Simple Ways for a More Sustainable Lifestyle

A 2020 report by First Insight surveying Gen Z consumers showed that 73% of respondents were willing to pay more than any other generation for sustainable products. According to a 2021 report by EY, 53% of Gen Z and Millennials say that sustainability is important when making purchase decisions.

As our natural resources deplete, systems overburden, species turn extinct, mass displacement occurs, the number of catastrophes increases, amongst other devastating effects, these statistics don't seem very far-fetched. With the impacts of climate change in the picture, it becomes apparent why sustainability occupies such a significant place in our attitude systems today.

Yet, just because we care about the planet doesn't necessarily mean that we are taking the most eco-conscious decisions we can, for we may not always be aware of the options we have. Considering this, check out some simple ways to lead a more sustainable lifestyle.

Eliminate Spam

What if I tell you that the spam emails lying in your inbox, besides being annoying, also end up harming our planet?

It is estimated that every email contributes 0.3 grams of CO2 based on carbon emissions. While that number may sound small, consider the sheer vastness of the Internet. A 2009 McAfee report concluded that spam filtering saves 135 TWh of electricity annually. This is equivalent to taking 13 million cars off the road. Fast forward more than a decade, and the situation seems to have only gotten worse.

So, unsubscribing from daily promotional emails you never open will help you declutter while simultaneously reducing your carbon footprint!

Don’t Keep Electronics Plugged in Longer Than You Need To

So many of us could be habituated to leaving many of our devices plugged in all the time, even when we aren't using them. Since devices that are plugged in keep drawing energy despite being switched off, all of them together can amount to much more electricity than we anticipate over a period of time. And you are also saving on money by paying a reduced utility bill!

Be Conscious of Who You Buy From

We often seem to purchase from companies that don't seem to represent the values we believe in. While in some cases, we might not be able to find affordable substitutes. But a lot of times, it could be simply because we might simply not know the brands that follow ethical practices. Many places may have certain certifications or recognitions that can help you be more conscious about your consumerism. For instance, many inclusive and equitable companies in some parts of the world receive a B Corp certification.  

Learn about many more ways for sustainable living once you can execute these small steps here.

Of course, climate change is a deeply systemic issue, and we need to revaluate our basic societal frameworks to mitigate its effects. We require more encompassing solutions than individualistic lifestyle changes, and this article does not attempt to suggest otherwise. Yet, all of us can make some difference in our lives by making small efforts towards the issue, thereby centring sustainability on the choices we make.