How To Begin Your Sustainable Living Journey This New Year

Sustainable living will be the new year’s resolution trend in 2024.

…and the last thing we will be doing is complaining about it.

After all, individuals are finally seeing the condition of Mother Earth. Or, if someone changes into a more ‘soft living’, and sustainable living is a way to get there, then by all means, they should.

It is high time that we understand our responsibilities towards keeping our planet alive.

Amidst technological advancement and more plastic manufacturing, making mindful decisions is our only method to protect our sole residence. However, it is not that easy! It might take some changes, adjustments, efforts, and sacrifices to help get to that sustainable sweet spot.

This is what we are here for. Our expert team of sustainable activists has been on their own trial-and-error path toward sustainable living. We are bringing you a brand new guide, taking pointers straight from their dairy.

A new year’s guide to sustainable living crafted just for you!

What Is Exactly Sustainable Living?

Sustainable living is a mindful lifestyle change where individuals are expected to use less of Earth’s natural resources. This ensures that our natural resources are still intact for our future Earthlings.

It also means producing less waste, which pollutes these natural resources. For example, water pollution is due to domestic waste, and air pollution is due to burning excessive fossil fuels.

Therefore, we can understand the time it will take for anyone to reach their full sustainable potential.

So, How Do We Do This?

The bigger question is how we can save our planet while living a modern life. After all, we cannot simply boycott every other modern equipment worrying about sustainable living.

1. Start By Reading About It

We all want to help our environment but do not know how to. Therefore, understanding what is happening, your part on an environmental ground, and even in a legal matter.

How about reading a book on Environmental Justice Book? It is like diving into the intersectionality of society and its impact on the environment. How changing our environmental conditions will eventually help better our social condition.

Empathy is the starting point of starting sustainable living. However, awareness and knowledge will be your key weapons when it comes to continuing on the path.

2. Start From The Grass-Root Level

No action is big enough if you think about it, but small steps will help you persevere in the long run. Therefore, starting from the grassroots level is crucial to make a difference. Or even inspire others to do the same.

There are unique activities that can help you start sustainable living from a grassroots level. These are:

For every deforestation news, you plant two more trees in your neighborhood. This will help create a universal balance.

Throwing untreated waste which will mix in water bodies. Only throw biodegradable items in your trash, or rather create compost for your garden bed if you are planning to create a gardening area later. Keep the plastics away, and treat them seperately.

3. Start Planting Your Own Natural Resources

This new year, it is time to pick a sustainable hobby called ‘gardening.’ Not only is it helping you and the planet, but it is quite therapeutic. What could be more exciting than planting and cooking your food in the reaping season?

Start a garden to live sustainably. Pick a sunny spot, till the earth, and plant simple-to-grow crops like tomatoes, lettuce, and carrots. Increase soil fertility naturally with organic compost.

Irrigate wisely, using a drip irrigation system or watering in the early morning to prevent evaporation. Say no to chemical pesticides and choose natural alternatives like neem oil instead.

Kitchen scraps can be composted to add nutrients to the soil and reduce waste. Highlight native plants to preserve local biodiversity. By cultivating your garden, you can feast on what’s fresh and save the earth. Indeed, it is an easy, sustainable practice in which to delight!

4. Always Remember The Three R’s

Embark on a sustainable living journey with the three Rs: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Avoid wastage by picking products with the least amount of packaging and using reusable items like water bottles or shopping bags. Rather than discarding them, try to reuse or donate them.

Recycle your paper, glass, and plastic. These simple practices help reduce your environmental impact, conserve resources, and encourage a more eco-friendly way of life. In this way, remembering the three Rs takes on a practical and viable method of making decisions to live in harmony with nature.

5. Shop From Local Farmers

Buy locally from farmers to support sustainable living. Reduce food miles where possible with fresh produce from your local markets as much as possible. Buying local helps the community, stimulates economic activity in the region, and often means more seasonal foods. Go directly to the source by connecting with farmers ‘markets or joining community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs.

This practice promotes environmental sustainability and strengthens ties between consumers and local producers. By choosing produce grown near home, you not only get something to eat that is fresh and tasty, but you also help create a more stable food system.

6. Reduce The Use Of Fossil Fuels

A greener lifestyle cut back on fossil fuels. Walk, bike, or carpool with friends to drive less. Take public transport or choose electric vehicles. At home, turn off lights and appliances when not in use to conserve energy.

Use energy-saving light bulbs and appliances. Back renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power. Changes in daily habits add up. They benefit the environment and your wallet. Sustainable practices mean having a cleaner and healthier environment for all of mankind.

Be The Voice Of Sustainable Living

Sometimes, it might feel like you are not doing enough. However, that is far from the truth. Along with the sustainable living changes you make in your own life, you can inspire others to do the same. After all, sustainable living is also very cost-cutting! So, better budgeting this coming New Year.

Spread sustainable living ideas by telling everyone around you about your experience and what tips to live a greener life stick in mind. Speak from the heart about how these changes have positively changed your life and our planet.

Encourage others to begin with small things–like less waste and buying local products. By telling relatable stories and experiences, a sustainable lifestyle seems achievable. It’s progress, not perfection. Embrace inquisitiveness, curiosity, and questions. This is how we learn together. When you incarnate the concepts of sustainability and spread them out into society as a model, everybody will gradually take on eco-friendly processes in their daily lives.