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We’ve long known the importance of living sustainable lives. The Earth’s limited natural resources are depleting faster than ever, while pollution is greatly damaging the environment, as well as contributing to climate change. This may lead to unrepairable devastating consequences if steps are not taken.

Over the years, many people have become more environmentally conscious. Many non-profit organizations working to protect the environment are conducting campaigns to make people aware of the importance of living a sustainable life. ‘Reduce, reuse, and recycle’ has been the norm for many corporations and many people have adopted this principle in their own lives. 

However, this is not enough. We should all make the effort to truly live sustainably to protect the planet. Here are some practical ways you can live more sustainably this year.

1. Use Reusable Water Bottles

Just about everyone carries a water bottle whenever they go out, whether to work, class, or when running errands. Many people find it convenient to buy plastic water bottles from the store on their way which they can use and easily toss out. However, these generate plastic waste and are an environmental nightmare. Though there are recycling plants that recycle plastic water bottles, they only recycle around 30% of all plastic bottles. Instead, you should use glass or stainless-steel water bottles that you can reuse, and reduce your dependency on single-use plastics.

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2 Buy Food from your Local Farmers’ Market

Another way to live more sustainably is to buy fresh food from the local farmer’s market instead of buying it from big supermarkets which source food from distant places. Transporting food from their distant suppliers by airplane, truck or other means contributes to carbon emissions, thus causing air pollution and climate change. When you buy food from your local farmers’ market you’ll not only eat fresh produce but also reduce carbon emissions and support your community. It is a good sign that the farmers’ markets have increased over the past few years. That means that more people are doing their bit to protect the environment.

3. Buy products with biodegradable packaging

After we buy a product packaged in plastic, we come home and unpack it, throw away the packaging and this ends up in landfill. Though some packaging is recycled, it is much better to avoid creating waste in the first place. Instead, you should start buying products with reusable or biodegradable packaging made with materials like starch or mushroom fibres that will biodegrade naturally into the soil.

4. Use an Alternative Mode of Transportation

If you drive to your work every day, you emit a great deal of carbon dioxide, causing air pollution and contributing to climate change. You should look to use alternative modes of transportation, like cycling, carpooling or public transport. The latter two will reduce the number of vehicles on the road and cause less pollution. A bicycle is an entirely green form of transportation as it doesn’t emit any carbon dioxide at all. If you don’t have far to go, you can simply walk. This will not only look after the environment, but will also keep you fit. 

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5. Use LED Light Bulbs

Another way to be more eco-friendly in your daily life is to switch to LED light bulbs. These are energy-efficient and will reduce your monthly energy bills. LED light bulbs use 75% less energy than ordinary bulbs, as well as lasting longer, and so reducing your carbon footprint. Additionally, LED bulbs don’t contain any harsh chemicals, they don’t emit UV rays, and are recyclable.

6. Use Eco-Friendly Materials for Clothing and Shoes

When you buy clothes or shoes place close attention to what they are made from. You should buy clothes that are made from plant-based fibers such as coconut, bamboo, and cotton. Most of the clothes you will find in cheap clothing stores are made of synthetic materials that are not biodegradable, as well as being very harmful to the environment to produce. On the other hand, sustainable clothing companies are now using eco-friendly materials to make clothes and shoes that will not only let you look fabulous, but look after the environment at the same time.

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7. Use a Reusable Bag

Plastic bags are one of the most damaging types of single-use plastics. Plastic bags generally can’t be recycled, and therefore end up going into landfill. Instead, always take a reusable bag made of fabric or canvas when you go shopping.

8. Reuse Take-Out Containers

When you order take out from a restaurant or online, you’ll usually get the food in take-out containers. We usually throw away these containers. Instead, you should reuse them. That way less of these containers will end up in landfills.

These measures seem to be insignificant, but if enough people take these small steps it will make a real difference. So why not adopt these habits today!

Carol
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only. Featured Image by Bela Geletneky at Pixabay