The Ultimate Sustainable Living Guide: Tips to Green Living

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The Ultimate Sustainable Living Guide

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This Sustainable Living Guide outlines the steps and eight principles to living a more sustainable life.

If you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint and live a more sustainable lifestyle, then this sustainable living guide is for you. From simple changes like reducing plastic use to more complex actions like installing solar panels, there are many ways to make a positive impact on the environment. This comprehensive guide to sustainable living offers practical tips and advice for eco-friendly living, so you can start making a difference today.

The Ultimate Sustainable Living Guide
Guide to Sustainable Living

Principles of Sustainable Living

Aim for Zero Waste

Conserve and Save Energy and Water

Choose Sustainable Transport

Buy Local and Organic, where possible

Eat a Plant Based Diet

Avoid Toxic Chemicals

Support Sustainable Eco Brands and Products

Advocate for Change

Principle 1: Aim for Zero Waste

All good guides to sustainable living start with avoiding waste or aiming for a zero waste lifestyle, as much as possible.

Having a minimal waste lifestyle goal is truly one of the best ways to achieve a sustainable lifestyle. Aiming for ‘Zero Waste’ means reducing the amount of waste you produce as much as possible, and finding ways to reuse or recycle what you do produce. Some tips for reducing waste include using reusable bags and containers, buying in bulk to reduce packaging waste, and composting food scraps.

Of course, the another way to reduce waste, is to also buy less and consume less, where possible. If you can reuse, recycle, and renew old items, these efforts will pay off in significantly reduced waste in your home. You may think that mending an old pair of jeans or repairing shoes is wasted effort, or composting takes too much effort. However, by adopting just a few changes like this, and taking small, daily steps towards less waste, you can make a big difference in reducing your environmental impact and really make huge strides towards your sustainable living goals.

Principle 2: Conserve and Save Energy and Water

Save Energy

Saving power and conserving energy in the home, is not only great for the planet and living more sustainably, it can also save you money on your power and utility bills. It’s as simple as:

  • turning off lights, airconditioners, and other electronic appliances when not in use;
  • using energy efficient lighting; and
  • adjusting the temperature on your thermostat to save on heating and cooling costs.

If you can, consider investing in renewable energy sources like solar panels to heat water and power your home. If your budget stretches far enough, also plan to invest in a battery to collect and store power for use when solar power is unavailable.

The installation of power turbines is another alternative renewable energy source that you may consider to power your home and live more sustainably.

Besides saving a terrific amount of money on your power and utility bills, the best thing about reducing your energy use is that you help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and this, in turn, helps to combat climate change!

12 Ways to Conserve Water at Home

Water is a precious resource that is often taken for granted. After all, in our world, it’s readily and easily available with the turn of a tap! Imagine living without it!

Cutting down on water usage is an great step to living a more sustainable lifestyle. Using water wisely and efficiently, keeps our dams full and our groundwater supplies healthy for humans, animals and plants. We also use less energy, and reduce our carbon footprint, by pumping less water to our home.

Four quick ways to significantly lowering water use are simply by:

  1. Taking shorter showers;
  2. Fixing leaky taps and faucets;
  3. Using Waterwise products such as toilets with low-flow and half flush settings; and
  4. Review your water use in the garden.

Conserving and Reducing Water Use in the Home Garden

There are at least seven ways that a home owner can reduce water use in the garden. These include:

  1. Choosing more drought tolerant and water wise plants;
  2. Grouping plants with similar water needs together;
  3. Using a soil wetting agent, designed to correct water repellent (hydrophobic) soil conditions;
  4. Regular mulching to conserve water by reducing water evaporation and loss of soil moisture;
  5. Using drip irrigation to prevent overwatering of plants and loss of water caused by wind blowing the water spray during watering times;
  6. Turning off reticulated watering during winter months and simultaneously water by hand, as needed;
  7. Installation of tap timers; and
  8. Installation of rainwater tanks!

Rainwater for Sustainable Living

Rainwater tanks are an excellent way to conserve rain water and well worth considering. An added advantage is that, by installing a garden rainwater tank, an alternative water supply is available during periods of water restrictions.

Summary

So there you have it, a total of 12 ways to conserve water at home.

Combined, these relatively easy changes, products and strategies can make a really big difference in reducing your water consumption, conserving your water, and also in reducing your water bills! Not only that, conserving water is much better for the environment and for our planet.

Wins all round!

Principle 3: Choose Sustainable Transport

The third principle in this sustainable living guide is to choose sustainable transport. While it’s easy to hop into the family car and drive solo to work, think about greener alternatives and more sustainable options that may be available. This is important because transportation is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Choosing more sustainable forms of transport can have a big impact on the environment and reduce your eco footprint significantly.

