Why Sustainable Living Is The Future

If you’re focusing on “going green” and finding ways to reduce your environmental impact, you’ve probably come across the phrase sustainable living. But what does it mean? Is it just another way to describe a more eco-conscious lifestyle? Well, yes and no.

Sustainable living does mean working to reduce your carbon footprint and choosing products and services that are easier on the environment, but it’s so much more than that. Sustainable living is a choice that we make every day, from the food we eat to the way we get to work. And the trend toward sustainable living isn’t going away anytime soon.

What does Sustainable Living Mean?

Broadly defined, sustainable living means attempting to reduce one’s impact on the environment and use of natural resources. In practice, this can have a number of meanings. It can be as extreme as growing your own food and giving up your car. It can also be as simple as buying products that use sustainable sources and renewable energy such as wind and solar.

In the past few decades, as the effects of man-made environmental issues become more and more apparent, the sustainability movement has grown and adapted. Sustainable living means listening to environmentalists and scientists, and making efforts in our own lives and communities to protect the earth’s natural resources.

Why Should I Choose Sustainable Living?

If we’re being completely honest, sustainable living can feel difficult to achieve. Commuting via bicycle or public transit takes more time than hopping in the car. Reading labels to ensure that products are eco-friendly takes time and effort. And products that are sourced sustainably can be, on the whole, slightly more expensive than many mass-produced products. So why bother? We touch on four simple reasons.

4 Ways Sustainable Living Is the Future

1 | It’s better for your health

One of the most immediate benefits of sustainable living is that it improves your health, in both short- and long-term ways. Think about all of the products you use and consume: a lifetime of processed foods and chemical self-care products can have a very real impact on your health and wellbeing. Living a more sustainable lifestyle means focusing on products made with real, often plant-based, ingredients.

2 | Long-term benefits far outweigh the costs

Another important fact about sustainable living is they have long-term benefits to you and to the planet. Making simple changes can have a big impact. If we all started using sustainably-sourced products and recycling, that would mean enormous changes for our planet. You can already see corporations adapting to environmentally-conscious consumers. That alone should show you the impact that your smallest choices can have.

3 | Helps future generations

Sustainable living also ensures that our planet and natural resources will still be here long after we’re gone. This aspect requires us to think about the future, and about our children and grandchildren. What kind of planet will they inherit? Through sustainable living, we ensure that future generations face fewer ecological disasters and abundant renewable resources.

4 | Benefits Local & Global Communities

It’s not just individuals who benefit from living sustainably, either. Choosing products and making lifestyle choices that focus on reducing environmental harm supports local and global communities. Think about buying vegetables from a farmer’s market or CSA program. Not only are these vegetables fresh, but they support local farmers and encourage a more sustainable food ecosystem.

How Do I Get Started?

You’re likely already making some smart choices about living sustainably. Every time you choose to walk or take the subway instead of starting the car, you’re helping. Every time you support local food production and check the label to make sure that your products are responsibly sourced, you’re having an impact.

Switching to sustainable living takes time, but you don’t have to do it all at once! Small changes and smart choices, like reducing plastic use can create lasting change and improve the world.

Interested in reducing your impact on the planet? View and share our video.

Main photo by Max Bender on Unsplash