5 Simple – Steps to Living a Sustainable Lifestyle
Small steps can lead to big change – over time! Creating an approach that breaks down the nuts and bolts of people, planet, and profit can serve as a lasting strategy for a more sustainable way of life. Think of this approach as a sustainable strategy; an intentionally developed strategic approach to your immediate or priority area of focus. When you think about this approach in a strategic way, what stands out to you the most? Your time? Commitment level? The habit with the most impact for the least effort? Many questions and considerations may arise as you take time to think about your approach. This is a direct example of being intentional about your commitment to an ECO-lifestyle. While thinking strategically about this may involve more time and focus, you don’t have to start at ground zero.
Despite the many issues and changes brought on by the stateside arrival of the coronavirus, the benefits for earth have resulted in cleaner air quality due to the reduction of hundreds of thousands of people commuting to work daily. While many continue to work and attend school from home, an increase in the awareness of sustainable products has driven many to shop small – online and locally. With the closure of malls, shopping plazas, and storefronts, ECO-curious patrons are actively researching earth-friendly businesses to support and build into their purchasing trends.
Begin this journey with the idea of a Micro Action. Simply put, a Micro Action is small, but repetitive and done over time. With any habit-forming practice, it takes discipline and commitment to your “why.” Your “why” behind choosing to embrace Micro Actions will be a lasting catalyst for continued change in your daily lifestyle selections when it comes to implementing action. Below are five Micro Actions that you can begin to build into your daily practice as a snowball effect towards larger, longer, lasting changes:
“Toss the old take, make, waste linear mindset, and replace it with these 5 circular Micro Actions.”
~ ECO Gathering
• refuse
[Micro Action] [Result]
One reusable shopping bag = 170 plastic grocery bags per year eliminated from waste
Additional considerations for refuse:
- Refuse single-use plastic when shopping, dining out, or purchasing household and/or gift items
- Say no to plastic straws and invest in reusable straws to keep with you on-the-go
- Refill your own reusable bottles, jars, and containers
• reduce
[Micro Action] [Result]
One reusable coffee cup = 500 disposable coffee cups per year eliminated from waste
- Additional considerations for reduce:
- Share unused food with family or neighbors
- Opt-in for paperless billing where available
- Reduce the amount of items that end up in the landfill with proper storage and care
• reuse
[Micro Action] [Result]
One water bottle = 167 disposable water bottles per year eliminated from waste
Additional considerations for reuse:
- Choose reusable towels or cloth napkins, eating utensils, pouches/food wraps, and glass containers
- DIY it! Do-It-Yourself when it comes to crafts, gift ideas, and home improvement projects
- Give back by donating or selling items no longer needed to organizations that benefit and/or help those in need
• repurpose
[Micro Action] [Result]
One glass bottle = 2.1 hours of power to a laptop
Fix and repair broken household items to reduce garbage waste
Take the DIY (Do It Yourself) route by transforming old items into something new and unique
Reinvent an item for a new and creative use within your home or office space
• recycle
[Micro Action] [Result]
Six aluminum cans = 1 hour of power for a hairdryer
Follow the rules of recycling (separate cans, paper, and cardboard, glass, plastics, electronics)
(What you cannot refuse, reduce, or reuse should be recycled properly. Reference your local recycling service restrictions on what they recycle and what is excluded.) Examples: automotive parts and/or supplies, paint, cleaners, and other hazardous items.
Let’s apply this circular way of thinking to the 5 R’s to minimize waste and reduce the overall impact on the planet’s resources. Invite family and friends into your process. See the shift begin to happen. It takes an entire community of individuals to create lasting change.
What are you waiting for? Let’s champion ECO-conscious change together!