Of course, if you can walk and you’re energetic, and if the distance is not too far, consider using your own two feet as your first transport option! Another choice may be to dust off the bicycle sitting in the garage and take it for a spin! The bonus is that the fresh air and outdoors will enliven and refresh you, and you’ll get to see the neighorhood with a different perspective.

If you do need to drive, consider carpooling with a neighbour or local workmate, or investing in an electric or hybrid vehicle. Also, when purchasing a vehicle, consider a smaller vehicle which will also have a correspondingly smaller carbon footprint.

Another option in your area may be to use public transport. Most places have bus, ferry and train services. Using public transport not only saves greenhouse gas emissions, it again saves your money as you do not need to pay for parking, tolls or fuel! It also saves the time of sitting in traffic jams!!

Principle 4: Buy Local and Organic, where possible

write a short paragraph on Principle 4: Buy Local and Organic, where possible

Principle 4: Buy Local and Organic, Where Possible

Buying local and organic products is a powerful way to support sustainable living. Local products require less transportation, reducing carbon emissions and supporting the local economy by creating jobs and fostering community well-being. Organic farming practices avoid harmful pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, promoting healthier soil and reducing water pollution. By choosing local and organic, you not only get fresher, often higher-quality products but also contribute to environmental conservation and sustainable agricultural practices. It’s a win-win for your health, your community, and the planet.

Principle 5: Eat a Plant Based Diet

Did you know that animal agriculture is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution? As a result, one of the most impactful ways to live sustainably is to adopt a plant-based diet.

A plant-based diet may not be for everyone but there may be some foods that you are willing to consider substituting from animal based to plant based. If so, start by incorporating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes into your meals and experimenting with plant-based recipes.

By reducing or eliminating meat and dairy from your diet, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and help protect the environment and our planet. Plus, a plant-based diet has numerous health benefits for you and your family!

Principle 6: Avoid Toxic Chemicals

Principle 6 of this Sustainable Living Guide is to do with avoiding toxic chemicals. As a scientist, I was shocked when I learnt that many everyday products that we use contain highly toxic ingredients. In fact, many conventional products, such as cleaners, cosmetics, and plastics, contain toxic substances that can affect both your health and the environment. By choosing eco-friendly cleaning alternatives, you can reduce the risk and amount of toxic substances in your home and protect your family and pets from potential harm.

Principle 7: Support Sustainable Eco Brands and Products

Another way to live sustainably is to support sustainable eco brands and buy eco products. By this I mean that we should look for brands that use sustainable materials and operate in a sustainable way.

You can choose to buy products that are made with respect for the environment and the people who produce them. You can also choose to support companies that follow ethical and environmental standards.

By just taking these two steps, selecting sustainably made products from companies with high ethical and environmental standards, you can influence the retail market and make it more sustainable.

“As a consumer, you have a powerful choice to make.”
— Christin Smith, EarthMAD

With the nature of market forces, when we use our consumer super powers, retailers and manufacturers will respond to your demands and offer more products that match the sustainability conscious consumer values. This is how you can make a difference with your choice! To use your consumer super powers, take the following steps:

7.1 Buy Local for More Sustainable Living

You are probably wondering why buy local when we can purchase a plethora of items and have so much choice on the internet. It’s simple really. By buying local, you can reduce your carbon footprint, save money and enjoy the benefits of local culture and traditions.

Every time you spend money you’re casting a vote for the kind of world you want. 

Anna Lappe

Specifically, buying local products and supporting local businesses helps us achieve our higher sustainable living goal by:

  1. Lowering a product’s environmental impact (because local products require less transportation, packaging and storage).
  2. Supporting the local economy and community by creating jobs and income for local farmers and businesses.
  3. Improving your health and well-being by providing you with fresher food options.

Every small purchase makes a big difference.

– Anonymous

7.2 Seek Eco Friendly and Socially Ethical Companies

When you get serious about green living, you will start to become aware that not all companies are eco friendly and with high environmental values. 

To ensure that the products you purchase are as sustainable as possible, and sourced from socially ethical and environmentally responsible companies, start by looking for companies that prioritize eco-friendly practices, such as:

  1. Using renewable energy sources;
  2. Reducing Waste; and
  3. Using Sustainable Materials.

When browsing products and packaging, to give you peace of mind, look for certifications that indicate that you are purchasing sustainable products. Examples of such certifications are those awarded by:

  1. Fair Trade
  2. USDA Organic
  3. FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and 
  4. B Corp​

By supporting sustainable brands, you can help drive demand for eco-friendly products and encourage more companies to adopt sustainable practices.

7.2.1 How do Fair Trade Certifications Work?

Fair Trade Certificates is a process that ensures that producers and workers in developing countries receive fair prices and wages, decent working conditions, and respect for their rights. The Fair Trade Certification also promotes environmental sustainability and community development.

