Sustainable Living & Practices

But what does sustainable living actually mean?

Sustainable living is a philosophy that seeks to reduce human impact on the environment.

It’s about finding ways to live more responsibly so that future generations have the chance to live a healthy and prosperous life.

Here in Switzerland, sustainable living is nothing new, but with our national goal of becoming net carbon neutral by 2050, we have to do more to meet our target.

The good news is that leading a more sustainable lifestyle is not only good for our planet, it’s good for our health and our wallet.

Here’s how you can adopt sustainable practices in your everyday life.

1. Reduce your waste

Each person living in Switzerland throws away a whopping 700kg of waste per year.

Source

You can help tackle this problem by buying things you’ll actually use. If you need to make a purchase, choose quality, eco-friendly items that will last for years to come. Lastly, dispose of broken or worn out items responsibly either by recycling, upcycling or donating.

2. Ditch single-use plastic

One of the materials with the biggest impact on our planet is plastic. While it’s cheap and convenient and may have a time and place, it shouldn’t be used every day.

Take stock of the single-use items in your home and look for sustainable swaps that are reusable or biodegradable. You can get reusable bottles, food containers, cutlery, cotton pads, shopping bags etc. — the possibilities for reducing disposables in your life are nearly endless.

3. Embrace sustainable fashion

It’s no secret, fast fashion is extremely damaging to the environment, but it’s also harmful to workers who rarely receive fair wages.

Sustainable fashion creates fashion in a way which is most considerate of humanity and the environment. By switching to sustainable brands, you ensure that the clothing you choose is ethical, eco-friendly and made to last.

4. Shop locally.

Goods carry a carbon footprint whenever they are transported. When you buy items from big retailers, you’re increasing the world’s energy consumption and widening your carbon footprint. Whenever you can, buy from local small businesses to save energy. You’ll received delightful personalized service and help contribute to a thriving local economy.

5. Green your home

You can minimize your household carbon footprint in a variety of ways. For instance, opt for low-flow and low-water appliance options to save water. Use energy-saving light bulbs for efficient lighting and install a programmable thermostat for more efficient heating and cooling.

6. Eat more plant-based meals

Meat accounts for nearly 60% of all greenhouse gasses from food production. A shift to plant-based diets rich in pulses, nuts, fruits, and vegetables can make a big difference. You don’t need to stop eating meat entirely but can limit your intake to a certain number of days per week to help fight global warming.

Wrapping Up

Living more sustainably can feel daunting at first, but don’t have to do everything at once. Small lifestyle changes are easier to maintain and are more likely to last. Start today! 🌿