Living Green: Not a Cookie Cutter Solution

Living a sustainable lifestyle or “green living” seems second nature to those living an eco friendly lifestyle, but it’s not uncommon to be confused to exactly what green living really is.  So, what is it?  Sustainable living is a primary focus on eco awareness with actions towards reducing ones carbon footprint, managing waste, and embracing sustainability concepts in decision making.

Living green often means different things to different people.  For those well versed in sustainability concepts, a green lifestyle may be very different compared to someone just beginning to make sustainable life changes.

First, why are people attracted to a green lifestyle?

• Families go green for their children
• It saves money
• Living with eco awareness protects the planet for future generations
• Participation in neighborhood or community eco awareness
• It feels good
• It is healthier-investing in your body means less toxins and less illness
• It’s easy to go green now: more options and alternatives available

Some seek to live a sustainable lifestyle but are discouraged by thoughts that it’s an all or nothing approach.  Not so! The very principals of sustainability or green living rest on the fact that it’s a continuous improvement mindset.  So, wherever you are on the green living continuum is just fine.  In fact, it’s okay to focus eco action in particular areas of interest or inspiration first and later address less interesting areas of eco awareness.  If you like fashion, go for eco friendly clothing.  If you think recycling is fun and energy efficiency is boring, then start recycling.

It’s important to remember that living an eco friendly lifestyle is not a single cookie cutter solution that applies uniformly to everyone.  Each individual has to find the value in it for themselves.  The magic is in how each person integrates environmentally friendly choices in their day to day activities.  Simple habits add up to powerful eco actions.

Curious how to get started?

• Start by rethinking consumption patterns for energy and water needs and identify ways to curb unnecessary consumption.
• Eliminate food waste.  Pre plan your meals, buy in bulk, and prepare what you need.  Compost and turn your old food into healthy soil.
• Purchase items with the eco awareness in mind.  Purchase products with minimal packaging or sustainable packaging.  Products that can be reused before recycling offer more environmental value.
• Use SocialYell to find, support and promote socially responsible businesses.  Your discussion and participation provide the transparency for others to live green, too.

Being conscious of sustainability concepts when you shop, work and play, raises the level of eco awareness in your day and contributes to living a sustainable lifestyle.