5 Ways To Be More Sustainable

Going sustainable is in vogue, and more people have opened up to the idea than ever before. However, in practice, often the case is that most people struggle to make the transition. Switching from a plastic bottle to a glass/steel one, carrying a cloth bag for groceries is the most they can do. And while these small things count, going beyond is something the majority doesn’t know how to. 

So, for the ones who want to but don’t know how to, here are 5 easy ways to embrace sustainability in your life.

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1. Fast fashion is killing us. Do you realize how we often dump an almost new dress just because it’s gotten too much of a visibility on our social handles? Every time you step out, you need a new piece of clothing adorning your flesh. But at what cost? 

Thrift shopping has evolved as a way to solve this problem. Give it a try. This way, you will give a piece of clothing its due in terms of the number of times it’s worn. Secondly, it’s cost-effective. You can find plenty of reliable stores online that are selling as-good-as-new clothes, with an added emphasis to go green with your choices.
Buying from sustainable brands can be another alternative. These brands believe in the joys of slow fashion, and take a 360 degree approach to garment making. This usually results in prices slightly at the higher end. But the longevity and versatility makes it worth every penny. So, if you can curb the need to go for quantity over quality, trust us to save a lot in your pocket and help the planet too. If you are looking for something affordable then explore Filemont for women and March Tee for men. 

2. Make some small changes in your house
Change begins at home. Small modifications and replacements can go a long way. This can be as small as replacing those plastic containers in the kitchen or switching to clay/ceramic planters. Each spot at home can serve as a thinking point, and lead to a well thought decision next time you go spending on the home decor. Listing out a few, in terms of their placement in the house--Your toiletries as well as cleaning agents can be milder, more eco-friendly. Chemical free detergents! Yes that’s a thing. Consider, going back to soap bars instead of the water-laden, indulgent shower gels. From bathroom to kitchen, did you know about coir dish scrubs? Well, now you know. Switch to this age old greener alternative (and replace those plastic garbage bags too). There’s a lot that can make your living room, balcony and other spaces a hub of sustainability. Keep exploring.

3. Get a compost pit
And while you make greener choices inside, consider placing a compost pit for your house/locality outside. This can be an excellent idea for decomposing the organic waste of the household. Basically, the composting process begins when you gather organic waste in a big eco-friendly bin, ideally in a flat, well-drained, and sunny location where the pile can remain warm and moist. This bin is what we call a compost pit. Though easy but truly under-rated sustainable activity, it can help you serve your planet in multifold ways.

4. Create your own zero waste kit for stepping out of the house
Another, simple yet impactful way to practice sustainability on the go is by creating your own zero waste kit. This should contain essentials that would go handy during your travels irrespective of where you go and how pro-nature the stay is/isn’t. This will help you to self-sustain without breaking the promise of living sustainably. What would this kit include? A toothbrush, essential cutlery, a tumbler and a few more useful items in a cloth tote. For starters, take a cue from here.  

5. Know some sustainable brands

If you are willing to make a difference, there’s no dearth of available resources. From clothing to food to travel, with a little thought and exploration, all your choices can be turned from indulgence to sustainable. Your guiding principle would be to ask yourself a few simple questions, before getting to action--Am I giving in to a desire or is this a need? Is my choice aligned to preservation of nature and its resources? Is there a greener alternative? Is my action leading to any quantifiable waste? If so, can I recycle, reuse, repurpose?—And, as you begin finding answers to these questions, you’ll start finding better alternatives. You may be limited to your knowledge of sustainable ways now, but not for too long. Till then, here’s another useful gift for you,check out these zero waste stores in India for inspiration.