What is it?

Sustainable living is a lifestyle to be adopted by people in all capacities; as individuals, companies, governments and more. It is the choice that every individual must make towards living in a way that positively impacts not just the environment, but also the economy. It has been described as the best possible way to meet the needs of the present without jeopardizing the future. It seeks to minimize the depletion of the resources available to us on Earth, and limit the negative effects of human and environmental interaction. 

Why adopt a sustainable lifestyle?

1. It improves the quality of air: Adopting a sustainable lifestyle significantly contributes to the reduction of one’s carbon footprint. When the scale of the same is increased, it improves air quality.
2. It improves community health: A community that is sustainably conscious can facilitate several positive changes, including aiding in the reduction of toxicity of the environment,  implementation of public policies, less waste, cleaner air and so much more. 
3. It conserves natural resources: How efficiently one uses water, energy, food etc. directly determines how much of these resources will be available to future generations, and it is therefore important to conserve natural resources. 
4. It decelerates climate change: When communities start making sustainably conscious decisions and behavioural changes, it is bound to slow down climate change as the negative impacts on the environment are controlled.
5. Contributes to the economy: By making investments towards improving energy efficiency and sustainability, the costs are reduced in the long term and new jobs are created as well. This contributes in alleviating the unemployment crisis as well as aids in developing new industries dedicated to producing organic and sustainable products. 

With increased globalization and the rise in capitalist notions, there is hardly enough effort put in towards taking care of the environment- climate change is rapidly progressing, there is loss in biodiversity and we are actively depleting resources and fossil fuels. 

The Earth is the only home we have, and it is the responsibility of every individual to take care of it. The future of our home depends entirely on the decisions we make and the behaviour of every human being on it. As a collective, we must embrace sustainability because it is the only way to sustain life on Earth and guarantee its survival. 

By Sangamithra M