Sustainability can be described as ‘avoidance of the depletion of natural resources’ in order to maintain balance in our environmental, social, and economical systems. The principle of sustainability can be applied to almost every facet of our daily lives.
Living more sustainably is a goal that more and more Australians are striving towards today. Eco-friendly living is a journey rather than a destination, and many of us have to ‘unlearn’ old habits or reflect on our daily routines in order to gradually build practices that are more sustainable.
Eco-friendly living doesn’t need to take a lot of time and planning, or require a specific budget. If you’re looking to live more sustainably, we’ve compiled a list of four simple practices that you can start integrating right now, without having to make drastic changes to your current lifestyle. Learn more below:
One step at a time
Our first tip to empower your journey toward sustainable living is to simply start somewhere. Being eco-friendly doesn’t have to mean overhauling your entire home on day one. Instead, make gradual changes and sustainable ‘swaps’ that you and your family can stick to.
For example, you may wish to transition to cloth nappies Opt for Go Bamboo toothbrushes (rather than plastic) when your current one needs replacing. Wrap kids’ lunches in reusable food pouches, rather than single-use cling wrap. Little by little, you’ll find more sustainable solutions that make sense for you and your family.
Shop local
Buying locally made goods (or locally grown food) is a great way to live more sustainably and to support your community. For instance, did you know that many of the non-seasonal fruits and vegetables at your grocery store have probably been transported from interstate, or even from overseas? Choosing to support local makers and producers can drastically reduce your carbon footprint, and helps put funds back into your community.
Supporting local artists, boutiques and thrift stores also means that you’re more likely to find special items that are one of a kind. It’s valuable to remember that buying certified Australian Made products helps to support jobs and economic development in our communities.
Look for quality
One of the easiest ways to embrace an eco-friendly lifestyle is to look for quality over quantity. Choosing reusable items that are made to last (and can be used time and again,) is preferable to buying items with a limited lifespan that need to be regularly replaced.
Although single-use items such as a plastic shopping bag are marketed as fast and ‘convenient’, the damage to our ecosystems is long-term. Even something as ubiquitous as a plastic bag may take up to 1,000 years to decompose! At Here & After, we have a beautiful range of reusable bags and other items that are locally sourced and expertly crafted, to ensure that your belongings stand the test of time.
Inspire others
Our final tip is probably something you’re already doing without even realising! Involving others in your journey towards sustainable living will help you to achieve your vision, and will help friends and family feel inspired too!
Making more eco-friendly choices is something that everyone can do in their own unique way. Whether you’re choosing eco-friendly toys and games for your children, gifting your family with sustainable treasures, or encouraging your workplace to use less harmful chemicals, there’s endless possibilities when it comes to inspiring others and bringing them along on your eco journey.
How did you take the first step towards sustainability? Share your thoughts with us!