A BEGINNERS GUIDE TO BEING MORE SUSTAINABLE

Sustainability and its importance has been a large area of discussion in recent years and with the looming threat of global warming, we wanted to make a quick and easy list of ways you can be more sustainable in different aspects of your life. It may seem insignificant but even the smallest efforts count!

1. Eat Less Meat / Dairy

The production of meat – especially in the livestock sector – generates as much greenhouse gas emissions as all motor vehicles combined. Alongside this, millions of square kilometres of forests have been cut down in order to make room for grazing pastures, and not to mention the amount of water needed to actually keep the animals alive…

We are not telling you to completely change your lifestyle but cutting out meat and dairy products from just a few meals a week can make a massive difference, as well as decrease your chance of heart disease, cancer, and obesity. As more and more people move towards a more sustainable way of living, food companies are becoming more innovative with their products – even creating meatless meat, which tastes ridiculously similar to the real thing! Companies work on a supply-and-demand principle and so the less you buy the less they will make! For more information on what meat consumption is doing to the planet, you can watch the documentary Cowspiracy on Netflix.

2. Grow Your Own Fruits and Vegetables

Growing your own food will allow you to eliminate any harmful chemicals that are consistently being sprayed upon crops, as well as reduce the amount of soil, and water pollution that is a direct effect of these run-off chemicals. Seeds can be found at places such as Bunnings, and Flower Power for extremely cheap, or if you would like the process to be faster, you can also purchase small potted plants, or trimmings, – such as tomatoes – from similar stores. This form of sustainability is also convenient for you as you no longer need to rush to the supermarket because you need lemons for your recipe – you can just go outside and voila!

3. Use Sustainable Products / Brands

Researching brands such as Lush, it is incredible the approaches that they are taking in order to be more sustainable in both testing and production. Using Lush as an example, the company produces everything using fresh ingredients, and has a strong ban on animal cruelty.

They also utilise packaging that is recyclable, and further encourage their customers to also consider the environment by enacting their ‘bring back 5 empty pots and you’ll get a free face mask’ campaign. Again, many companies observe how much is being consumed and will not make any more of a product if it is not selling, and so by buying products from sustainable brands instead, it will decrease the production of unethical items

4. Drive Your Car Less

You’ve probably heard this one a lot, but not driving your car every day can significantly reduce the amount of pollution going into the air. Trains, buses, and other public transport is a convenient way to get to/and from uni – and most universities will provide information on how to get to the campus via these methods. To be even more environmentally friendly, try riding a bike places or even walk!

5. Recycle

Recycling ensures that waste does not end up in landfills, which has a positive effect on the environment. Make sure to check all plastic containers, bottles, jars, cardboard and paper, for the recycling symbol. Clothes can also be recycled by donating them to charities such as The Salvation Army or dropping them off in the clothing bins at local shopping centres near you. You never know who might appreciate the clothes you no longer want/need.

6. Plant Plants that Attract Bees

Bees are an essential part of the ecosystem, and without them certain plants will not be cross pollinated, which is important for reproduction. There are many plants that you can grow in your garden that attracts bees; here is a detailed list. If the thought of being stung is holding you back, make sure to plant these in a sport where you don’t visit often.

7. Compost Bins

Having a compost bin your backyard can aid in further reducing waste in landfills, as well as providing a nutritional environment in which your plants can grow. Bins can be purchased at hardware stores such as Bunnings, in different sizes.

8. Swapping Out the Little Things

With more and more plastic waste building up in our environment, reducing your use of little things, such as plastic water bottles, can help improve the condition of our planet. Some more sustainable alternatives include, keep cups for coffee, metal drink bottles, wooden fork and knife sets that can be reused, containers, bamboo toothbrushes, and metal straws.

You can find such items at stores such as this one.