What is sustainability?
In its purest form, sustainability means that a particular process or condition can be maintained indefinitely. In the 21st century, this means that, as we meet our current needs, we must ensure that the future inhabitants of earth are also able to meet their needs.
Sustainability is important to making sure that we will always continue to have, water, air, materials, and resources to protect human health.
So what can I do to create a sustainable lifestyle?
Plant a garden
While most of us don’t have the time to grow enough food to live off of, many of us do have room for a outdoor or indoor garden that can provide a few meals or fresh garnishes. In addition to cutting down on your grocery bills and environmental impact, gardening can be a rewarding hobby that helps to see what your efforts at sustainability are working to protect.
Reduce your energy consumption
One of the easiest ways to make a difference. Even unplugging appliances when they are not in use or keeping the windows shut when the heat or air conditioning is on goes a long way towards reducing your environmental footprint. For the more dedicated souls, a great idea is to find ways to take your home off of the power grid by installing solar panels and other sources of renewable energy to make your house self-sufficient.
Reuse packaging
This can include anything from sending packages out in boxes that you received from someone else to finding creative ways to reuse the bags your bread comes in. Choosing to do this instead of buying new baggies to carry lunch in or boxes to store old papers in can save you a lot of money over the course of a few years, and will also make a big impact in the effort to improve the sustainability of your consumption habits.
DIY energy solutions
There are many ways to create and save energy with easy and fun DIY projects. For things you can do at home, check out these helpful guides:
8 Completely Awesome DIY Home Energy Projects
8 Projects that will save you and the earth.
Discover Solar Energy
With links to over 9,000 links to renewable energy info, projects, and organizations, this site is a great resource.
Other Power
With everything from guide, and resources to parts and kits, Other Power is a one stop for DIY renewable energy.
“The major cause of the continued deterioration of the global environment is the unsustainable patterns of consumption and production, particularly in the industrialized countries. Developed countries must take the lead in achieving sustainable consumption.”
—United Nations Agenda 21