Sustainable lifestyle is a complex issue. It is not enough to change just one habit, in fact it is a set of practices that must be consciously assumed.

To be more precise, a sustainable lifestyle means not consuming more than what can be grown, regenerated or available in the future.

Eat Sustainably

When it comes to nutrition, paying attention to sustainability means using resources sparingly. Food and resources are not being wasted in the production or transportation of these products. In the end, that means as much as possible to:

• Focus on regional and seasonal products.
• Reduce meat consumption.
• Regularly prepare “leftovers” of food.
• Throw less food.
• Store food correctly so that it stays fresh longer.
• Adopt “sustainable” behaviors in the home.

Daily Life Modifications

A sustainable lifestyle doesn’t just mean saving energy but also making  simple changes in our daily lifestyle. These behaviors that you can implement on a daily basis adds to a more sustainable life. These are just a few of the many examples:

• Use refillable pens and non-toxic colored pencils.
• Prefer glass containers rather than aluminum.
• Run the dishwasher or washing machine at full load.
• Use refillable bottles.
• Choose “home” remedies for the removal of spots.
• Install flow limiters on the water taps.
• Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth.

Use Eco-Friendly Products

In recent years, the motto “live sustainably” has also played an increasingly important role in fashion. This applies not only to clothing but also to cosmetics. You have to pay attention to environmental labels, there are several that indicate that they are organic, that they are not tested on animals and that they are environmentally friendly. 

Sustainable Energy Consumption

The general rule of thumb for a sustainable lifestyle is to pay attention to the materials used. To reduce our consumption, we must:

• Deactivate devices rather than leaving them in standby mode.
• Switch to green energies (gas & electricity).
• Think about reconditioned products.
• Favor energy-efficient equipment.

Generate Less Waste

The basic principle of a sustainable lifestyle is to reduce wastage. Games, books or other clothing can be traded or purchased second-hand. To generate less waste, special attention must be paid to eco-labeling and longevity.

Use Environmentally Friendly Detergents

The way you clean your home can also affect the environment. Fortunately, there are several products that are friendly to our home and the environment. Choose ecological detergents obtained from 100% vegetable raw materials and go for DIY ecofriendly detergents recipes. In the other hand, Self-production of soaps for personal and household care is not that difficult and can be cheaper.

Avoid Over Consumption

The basics of a sustainable lifestyle is avoiding over consumption, this means stopping buying things you don’t need and being satisfied with what is necessary. It is a reality that over consumption inevitably leads to the over exploitation of natural resources.

Recycling

Recycling can prevent a large part of our belongings from going into the trash and polluting our environment. If there is a damaged piece of furniture or a sofa prefer to repair rather than replace.  A few tips:

• Donate the clothes you no longer wear.
• If you have damaged clothes, make rags.
• Buy in bulk rather than small individual portions.
• Avoid buying plastic bottles, use taps and reusable bottles.

Shop Locally

You can greatly reduce your energy consumption by shopping locally. Everything you buy has to be transported, requiring a lot of gasoline, logistics, and manpower. Buying products made closer to you, reduces energy consumption and helps to support local communities with their undertakings. Furthermore, buying from a local store rather than a distant one can reduce your car’s impact on gas mileage and emissions.

Live Plastic Free

Although it may seem difficult, living without plastic is an alternative. There are several options that offer recyclable and reusable materials that can replace plastic and contribute to the preservation of the environment.
Get in the habit of carrying reusable bags in your car or purse when you go to the market, you will be creating a positive impact on the planet.

Community Life

Develop a conscious, sustainable,  and environmentally friendly community. The more awareness we create the faster we can take actions alone or together that will lead us to be better consumers and live in harmony with our planet.
Whether it’s starting with small actions like buying local, reducing meat consumption or using less polluting means of transportation, absolutely everyone has the power to leave their positive footprint on the world.

Why wait until later to start?

Even during traveling or on vacation one can continue sustainable life style. Support sustainable tourism companies that respect the environment. Eat and shop locally. During travels carry your own reusable mugs.
Stay in local accommodations. While leaving the hotel room never forget to turn of lights, heating or air conditioning. By making such small changes in life one can maintain a sustainable lifestyle along with a healthy life style.