Thanks so much for having me on as a guest. I’m excited to share some tips on how to live green.
Living sustainably is a deeply personal mission for me, one that I believe is essential for the future—ours and our children’s. Each of us has a role to play, and while the challenge can seem overwhelming at times, small, consistent changes can make a significant impact. There are a few key areas where everyone can contribute, starting with one of the biggest factors: diet.
Switching to a vegetarian or vegan diet can reduce your carbon footprint immensely. Did you know that food choices account for around 18% of a person’s CO2 emissions? The way we consume food has a direct effect on the planet.
Around 80% of agricultural land is used to grow crops for animal feed or to raise livestock. Reducing meat consumption would not only cut down methane and CO2 emissions, but also free up large areas of land. Additionally, health studies show that reducing meat intake can help mitigate certain illnesses that have become common in modern, industrialised societies. It’s a change that benefits both the earth and your personal well-being.
Shopping is another area where we can make a huge difference. Consumer culture encourages us to buy more than we need, often under the guise of self-reward. But think about this: how many items do we own that rarely see the light of day? Excess consumption doesn’t just drain our wallets; it clutters our lives and fills our closets. A staggering 30-40% of food gets wasted globally, and an enormous percentage of clothing is discarded due to fast fashion trends. The less you buy, the more space you create—not just physically, but mentally too. From my experience, owning less has made me feel freer. It’s not about having nothing, but owning only what truly brings you joy and serves a purpose in your life.
There are many other ways to contribute, such as using your car less or riding a bike more often. It’s not just eco-friendly; it’s good for your health. Small changes, like adjusting the use of air conditioning and heating, can also make a difference. These small adjustments not only reduce your carbon footprint but can also lead to significant energy savings.
And lastly, let’s not forget the power of our voice. Supporting political parties that prioritise climate action is a long-term investment in a healthier planet.
Living sustainably can feel overwhelming, especially when you realise how many areas of life need change. But it’s important to remember that you don’t need to transform everything at once. Start small, take it step by step, and build from there.
For example, you could begin by having one meat-free day each week. Once that becomes a habit, increase it to two days, then three. Small, manageable changes like these make the transition easier and more sustainable in the long run. The same principle applies when shopping. Before buying something, ask yourself: "Do I really need this?" Consider where you’d put it—would it require freeing up space or even buying an extra shelf just to find a spot for it?
Think about your transportation too. Can you make your journey by bike instead of taking the car?And when it comes to heating or air conditioning, ask yourself if you really need the temperature to be that high or low.
Even in the kitchen, the same mindset applies. Before rushing to buy more food, take a moment to check if you already have ingredients at home that can be used first.
Living sustainably is a gradual process, and every step counts. It’s not about being perfect but about making thoughtful, conscious decisions that help the planet. Step by step, you’ll find that these changes, while small, add up to something much bigger, benefiting both the earth and your own life.
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Thanks for having me!
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