Sustainability and Happiness: How a sustainable lifestyle can impact your wellbeing?
New research* coming in from the University of Oxford for UN’s Sustainable Development Goals has emphasised on a positive correlation between sustainability and happiness.
In short, research shows that when living a greener and sustainable lifestyle, people tend to have better physical and mental health and ultimately a more fulfilled and happier life.
But is it really practical to lead a sustainable lifestyle? We give you some hints below!
Planet B doesn’t exist
The blue earth we so lovingly admire in pictures taken from space is perhaps the only planet that we know of sustaining life in any form. But our dear planet earth is hanging by a straw – drowning in a deluge of waste & being choked by pollution.
If you thought that this problem was just planet earth’s, give it a deeper thought to think about our children who will inherit it from us.
Stands by the 3R’s of reduce, reuse and recycle
If we desire to pass on a better planet to our future generations, we need to start caring for it today by making changes to our everyday lifestyle that can help us reduce the strain on our planet’s natural resources. Sustainable well-being meaning is by itself self-explanatory – a lifestyle that focuses on the 3R’s of reduce, reuse and recycle.
The idea of a sustainable lifestyle is integrated in making small changes to our daily life that can lead to big benefits for our planet. As individuals it’s not too difficult to live in harmony with the world that we live in, if only we knew how. So, to aid you in your quest for sustainability and happiness, below are a few ideas to employ in your life:
Say no to plastic
Plastics, especially single-use ones are extremely destructive for the planet. The irony is that a majority of household items come wrapped in these. From kitchen cleaning materials, to shower gel & shampoo bottles, all contribute to the issue. You can be more sustainable by choosing to use soap & shampoo bars, refillable kitchen & cleaning bottles & other reusable or organic sanitary products.
Reduce household waste
Simple measures like carrying your own cloth bag when stepping out to shop, carrying your lunch in a reusable container and using environment friendly & plastic free products for cleaning can be a healthy start.
Photo MelissaAskew from Unsplash
Reuse and recycle domestic products
A lot of the time, domestic products like furniture’s, electronics, etc are thrown away without them properly being recycled. Electronic waste (e-waste) is increasingly becoming a major contributor to global pollutants. You can stop this by choosing to buy reclaimed furniture, products that use recycled materials, and those that are easily biodegradable. Also, disposing off your e-waste responsibly through an e-waste collector can not only save the earth, but also earn you a few quick quids.
Make smart food choices
While everyone knows that meats are a huge contributor to greenhouse gases like methane, it may not be possible for everyone to immediately switch to a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. As such, making small changes like opting to have one vegetarian meal a day or designating one day a week to be vegetarian can be a good start.
Opt for green energy
Fossil fuels are not just expensive, but also a cause for concern when it comes to having a sustainable planet. You can choose to drive e-vehicles, walk, cycle or take public transport to reduce your carbon footprint. You can even connect your house to a solar powered unit to generate electricity.
Living a sustainable life not only helps the planet, but also helps us lead a healthier life. Do you think you can lead a sustainable lifestyle? What is your way of helping the planet? Share your thoughts on social media, Instagram or Facebook : we love to hear from you!
