You may be wondering why someone would choose a sustainable lifestyle. It may seem like you have to go out of your way to live this lifestyle, but many reasons exist 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 have 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. Even crops are monitored with GPS technology.
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. When you think about sustainability, you consider the planet’s resources; you 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, it did once exist. Many of the everyday chemicals that are used to “clean” are actually harmful to the body and the planet.
For starters, they leave behind toxins that can be unsafe for people who suffer from asthma, allergies and other respiratory problems. Chemicals can also cause problems with skin. If you have sensitive skin, you may find that many commercially available soaps and detergents can be irritating. 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 reduce the amount of chemicals that end up in the water supply and in the ground. They can also help to alleviate any symptoms individuals suffer with that are caused by chemical use.
Financial Relief
You may 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.
Peace of Mind
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. The sustainability movement concerns itself with all these matters.
Leaving Excess Behind
Many people in society have the philosophy that more is more. It’s difficult to live in our world and not constantly see things that you want or feel you have to have. Many feel that we’ve become a planet where people are more concerned with what they have than what they can give.
If you’re longing to live a simpler life, you may be ready to move toward a sustainable lifestyle. This doesn’t mean moving into a shack or living on a commune. What it does mean is, you’ll learn to focus more on making sure your needs are met while treasuring the fewer possessions you will have.
Breathe Easier
When you contribute to the sustainability of the planet, you’re literally improving the air quality. In this day and age, asthma and allergies are more prevalent than ever before. It’s no surprise that the air quality is getting worse. Planting trees, growing your own food, reducing your dependency on fossil fuels and reducing your energy consumption can all contribute to a healthier atmosphere.
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 by riding your bicycle to work, others see what you’re doing and take their bike, too.
Finally, you may feel like sustainable living requires you to change your life too much. When you make one “sustainable” choice, it will inevitably lead to others, and over time, 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.