12 Ways to Live Sustainably

To create a world that revolves around Regenerative Economics you must live sustainably. Here are ways to be more sustainable.

1. Think twice before shopping

Where does your local store get their produce? Do you trust their vendors? Who are you supporting? Consider a farmers market if there is one near you. This supports your community. Also bring those reusable bags while you shop.

2. Make sure your big purchases have big environmental benefits.

Check to see if your car, washer and other appliances are environmentally friendly.

3. Ditch the plastic.

Buy a waterbottle that you can reuse. Bring your own bags while you shop. Find products in the store that don’t use plastic. “Plastic never goes away.” 

4. Boycott products that endanger wildlife.

“To avoid contributing to the endangerment of wildlife, shop conscientiously and look for products made from sustainable materials like bamboo and dine at restaurants that refuse to serve imperiled species like bluefin tuna.”

5. Pay attention to labels.

Look for labels that say: fair trade and organic. This means that fewer pesticides are being used; companies are using sustainable production techniques and pay their workers fairly.

6. Be water wise.

Reuse that waterbottle.

7. Drive less, Drive green.

Riding a bike, carpooling and using public transportation is key to lowering your carbon footprint. Less cars on the road mean less pollution and less gas usage.

8. Green your home.

Buy energy saving products. (Windows, lights, appliances, heating and cooling, and cars)

This will save you money in the long run, along with helping the environment.

9. Opt for renewable energy.

Renewable energy comes in different forms like wind and solar. You can install solar panels on top of your house to harvest the suns’ energy to power your home.

10. Take extinction off your plate: Eat less meat.

“Meat production is one of the most environmentally destructive industries on the planet, responsible for massive amounts of water use, pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and habitat destruction.”

11. Choose to have a smaller family.

“With more than 7 billion people in the world, and more every day, our demands for food, water, land and fossil fuels are pushing other species to extinction. We can achieve an ecologically sustainable population in ways that promote human rights; decrease poverty and overcrowding; raise our standard of living; and allow plants, animals and ecosystems to thrive.” 

12. Use your voice and your vote.

Vote in the upcoming election for candidates who support these values. They can make a difference in how our environment will be in the future.

*These points are from the sustainability section on the Center for Biological Diversity.

Learn more at http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/programs/population_and_sustainability/sustainability/live_more_sustainably.html