Something that has been on my mind lately has been the issue of how to live a more sustainable lifestyle in the midst of a culture that does not prioritize sustainability. My intent in traveling so often to Latin America and particularly the Amazon Rainforest is that I am awestruck by the natural beauty of the world. I also admire the ways in which some cultures are able to live in harmony with the natural world in a way that I have never seen in the United States. Some of the normal ways that we live in the United States have bad consequences for the earth, animals and human beings. If you have ever wondered how to start a more sustainable lifestyle, this post lists some ways that you can start living more sustainably right now.
Living Sustainably is Doable…Sort Of
Although it may seem like the actions of one person or household cannot possibly make a difference in the way that the world at large uses natural resources, it is important to take any little steps that we can to reduce our impact on the natural world. From a Catholic perspective, God created the natural world for humans to use and care for. Regardless of whether or not we think that our actions can make a difference, caring for the natural world can be considered an act of worship and deference to God. When many people make small changes what results is a big impact, and a shift in culture can result.
Cut Down on Plastic for a Sustainable Lifestyle
One of the biggest problems that I see is the issue of the use of single-use plastic. Consider how much plastic we use once and then throw away. Even paper products come with plastic packaging. Although it may be difficult to avoid plastic on some (or many!) essential items, look for ways to re-use or avoid using plastic. I have not personally been able to become zero-waste in regards to plastic but these are the ways in which I am attempting to limit my use of plastics in my house. While it may seem difficult to do away with plastic totally, limiting the use of plastics is a way to start a more sustainable lifestyle.
1. Avoid Plastic Water Bottles
Over the past couple of weeks I found myself needing to start buying water to drink at my apartment after feeling concerned about the quality of water coming through the old 100-year-old pipes. At first I bought jugs of water but then felt uncomfortable with the amount of plastic I was using and throwing away. Then I switched to a refillable 5-gallon jug with an electric pump on top. This has allowed me to avoid using jugs of water containing single-use plastic AND save money. The refillable jug itself was $8 and every refill costs around $2.50.
2. Switch to Bar Soap, Shampoo and Conditioner
Another way of reducing the amount of plastic that you use can be to switch to using bar soaps which come with paper packaging. There are many brands of soap which come in a paper-or naked!-packaging. Currently I am using Pacha soap for the body and a shampoo bar and conditioner bar for my hair. So far the shampoo and conditioner bar have lasted months and are only halfway gone! Similarly it is possible to switch from standard laundry detergent to detergent made with washing soap which comes in a bar.
3. Ditch Plastic Bags
Many people are beginning to switch from using plastic grocery bags to using reusable bags when grocery shopping. I have been trying to be more consistent with this although sometimes I forget my bags at home! Another area in which I would like to improve is in stopping the use of plastic wrap and ziplock bags. A good alternative might be to use beeswax coated wraps or glass storage containers! I am going to try this out and will report back on how it went!
Sustainable Clothing: Buy Less
Another issue in American culture is our culture of fast-fashion. We buy clothes every season only to use them a few times before throwing them out. Only a small percentage of the clothes that we donate to thrift stores arrive on the floor to be bought by new owners. The majority become waste–shipped to other parts of the world where the majority of clothes become waste that no one can use. The quantity of used clothes arriving is simply too high. Fortunately there are simple ways that we can be more conscious with our clothing choices and create less of an impact on the environment. Reducing the amount of clothing we buy and throw away can be a very doable way to start living a sustainable lifestyle creating too much change in the way you currently live.
1. Buy Secondhand
One simple way to reduce the number of clothes that end up in a landfill or abroad is to buy secondhand. You can check your local thrift store, or use online companies such as ThredUP and Poshmark to find secondhand items to fit your needs. I have been making a conscious effort to buy more items secondhand this year and have found that it is generally easy to find what I am looking for–and save money as well!
2. Buy High Quality Clothing Items
Buying high quality clothing items which are *ahem* more expensive is another way to start a more sustainable lifestyle now. When we buy high quality items we reduce the need to shop for fast-fashion items, and the clothing that we collect will last much longer. I suggest that you search for timeless pieces when upgrading your wardrobe to high quality items. You may be able to cut down on the cost of this by buying secondhand. Buying high quality items also frequently means that the clothing was produced ethically by laborers who are paid fairly for the their labor. One brand that I have had a good experience with has been Pyne and Smith. I love their classic designs and that their dresses are produced ethically. This is NOT an affiliate link, but I do love the brand!
Live Sustainably; Eat Locally
Something that I admire deeply about the communities around the Amazon Rainforest (Tikuna) is the commitment that the people have to eating healthily food that is locally produced. This partially comes from limited resources to be able to purchase food from far away, and also culturally. Culturally most families cultivate their own fruits and vegetables in patches of land called a chagra in traditional ways. They believe that the rainforest is a mother which provides sustenance. They also often eat fish caught locally. While some of these actions may not be available to us here in the United States we can take inspiration from these practices and pay more attention to the food that we eat.
1. Buy Local Produce
One way to live a more sustainable lifestyle is to eat more in-season local produce. By eating locally we can make an impact on our personal carbon footprint. We are also fueling our bodies with fresher food. Some ways to incorporate this tip into your sustainable lifestyle is to purchase produce from farmer’s markets as well as by producing your own food. That second one may be more easily said than done!
2. Buy Local Milk and Eggs, Possibly Meat
We can also create more sustainability in our lifestyle by being sensitive to the ethical treatment of animals. This suggestion might be difficult to put in practice, but there might be SOME ways to start eating with the welfare of animals in mind. My suggestions here depend in what is available in your area. In my area there is a dairy which produces fresh, unpasteurized milk. There may be the possibility that there is someone who produces milk locally in your area as well. You may also be able to find eggs produced by local chickens, or be willing to raise your own hens. Hens will not save you money, but you will have eggs laid by happy hens!
Conclusion
We can all make a difference to the environment even in our small ways. As we make changes to life a more sustainable lifestyle positive effects are created for us and for the environment. Even making small changes can make a difference. The changes that I have listed in this article are not difficult to start. And who knows, once you start living a sustainable lifestyle the easy way you might end up making even more changes!
