Sustainable is a pretty popular buzzword right now, and for so many great reasons.
We at Little Soap are keen to continue learning more about the ways as a business and as individuals we can live a more sustainable and greener lifestyle.
For us, this is a journey without end and we will always strive to do more. We’re firm believers that it is better for more of us to do something small, and we love sharing the knowledge and tips we’ve picked up along the way. This week, we’re asking ourselves what does it mean to be sustainable?
And why is it important to always strive to do more, and encourage others to do the same? Read on to find out what we think…
What does sustainable mean?
Put simply, something that is sustainable is something that can be maintained easily and without detriment effects on others. In terms of the environment, this means taking actions that do not harm the earth, and that can be used long term without issue.
So with this in mind, what does it really mean to be sustainable, to live a sustainable lifestyle and to truly turn your back on unsustainable practices? What does being sustainable truly mean?
Living a sustainable lifestyle means putting the planet first, over our own wants and needs. It’s a personal philosophy and a way of living that requires thought, commitment and dedication. It means learning to become more mindful of the things we do each and every day and the impact these things have on the future of the planet. Are we choosing to drink from plastic straws every now and then because it’s easy or because we feel we have no other option, or are we choosing alternatives every single time? Are we conscious of our mode of travel, our shopping habits, and our energy usage? Are we aware of the impact that our choices have?
Transitioning to a sustainable lifestyle
Making the transition to a more sustainable lifestyle isn’t an overnight thing, and, honestly, we’ll always be learning new things. We’re not perfect and we’re not saying that you should be either. But we are trying, and that’s how we’re going to be part of the change. If you take a moment to stop and think, you might find that you’re already living more sustainably now than you were five years ago. Lots of us have been making small changes in our everyday lives, and that’s what it’s all about!
For those of you ready to make more changes, or who feel you could be doing more, here are our top three tips for adopting a more sustainable lifestyle:
- Create less waste. Meal planning can help reduce food waste, and any food that you do discard should always be composted. Find out from your local council how you can do this. Use alternatives for things like kitchen roll, disposable wipes, disposable nappies, disposable razors… read our post on easy bathroom swaps you can make. Turn your back on single-use plastic- buy shampoo and soap bars instead of un-recyclable bottles. Choose re-fillable options wherever you can. Go for re-usable bottles and coffee cups, and cut down on the amount of rubbish you send to landfill. Reduce, re-use, recycle.
- Shop consciously. As consumers we spend a lot of money and online shopping is more popular than ever. But before you click ‘buy’ are you sure you’re doing the right thing? Are you buying a product that has been made using sustainable materials and processes? Are you buying locally or is your must-have item being shipped from afar, thus contributing to unnecessary carbon emissions? Are you shopping mindfully, as in, choosing items that are really needed? Consider second-hand shops for clothes, or local markets for fresh produce.
- Travel differently. Ok, so driving is often a necessary evil when we have jobs to go to and other commitments, but when distance isn’t an issue, there are other options. Walking and cycling are ideal (and great exercise in the fresh air), plus public transport also helps to cut down on the number of vehicles on the road.
What changes are you going to make for a more sustainable lifestyle?
