It's not easy being green: A guide to sustainable living

Hi there, eco-warriors in the making! So, you've decided it's time to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle, but you're feeling a bit overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of possibilities. Fear not! Becoming more environmentally friendly doesn't have to be a daunting task. In fact, it can be quite a fun and rewarding journey.

As a life coach specialising in sustainability, I'm here to offer you a light-hearted yet informative guide that will help you take those first steps toward living a greener life. From making small changes to adopting big eco-friendly habits, you'll find plenty of tips, tricks, and inspiration to make your journey enjoyable and meaningful.

None of the following points are new or earth-shattering on their own, however, I've tried to pull together as many highlights as possible so you can choose the focus you want. Even if you simply make one change, then that makes a difference.

1. The green mindset

Before diving into specific tips and tricks, it's crucial to develop the right mindset. Sustainable living is not about perfection, it's about progress and making conscious choices that reduce your environmental impact. Here are some tips to get you in the green mindset:

• Start with awareness: Begin by understanding the environmental issues we face today. The more you know, the more motivated you'll be to make a change.
• Set achievable goals: I know we coaches always bang on about goals, but there's a reason for it. Don't try to overhaul your entire life in one go. Set small, attainable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
• Embrace imperfection: You're going to make mistakes along the way. Don't let perfectionism discourage you. Every little effort counts. We all slip up, don't let one mistake derail your whole effort.

2. Sustainable home sweet home

Your home is an excellent place to begin your sustainable journey. Here are some tips for making your living space more eco-friendly:

• Energy efficiency: Invest in energy-efficient appliances, seal drafts, and use LED bulbs. These small changes can significantly reduce your energy consumption and bills.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle: Implement a proper recycling system at home and remember the mantra: reduce what you need, reuse what you can, and recycle what's left. More on this later.
• Conserve water: Fix leaks, install low-flow taps, and consider using water butts for watering your garden. Use shorter wash cycles with your washing machine. Stick a brick in your toilet cistern. Water a different plant each day with your washing-up water. There are umpteen ways to conserve water.
• Natural cleaning: Opt for eco-friendly cleaning products or make your own using simple ingredients like vinegar and baking soda.

3. Sustainable shopping

Changing your shopping habits is a fantastic way to support sustainable practices. Here's how to do it:

• Shop local: Support local farmers' markets and businesses. Buying locally reduces transportation emissions and promotes community sustainability.
• Buy in bulk: Reduce packaging waste by purchasing items like grains, pasta, and cleaning supplies in bulk.
• Refill: Find and use local refill stores for dry goods and cleaning products for example.
• Choose quality over quantity: Invest in durable, high-quality products that will last longer and reduce the need for frequent replacements.
• Second-hand treasures: Embrace charity shopping and explore the world of pre-loved fashion and furniture.

4. Sustainable eating habits

Your diet plays a significant role in your carbon footprint. Making sustainable choices in the kitchen can be both fun and delicious:

• Plant-based meals: Incorporate more plant-based foods into your diet. Try 'meatless Mondays' or explore tasty vegan recipes. You don't have to go fully vegan, just one day with less meat makes a difference.
• Reduce food waste: Plan your meals, store food properly, and get creative with leftovers. Composting is also a great way to minimise food waste.
• Local and seasonal: Buy fruits and vegetables that are in season to support local agriculture and reduce the environmental impact of transportation.
• DIY kitchen garden: Grow your own herbs or even some vegetables if you have the space, even just a few pots. It's not only eco-friendly but also incredibly rewarding and veggies that are also good for pollinators are great for biodiversity too.

5. Sustainable transportation

Reducing your carbon footprint on the road is another crucial step toward green living:

• Car share: Share rides with friends, family, or co-workers to reduce the number of vehicles on the road.
• Public transport: Whenever possible, choose buses, trams, or trains instead of driving alone.
• Bike and walk: Opt for walking or cycling for short trips. It's a great way to stay active and reduce emissions.
• Eco-friendly vehicles: If you're in the market for a new car, consider an electric or hybrid vehicle. (And yes, I know there are pros and cons regarding car batteries, but that's a whole other discussion)

6. Sustainable fashion

Fashion is a fantastic way to express yourself, and you can do it sustainably:

• Quality over quantity: Invest in timeless, high-quality pieces that you'll wear for years instead of fast fashion items.
• Second-hand fashion: Charity shops and online marketplaces are treasure troves of unique, pre-loved fashion finds.
• Eco-conscious brands: Support clothing brands that prioritise sustainability, such as those using organic fabrics or practising ethical manufacturing.
• Repair and upcycle: Instead of throwing away damaged clothing, learn basic sewing skills to repair or repurpose items.

7. Reduce, reuse, recycle

The three Rs are the backbone of sustainable living, and they deserve a section of their own:

• Reduce: Cut down on single-use items like plastic water bottles and disposable cutlery. Instead, use reusable alternatives like stainless steel water bottles and bamboo utensils.
• Reuse: Get creative with repurposing items. Old jars can become storage containers, and worn-out t-shirts can be turned into cleaning rags.
• Recycle: Familiarise yourself with your local recycling program to ensure you're recycling correctly. Some items may need to be taken to specialised recycling centres.

8. Conscious consumerism

Being a conscious consumer means considering the social and environmental impact of your purchases:

• Research brands: Before buying, research the companies' sustainability practices and ethical standards.
• Fairtrade products: Look for fair trade certifications when buying products like coffee, chocolate, and clothing to support fair wages and ethical practices.
• Vote with your wallet: Support businesses that align with your values, and avoid those that prioritise profit over the planet and people.

9. Embrace minimalism

Minimalism and sustainability go hand in hand. Here's how to incorporate minimalism into your life:

• Declutter: Regularly assess your possessions and donate or recycle items you no longer need. Of course, the ideal is not to amass 'stuff' in the first place.
• Quality over quantity: Invest in items you truly love and need, rather than accumulating unnecessary things.
• Mindful consumption: Before making a purchase, ask yourself if the item will add genuine value to your life; and will it last?

10. Get involved

Being a part of the solution can be incredibly rewarding:

• Community engagement: Join local environmental groups or participate in neighbourhood clean-up events.
• Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to organisations working on sustainability projects.
• Advocacy: Use your voice to advocate for sustainable policies and practices in your community.

In conclusion, it's not easy being green, but it's an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling way to live. By adopting a sustainable mindset, making conscious choices, and following the tips outlined above, you can significantly reduce your ecological footprint. Your actions today can help create a brighter, cleaner, and healthier future for our planet and all its inhabitants.

So, go ahead and embrace the green life with enthusiasm and optimism. Together, we can make a difference, one eco-conscious choice at a time. Your journey to a more sustainable lifestyle has begun, and it's an adventure full of promise and purpose. Happy green living!