Tips on How to Live a Sustainable Life

A sustainable life is defined as a life that essentially keeps the environment healthy, or at a very minimum, does not do any unnecessary additional damage to the environment. 'Sustainable' is a term that is tossed around a lot these days, by businesses, politicians and even the guy down the street. So, knowing the basics of living a sustainable lifestyle is the first step to truly understanding what 'sustainable' means. Besides, living a sustainable lifestyle is not as difficult as you might think.

Tip #1: Make Do With Less

One step to a more sustainable lifestyle is to make do with less. This is one of those things that is easier said than done. However, a great example of making do with less could be something as easy as speeding up your daily shower, or even skipping a shower one day a week. It sounds simple enough, because in reality you're making do with less by showering for a shorter period of time or skipping the shower all together one day a week.

Tip #2: Adopt at Least 1 New Sustainable Practice Per Week

That's right, adopting one new sustainable practice per week can make a difference. For example, carpooling-even if only for one or two days a week-can help reduce the amount of pollution in the air. Another example? Replacing a section of the lawn with native plants. Sure, it won't use less water-but you won't have to mow that patch of lawn, which in turn, helps reduce damage to the environment and help keep it healthy. In other words, you're being sustainable.

Tip #3: Swap Out Chemical Cleaners

Swapping out even one chemical cleaner with a natural cleaner can make a difference. In fact, many of the products you probably already have in your cabinets can be used to clean your home. Items like vinegar or lemon juice can both be just as useful as a chemical cleaner. Plus, they're safer to your family and less harmful to the environment.

Tip #4: Garden

Start your own garden, whether it be a single container with some herbs or an entire victory (ahem, vegetable) garden. Even by growing one single plant that you use in your kitchen, you'll make a difference. While you're at it, grow that plant without any chemicals. An organic garden will make a bigger impact than a chemically-treated garden.

Tip #5: Buy Local

If it sounds like something you've heard before, well, that's because it's true. Buying local is sustainable in many ways: you're not contributing to the damage caused by shipping products across the globe, you're supporting local businesses and so forth. So go ahead, buy products made in the USA, buy groceries from your local farmer's market, go nuts at a local craft fair. You'll be glad you did, and the environment will thank you.

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Additional Information

About.com: What is Sustainability?

TreeHugger: Want to LIve a Long, Happy, Sustainable Life? Consider Central America