that collectively can make a difference.
Can to think of things we do and have in our current lifestyle that needlessly use up energy?
Extra lights on? Computers, air conditioning or heating left on when no one is at home?
Activities we never used to do it have that we could easily forgo again. Things that were never part of our lives in year gone by.
For instance, using a dishwasher to wash a small number of dishes.
Employing Google to look up words and meanings and directions instead of referring to a thesaurus, dictonary or map or god forbid, our own memories of landmarks and directional road signs.
Remembering phone numbers, calendar dates calendar or using a notebook or paper diary.
Sending unnecessary emails, forwarding funny memes, sharing, pressing the like button – this all consumes energy with every click and like. And even writing frivolous blog posts could be reduced.
Quality is better than quantity as far as the planet goes.
Reducing things in a way that has minimal impact to you, but collectively, massive impact for the planet.
Everyone can do their part to save energy and resources.
If we buy less, we consume less. Minimise food waste through regular meal planning, utilising leftovers and composting the remains.
Riding a bike to the shop if it’s close by, to pick up something that you really need, walk or catch public transport. Boycott uber eats to cook in.
Garden- grow your own veges. Keep chooks if you have the space.
If you’re a writer, write your stories by hand. You may find it a satisfying and different experience, then type the final copy if you need.
Clothing
Unless you’re working construction or in a arduous physical job. Think about and judge whether your clothes really do need washing with every wear.
This excludes Underwear!!
Look for fabrics that are durable; that don’t show marks easily and could be aired, rather than washed, so frequently. I wore a dress for 100 days for a challenge and washed it about 10 times. Airing it in between wears. It was winter but being Merino wool it never smelt. Read about it here.
This does not mean you go around in smelly clothes.
No, it means that you think about whether each piece of clothing needs washing every single time you wear it. Preference breathable fabrics that don’t need frequent washing.
Air dry your clothes. I was surprised when someone told me that many Americans do not hang their clothes out on a line to dry, even if the climate is conducive to it.
Buy durable clothes of quality that won’t date. Second-hand is a great clothes solution for growing kids – thanks Snow for that tip. And when clothes deteriorate, they make excellent rags.
Short Car Trips
Do we really need to get in our cars to drive for short journeys?
Walking or cycling has so many physical benefits.
Birthday Gifts
Make edible or eco-friendly birthday gifts – source them from thrift shops: repurpose and re-gift. Something you already have, perhaps never used it was unwanted.
Make your own Xmas decorations from your craft or sewing stash.
Wrap gifts in a fabric bag or myo wrapping.
There are so many small ways we can do that little bit to live more sustainably in our own little corner of the world.
After all, they did ask.
Something to Ponder About 