Sustainability has been a buzzword in recent years due to the issues concerning global warming and climate change. Environmental concerns have pushed advocates, activists, and ordinary people to consider adopting sustainable lifestyle choices. The idea of sustainability is not a mere trend that will fade into the background; rather, it is a lifestyle that will persist while the environment continues to suffer from human neglect.
The pandemic and the idea of sustainability have somehow been clashing. Face masks are seen polluting bodies of water. Single-use plastics that are being used for sanitary purposes are canceling out the efforts of reducing plastic waste. While these practices clearly need to be reassessed, lifestyle changes that greatly affect the environment can be done during a pandemic. Residential solar installation is a great investment that can positively impact your home’s carbon footprint. Installing this home system will allow your household to become more sustainable in the long run.
Meanwhile, some residents continue to strive to adopt a zero-waste lifestyle. Fast fashion has been a growing problem in recent years, but sustainable movements have been trying to counteract this issue.
Sustainability amid a Pandemic
The global pandemic has opened our eyes to the possibilities of global disruption. Our quarantine period has become a period of reflection about the possible effects of climate change in our everyday living. Given this eye-opening experience, leaders have been and should be taking global warming and the idea of sustainability more seriously today.
Sustainability has become a necessary element in business strategies. It has become a non-negotiable aspect that now awaits the rest of the world to catch up. This is when businesses, old and new, will be tested regarding their agility to adapt to the changing business landscape. Sustainability is the new normal, and business leaders need to face that fact and take action immediately.
Home Improvements for Sustainability
There have been observations showing a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions since the start of the quarantine period. The decrease in economic activity during quarantine has positively impacted the environment as levels of pollution have dipped. Staying at home minimizes our carbon footprint, but there are other things you can do at home that can bring a positive change in the environment.
Many of us have become so accustomed to bad household habits that it is difficult to assess which practices are harmful to the environment and which ones are not. When on a journey towards a sustainable lifestyle, learn to accept and face the mistakes that you may have been guilty of in the past. Aim to accept but also change these habits by educating yourself on what should be done instead.
When considering waste disposal, segregation and recycling are important parts of a sustainable lifestyle. Properly dispose of plastic and other recyclable materials and segregate them from biodegradable items that may even be used in a compost pit. In getting take-out food, opt out of disposable utensils and use reusable ones instead.
In terms of electricity usage, remember to unplug appliances that are not in use. This includes cellphone and laptop chargers that we may have been used to leaving plugged for convenience. You can also go so far as to switching from a desktop computer to a laptop to conserve energy.
These are some tips on improving your household habits to slowly adopt a more sustainable lifestyle during the pandemic. The quarantine period is a chance to look back on our old habits to see what needs to be reassessed and changed to better the environment and our community.
Living a Zero-waste Lifestyle
Living a zero-waste lifestyle might seem like a major life transition, but you can take it slowly depending on the pace you can sustain. Having a sustainable lifestyle is about minimizing your excess waste and carbon footprint as much as possible; however, the reality is that not many have the luxury to live a completely zero waste lifestyle. For some, it can be more expensive to try to live a “sustainable” life, so they opt not to try altogether. Shifting to a zero-waste lifestyle is a forgiving movement, and it should not put additional pressure on whoever seeks to adopt a sustainable life.
There are many tips on living a zero-waste lifestyle, but you should not be pressured to follow all or even most of the advice. You can take what works for your current lifestyle and needs and do your best in minimizing what waste you can get rid of.
Having a sustainable household is the dream, but no one should shame others for not being able to afford a completely zero-waste living. Sustainable life remains a luxury, but the intention of keeping the environment clean should continue to be shared, not imposed.
Sustainability has become a necessity amid this pandemic, and as long as Mother Nature remains at risk, the sustainability movement will continue to move forward.
