What is Sustainable Living?

Sustainable living is a topic that we talk about frequently here at Flora, and for good reason. 

But have you ever wondered what it really means? 

It's a lifestyle that has gained popularity in recent years, and for good reason. It aims to reduce our impact on the environment and preserve natural resources for future generations. But what exactly is sustainable living, and why is it important?

Sustainable living is all about making conscious choices that are environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and economically viable. It involves adopting practices that reduce waste and conserve natural resources. In its simplest form, sustainable living is a way to reduce your "carbon footprint." If you're looking for a little nudge to get started, try out our Carbon Footprint Calculator.

So why is sustainable living important? Simply put, our current rate of consumption and waste generation is unsustainable, and it's causing significant harm to the planet. The use of fossil fuels for energy production is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, which are responsible for climate change. The overconsumption of natural resources like water, timber, and minerals is leading to their depletion and causing irreversible damage to ecosystems.

So, how can we take action and adopt sustainable practices in our daily lives? One way is to follow the 5 R's:

Refuse what you do not need - this means saying no to single-use products like plastic bags, straws, and disposable utensils.

Reduce what you do need - buying only what you need, choosing durable, high-quality items that will last longer, and avoiding over-packaged products. 

Reuse by repurposing stuff - repurposing items like glass jars and using them as storage containers, or using reusable objects like metal straws, cloth napkins, and shopping bags.

Recycle what you can’t refuse, reduce or reuse - separating recyclable materials like paper, plastic, and glass from other waste and ensuring that they are properly disposed of.

Return to Earth - composting organic waste like food scraps and yard waste to create nutrient-rich soil for gardens and plants.

But that's not all. In addition to these steps, there are other small ways we can live sustainably every day. For example, swapping your most used products (think plastic shampoo bottles) for more eco-friendly options, like bar shampoo, buying locally grown produce in season, choosing low-emission modes of transportation, and supporting renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. 

Sustainability doesn't have a one-size-fits-all definition. It's a personal interpretation that involves adopting different strategies, actions, and lifestyle tweaks to live more sustainably. While no one can be perfectly sustainable, there are countless ways to move along the sustainable spectrum and make a positive impact on the environment. So, why not jump on board and start making a difference today?