Kellie Falbo
Sustainable Living Association
When it comes to sustainable living, you might think it’s too difficult or maybe even too disruptive to change your habits. But you can actually start living an environmentally conscious lifestyle by making small, simple improvements and building on them over time.
Try driving your vehicle only when you need to. Giving up your car for just one day a week to bike, walk, bus, or carpool doesn’t have to be difficult, it’s just an adjustment. Keep track of your monthly savings, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how much cash stays in your wallet just by making this one small change.
Go a step further and calculate your carbon footprint by completing any one of the calculation programs available online, such as this one from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Inevitably, in going about our daily lives, each of us contributes to the greenhouse gas emissions that are causing climate change. But there are many things each of us, as individuals, can do to reduce our impact. The choices we make in our homes, our travel, the food we eat, and what we buy and throw away all influence our carbon footprint.
Breaking habits
You’re likely to find that even deep-rooted habits can be altered gradually without disrupting your life. Earth-friendly products are easier to find than ever before. Retailers devoted to selling environmentally preferable products have established a foothold in many communities. In addition, several conventional retailers now offer safe, sustainable alternatives in their stores.
Many earth-friendly products are as economical as their conventional counterparts because they use recycled or reclaimed materials, require less processing, and produce less waste.
You might think that being environmental means depriving you and your family of comforts and conveniences. There are an abundance of products available today that enable earth minded people to live comfortably. Sustainable living can be compatible with your lifestyle by reconciling your ideals, discovering environmentally sound alternatives, and integrating those into your life.