7 easy ways to embrace sustainability

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Key Takeaways: In the face of rising pollution, climate change and the scarcity of natural resources, increasing number of people are realising that living sustainably is more than just a fancy concept. Everyone can easily embrace sustainability in their lives with very small tweaks in their lifestyle. We bring you some ideas to get started.

People often think that switching to a more sustainable way of living involves significant changes in their lifestyle. Well, we have some news for you. You can do your bit for the planet without ditching comfort or convenience. All you have to do is make more earth-friendly choices and small changes to your daily routines.

Reuse, don't 'use-and-throw'

Plastic water bottles are not biodegradable and end up clogging landfills. Switch to copper or glass bottles which can be reused and have a smaller environmental impact. What's more, drinking water out of a non-plastic bottle is good for your health too.

Similarly, single-use plastic bags are convenient but they are not a healthy choice for the environment. Cloth totes are equally convenient but they're also reusable, recyclable and come in fun prints and varieties. Use them when you go for your grocery run or even when you go for a walk (Yes, you'll find cloth sling bags too!)

Minimise purchases and subsequent wastage

We all buy a lot of stuff we don't need, never use and eventually throw away into a trash can. Make a conscious effort to reduce your waste and you will automatically reduce your carbon footprint. Buy what you need and recycle or reuse what you can. This will not only help you lead a more sustainable life but also help save you money.

Commute responsibly

Make better choices for your daily commute. Public transport and carpooling are one of the best ways to make sure you're on the path to sustainability. It doesn't seem like the easiest thing to do, but many people still form groups and commute together. It saves time, money and the planet - enough said? If you live in a bicycle-friendly city and your commute isn't very long, then pedal away. It's a great way to stay fit and green or as many people are doing, switch to electric transport.

Grow your own produce

What could be better than that? If you have the luxury of a backyard, then half the battle is won. No backyard? Even a balcony or some space in the kitchen will do. These days, vertical vegetable or herb gardens are all the rage. Growing your own produce reduces your carbon footprint because commercial farms typically use pesticides or chemicals that are harmful to the soil. Not just that, since we do live in urban jungles, some greenery at home will do wonders for the soul. Potted plants, anyone?

Switch off

It's a great practice to switch off your gadgets for a few hours every day. Switching off your gadgets like televisions, music systems, etc. help you reduce your energy consumption which, in turn, is a positive for the environment. If that's not possible, you can turn it off when you go to sleep – remember, they consume power even in standby mode. Choose appliances that are rated better in terms of power consumption so that you pay lower bills and have a smaller carbon footprint.

Buy local

As far as possible, choose a local option when you go out shopping. This way, you will be able to support the local community and economy and contribute your bit to sustainability. Buying local goods cuts down on the miles that they have to travel and, in the process, reduces emission of greenhouse gases. If you look around a little, you may often be surprised by the quality and variety of local goods.

Pick smarter alternatives

If you have to choose between two alternatives, go with one that is healthier for the environment. In many cases, it may even be the more efficient choice. Take banking for instance: Instead of visiting a branch or opting for paper statements, go digital and paperless in your transactions.

Final Note: The ideas above are just thought-starters. Each one of us can find ways to make more sustainable choices in our daily lives. And often, decisions that are healthier for the planet are also healthier for ourselves and our families. So, what are you going to change today?

*Disclaimer: This article has been shared purely from an information perspective and we recommend you conduct extensive research before proceeding.