To obtain Fair Trade Certification, producers and traders must meet a set of standards that cover social, economic, and environmental aspects of production and trade. These standards are verified by independent third-party auditors who visit the farms and factories regularly.

Consumers can recognize Fair Trade Certified products by the Fair Trade logo on the packaging.

7.2.2 How do USDA Organic Labels Work?

As shoppers, looking through food packages and checking labels for nutrition facts, ingredient lists, and other claims, an “organic” listing may seem like another item to check and decipher. 

Also, while organic labels may be perceived as an additional cost, it is important to recognise their value and the benefits that they offer. 

As shoppers, we can rely on the USDA Organic label to provide a standardized and reliable way to identify and choose organic products. This label gives us assurance that the product is produced in strict organic standards that also support sustainable organic farming practices.

The standards address a variety of factors such as soil quality, animal raising practices, and pest and weed control.

It is great to know that when choosing this Organic Label, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, irradiation, and genetic engineering may not be used!

7.2.3 What is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification?

By looking for the FSC certification logo when shopping for paper, wood and other forest products, home consumers and businesses are able to support sustainable forestry practices.

FSC is a highly esteemed international non-governmental organization that promotes responsible forest management worldwide.

7.2.4 B Corp

When a company becomes B Corp Certified, consumers can have confidence that the company is eco-friendly and socially responsible. Businesses that earn this certification undergo strict assessments that ensure B Corp Certified companies have high standards in the areas of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. B Corps are committed to making a positive impact. By supporting a B Corp Certified company, consumers also contribute to a more sustainable world, aligning their purchasing power with their values.

Ref About B Corp Certification

Principle 8: Advocate for Change

Advocating for change is an important principle of any Sustainability Living Guide. As mums and dads, we may notice local issues or causes, or bigger matters that inspire us into action. Taking action for change is fairly simple but it does require you to be brave and step up.

Once you’ve decided on a cause or issue that would benefit from your advocacy, consider whether you have the time and interest to take the cause on. Issues benefiting from your advocacy may be related to environment matters, human justice or social concerns, to those relating to animal welfare. Choose one that you connect with.

Do some homework and research to find out more about the issue. In your research you may consider joining a local or online group of people with similar concerns and interests. There may be local or virtual events around the topic or concern, as well. Check out Facebook, EventBrite and MeetUp, for example.

Consider what action you want or need to take for your cause and the results that you are seeking. Prepare and plan by listing any resources you have access to and who can you contact. Think about who you can you collaborate with and how can you raise awareness regarding the issue.

With the Protect Doddis Beach Petition, for example, I connected with neighbours, local residents and wider Mandurah community, City of Mandurah managers and staff, Councillors and State Government representatives. I raised awareness by writing media releases, talking to local press and journalists, bloggers and podcasters. For instance, our story was published in the Unsustainable Magazine and I was interviewed by Sonia Nolan host of the My Warm Table Podcast.

How do Eco Friendly Products Help the Environment and Sustainable Living?

One of the ways to live in a more eco-friendly and sustainable way is to use environmentally friendly, non-toxic products. Eco friendly products are products that minimize the harm to the environment and human health by using less resources, producing less waste, and using natural or renewable materials.

You can find many environmental products that you can use in your home or business, such as solar panels, smart home devices, lightbulbs, natural cleaning supplies, water-saving toilets, and green building materials. These environmental products go a long way to helping us in our sustainable living goals.

When you swop out household products for eco friendly, non-toxic and more sustainable products, you help the planet by conserving resources, reducing waste and reducing the toxic load on our environment. You don’t just help the local environment, you are making your home environment also much safer for your family and your children.

Summary: Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Living

This comprehensive guide outlines practical tips and advice to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle. The eight Principles cover a range of actions, from reducing plastic to installing solar panels, all aimed at minimising your carbon footprint and living a more eco-friendly life.

In summary, the eight core principles outlined in the guide are:

  1. Aim for Zero Waste: Focus on reducing waste production and reusing or recycling materials.
  2. Conserve and Save Energy and Water: Adopt energy-saving practices and efficiently manage water use.
  3. Choose Sustainable Transport: Opt for eco-friendly transportation options to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions.
  4. Buy Local and Organic: Support local farmers and buy organic products to reduce your environmental impact (content missing).
  5. Eat a Plant-Based Diet: Reduce or eliminate meat and dairy consumption to lower your carbon footprint and improve health.
  6. Avoid Toxic Chemicals: Choose eco-friendly products to protect your health and the environment.
  7. Support Sustainable Eco Brands and Products: Select products from companies that adhere to high ethical and environmental standards.
  8. Advocate for Change: Engage in actions that promote environmental sustainability and influence broader systemic changes.

By following these principles, you and your family can make a positive impact on the environment and move to a more sustainable lifestyle.

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