If you have ever wondered about leading a sustainable lifestyle, look no further!
We have often heard the saying ‘the grass is greener on the other side.’ Albeit metaphoric, this phrase perhaps connotes a more literal meaning in today’s carbon-plagued climate. To get to that green side of the earth, there are choices we have to make now in order to live in a better future. With climate change being a pressing issue, more people are engaging in conversations on making better choices to actively reduce their individual carbon footprint. According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), there are 17 key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), some of which include affordable and clean energy, climate action, responsible production and responsible consumption. The timeline to achieve SDGs has been set to 2030. As a result, there are a few things we may be able to adapt to in our lives to further achieve these goals and live our lives as sustainably as possible.
JUTE JUSTIFIED
One of the easiest ways to adapt to a greener way of living is to switch from plastic bags to jute bags. Jute fibre is one of the most common and cheapest materials utilised in the production of bags. However, do not let this fibre’s common badge and inexpensive tag hinder you from making a purchase! According to Asia Jute, jute bags are recyclable and the best alternative to polythene or plastic bags. Jute bags are also 100% biodegradable which is good for our environment. Furthermore, jute bags are multi-purpose; from carrying groceries to notebooks, jute bags have got it all covered!
THRIFT AND THRIVE
The International Journal of Policy Sciences and Law (IJPSL) published a paper that states that it is no secret that fast fashion is one of the biggest contributors to environmental damage. A lifestyle involving heavy and frequent shopping and an extremely fast rate of clothing production has become the norm for many countries. Studies published in the IJPSL have suggested solutions to this dilemma. Some great alternatives to purchasing frequently are to buy statement pieces and invest more in ‘thrifting.’ Statement pieces that are of good quality ensure the longevity of the item, which in turn saves you from making continual shopping trips. Thrifting clothes mean buying clothes second-hand. This means as you thrift articles of clothing you automatically stop waste from being sent to landfills. Second-hand outfits often are worn once or twice before being discarded; thus, they may be priced cheaper which could also be easier on your wallet.
SOME GREAT ALTERNATIVES TO PURCHASING FREQUENTLY ARE TO BUY STATEMENT PIECES AND INVEST MORE IN THRIFT SHOPPING.
THE POWER OF THE SUN
With climate change on the rise, one of the many solutions we can be a part of is installing solar panels. Using solar energy reduces air pollution as solar panels generate clean energy. In addition, it keeps our aquatic systems safe as this type of energy functions without any water. Turning a new leaf to this energy equates to the effects of planting 150 trees annually or reducing the mileage of driving 440,000 miles over a period of 25 years. Several commercial and residential buildings in Dhaka have already started installing solar panels on rooftops and the number is increasing. However, it is important to remain conservative in energy consumption and to make sure to switch off electrical and electronic items when they are not in use.
PLASTIC, NOT SO FANTASTIC
Plastic – soil’s archnemesis. We all love our coffee or tea from our favourite chains but the everyday use of plastic coffee cups and straws just adds to the mounting waste that fills our landfills. The use of plastic cups and straws can easily be eliminated. Investing in a tumbler cup or a thermal mug can lower your daily carbon footprint! There are a wide range of such mugs and cups on the market with added benefits of insulation, lock-in systems and ease of drinking. Shops also sell stainless-steel straws and cutleries which are easily washable and can be carried with your reusable mug if need be.
PLANTING A SMALL OR LARGE GARDEN CAN HELP COMBAT AIR POLLUTION, MAKE NEW HOMES FOR INSECTS, AND SUPPLY FOOD TO SMALL BIRDS.
BACK TO EARTH
Gardening and composting are excellent cures for our degrading environment! Planting a small or large garden can help combat air pollution, make new homes for insects, and supply food to small birds. Plus, you get fresh veggies on your plate which are healthy for you. After you clean that plate of fresh vegetables from your very own garden, you can utilise the scraps by composting. It begins by gathering your scraps together in a bin, after which you wait for all your scraps to decompose. The results of the decomposition of the scraps are soil-like matters which are your composts. The compost acts like a natural booster that can help your plants to grow and to thrive. Moreover, composting reduces personal food wastes which often end up in landfills.
FOOT OFF THE GAS
In our fast-paced world, it is impossible to think of travelling from one place to another without transportation. But our collective use of transportation has amounted to 17% of global greenhouse gas emissions. This is why we must make changes to our way of travelling even if they may be small. As individuals, we can try using buses instead of private cars when we can. Cycling is also one of many forms of transportation we can adopt to reduce gas emissions. Even walking to destinations, if one is able to, can help reduce gas emissions.
REPURPOSE PAPER
Perhaps the most commonly thrown away everyday item is paper. We throw away newspapers, office papers, wrapping papers, etc. Paper is important not only because we need it for our day-to-day lives, but because it can also be recycled! Paper can be used in composts to aid in a plant’s production. It can also be reused as wrapping paper and there are so many ways to get creative with this. You can also use paper to line the inside of your drawers and wardrobes to keep those surfaces clean. Moreover, and most importantly, paper can be recycled to make fresh paper. This can easily be done at home by watching YouTube tutorials or reading blogs. The possibilities of creating your own versions of papers are endless!
BE CONSISTENT
Our lifestyle lacks greenery, both in nature and in our dependency on plastic use. Fret not! with small practising steps we may be able to achieve habit-forming changes that are sustainable in the long run not only for our environment but for our future generations. Permanent and lasting changes require proper effort and consideration, hence if we start incorporating and adapting to a greener way of life then it may be a force of inspiration for others to follow suit. All hope is not lost, awareness and implementation may aid us in living the most sustainable lives we can live!