You may be wondering why someone would choose a sustainable lifestyle. It may seem like you have to go out of your way for these practices. But there are many reasons why it makes sense to choose sustainability.
Industry and Technology
Over the past 100 years or so, the world has undergone major changes that have been significant to the health of the planet. Technology has allowed us to do more at a faster pace. The industrial revolution and technology have led to many changes in the way we do things.
Most farms today are managed by using heavy machinery rather than the horse and plow that were used a hundred years ago. In fact, farming has moved away from the local family farm to a large corporate model.
Chemical fertilizers and pesticides are in high use and fossil fuels are used in large quantities to power the equipment that plants and harvests crops. Crops are monitored through technology such as GPS systems that monitor the harvest.
Additionally, many foods have been genetically modified to produce a higher yield or make them resistant to herbicides that control weeds. While some experts argue that this is not a problem for health or the environment, others disagree.
We have gotten so used to getting our food from supermarkets, that we take for granted how it gets there. It’s important for the sustainability of the planet’s resources that we pay attention to how products are made and transported.
Chemistry and Cleaning
While you may not remember a world where you didn’t use chemicals to clean your home or your office that time once did exist. Many of the chemicals that are on the market now are good at filing your home with lovely scents, but they have a price to pay
Many of the everyday chemicals that are used to “clean” are actually quite harmful for the body and the planet. They leave behind toxins that can be harmful for people who suffer from asthma, allergies, and other respiratory problems.
Chemicals can also cause problems with skin. If your skin is very sensitive, you may find that many commercially available soaps and detergents can irritate you. Using products free of dyes and perfumes can help to alleviate the problem.
In addition, many chemicals can actually contribute to pollution of the environment. Sustainable living practices can actually reduce the amount of chemicals that end up in the water supply and in the ground. They can also help to alleviate you from symptoms caused by chemical use.
Financial Relief
While there may seem to be a little bit of out of pocket cost as you change your lifestyle, you’ll find that sustainable living can actually save you a lot of money. Practices such as growing your own food and limiting waste can actually relieve your budget.
If you’re looking for a way to pinch pennies, many of the sustainable living solutions for cleaning, managing energy waste, and repurposing objects could be the answer. You’ll find that this type of life can help you to escape the trappings of materialism.
Peace of Consciousness
Many people choose sustainability because it brings peace of mind. You may be worried about the future of the planet for your children. You may be concerned about the ethical treatment of people and animals.
If you feel the ethical pull to make choices that will result in a healthier world, sustainable living might be for you. If you want to leave a legacy of ethical practices for your children and family, this is also a way toward your goals.
Leaving Excess Behind
Many people in society have the philosophy that more is more. It’s difficult to live in the world and not constantly see things that you want or feel you have to have. We’ve become a planet where people are more concerned with what they have than what they can give.
If you’re tired of keeping up with the Jones’s and you’re ready to live a simpler life, you’re ready to move toward a sustainable lifestyle. This doesn’t mean moving into a shack or living on a commune.
It seemly means that you’ll learn to focus more on making sure your needs are met rather than collecting possessions. You’ll be able to treasure what you have and not take it for granted as one does when they have too much.
Breathe Easier
When you contribute to the sustainability of the planet, you’re literally improving the air quality. In this day and age there’s more asthma and allergies than ever before. It’s no surprise that the air quality is worse than it’s ever been globally.
Planting trees, growing your own food, reducing your dependency on fossil fuels, and reducing your energy consumption can all contribute to a healthier atmosphere. Immediately you’ll find you breathe a little easier and long-term, you can contribute to the reduction of global warming.
Sharing Your Example
Sometimes people worry that living sustainably as one person won’t make much of an impact. But nothing could be further from the truth. When you choose sustainable living practices, you can actually begin a chain reaction.
When your neighbor sees you harvesting your garden he or she might decide it’s time to start one, too. You might find that when riding your bicycle to work others see what you’re doing and take their bike, too.
When you make one good choice, it will inevitably lead to more good choices. Your impact becomes much greater than what you alone did for the planet. Don’t ever think that you alone can’t make change happen. True change has to start with someone.
Changing Your Lifestyle
As you continue reading, you may feel like sustainable living requires you to change your life too much. Rest assured that as we talk about the big changes you can make, we’ll also address small steps that will help you to sustain the Earth without having to change more than you’re ready to change.
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