8 Effective Ways to Live more Sustainably

We do not inherit the earth from ancestors, we borrow it from our children.

This is the most thoughtful quote on our responsibility towards nature’s conservation and this has led to what is called Sustainable Development – mindfulness in actions so that any negative effect on environment is checked.

It’s not right to completely shift the onus of environmental deterioration on big industries and factories. We, the common people, the consumers, have the power to dictate terms to the market with our preferences and lifestyle choices.

All that is required is to pause, think and prioritize.

• ‘Do I actually need this’:

Tame in that urge to buy everything appealing. From dining to home décor, everything comes with a price paid to nature. Choose sensibly and sensitively on what has cost least. For instance, using right size air conditioner for your space, opting for two-stage compressor that comes with two different modes, one for hotter days and one for cooler days, working harder on hotter days only therefore are more energy-efficient.

• Say NO to PLASTIC:

Not just being a burden on planet, plastic especially in packaging is detrimental to health. Some chemicals are known to migrate from the plastic packaging to the foods they contain like Styrene from polystyrene, plasticizers from PVC, antioxidants from polyethylene, and Acetaldehyde from PET. Evidence was also found that acetaldehyde migrated out of PET and into water. ¹

• Go ‘Cruelty Free’:

There was a time when cosmetics industry used to rely on animal testing solely but with growing sensitivity towards animal rights and maintaining ecological balance, people have penalised bad brands thriving on animal testing. Also, it is imperative to stop killing endangered species for human’s gastrointestinal pleasure. Many products harm endangered species by threatening their habitat, cut down old-growth forests to using up the water that riparian species need to survive.

• Go Green even when you drive:

Use public transport, car-pool, CNG-run vehicles these are some of the greener alternatives to burning fuel in vehicles. Even better options are – walk or cycle!

• Check What’s on and IN your plate:

Ditch those disposable plastic tableware that do no good to planet nor to your health. Opt for biodegradable and compostable ones like Dtocs. It is made from naturally fallen palm leaves, completely bio-degradable and compostable and therefore leaves no landfill. Leaves are sanitised, sterilised and heat compressed to give it shape. Whole manufacturing process in chemical-free eliminating any chance of chemical transmission to the food on the plate.

• Plant and Care:

After decades of chopping down trees to meet the demands of industries and human habitation, finally it fell upon us to the detriments it was causing to the environment and world leaders made sure the process is reversed. The rate of net forest loss decreased substantially over the period 1990–2020 due to a reduction in deforestation in some countries, plus increases in forest area in others through afforestation and the natural expansion of forests. A 2019 study of the global potential for tree restoration showed that there is space for at least 9 million km² of new forests worldwide, which is a 25% increase from current conditions. This forested area could store up to 205 gigatons of carbon or 25% of the atmosphere’s current carbon pool by reducing CO₂ in the atmosphere and introducing more O₂. ²

• Save Water

Water is the elixir of life. Taking care of our actions, minding our habits and this is what takes to check water wastage. Turn off the water to brush teeth, shave and soap up in the shower; fill the sink to shave. In kitchen, peel and clean vegetables in a large bowl of water instead of under running water; only run the dishwasher when it’s full. Add compost or an organic matter to soil as necessary, to improve soil conditions and water retention. ³

• Light up Your Space Green:

Electricity generation costs heavy to nature. It’s time we switch to solar energy. The US Department of Energy says that LED bulbs use at least 75% less energy — and last 25 times longer — than incandescent lighting. That equals a lot of savings over time. Use smart power strips, install a programmable thermostat, replace your air filters, use natural light, dress appropriately for the weather inside and outside.

Just a small change in our behaviour can give a push to sustainable development.