5 Simple Habits to Live a More Sustainable Life

On some level, I believe everyone has a sense of environmental protection (after all, our lives depend on it). What happens, however, is that with so many other priorities and goals in the way, we sometimes try to "game the system" and neglect our planet. Now imagine billions of people doing this simultaneously, to varying degrees—it's chilling to think of the danger we're putting ourselves in.

Even though not everyone can help the environment as much as they'd like, there are some simple habits that, together, can significantly slow the depletion of our resources. On this Nature Day , we're bringing you 5 simple habits for a more sustainable life:

1. Reduce meat consumption

The meat production industry not only funds animal abuse, but also consumes water, deforests land, emits gases, and produces soybeans in unimaginable proportions.

To make a positive impact in this regard, you don't need to become vegan or vegetarian all at once. Gradually cutting out certain types of meat or joining movements like Meatless Monday can help a lot. To give you an idea, the infographic below shows the results of the movement in São Paulo state alone in 2017:

Source: SVB

2. Reduce plastic consumption

It's common for us to go to the supermarket, buy what we need, and return home with bags full of stuff without even paying attention to the packaging of the products we bought.

While it's difficult (or nearly impossible) to avoid buying some products, others are completely viable: instead of buying cut fruit in plastic packaging, you can buy it whole and simply cut it with a knife.

Still speaking of fruit, what's the point of those little bags in the produce section? Besides potentially causing a cashier to be angry about having to pick them one by one, putting your fruits and vegetables in your own cart won't do any harm.

Many brands and product lines overuse plastic packaging. So, pay attention to what you're consuming and opt for other brands or other types of packaging when possible and necessary.

When taking products home, remember to use eco-friendly bags or even cardboard boxes provided by supermarkets. This way, you'll avoid bringing unnecessary items home and also avoid throwing more plastic in the trash.

3. Reduce consumption in general

I don't know about you, but I've found myself buying or wanting to buy a lot of things that I'm absolutely certain I wouldn't need at any point in my life. This ranges from food to clothes, books, and electronic devices.

Today, my closets are full of useless things I bought during my less-than-conscious teenage years. I know I still have a long way to go, but I now think twice, three times, or fifty times before buying anything I know will end up in someone's trash , and I think very carefully before throwing away what's left.

Seeking out alternative sources and ways of consuming can also help you leave a smaller impact on the environment: you can choose sustainable brands, shop at thrift stores, or consume in different formats—instead of buying a physical book, for example, you can download the digital version.

4. Think about your transportation

No matter where you want to go, there's a collective way to get there. Using public transportation, ride-sharing apps, sharing the route with a friend, walking, or cycling, you can share or eliminate the burden of greenhouse gas emissions.

I confess that I'm still a long way from completely adopting this habit *splashing water in my own face with a spray bottle*, but in addition to avoiding the emission of gases during your journey, it also helps you save money.

5. Rethink all your processes

There are some things we do somewhat automatically, like printing millions of sheets of paper when we don't need to, handing out physical invitations for events like birthdays and weddings, buying disposable cups for festive occasions, or giving gifts wrapped in layers and layers of plastic.

To begin living a more sustainable life , it's important to stop and think about and analyze absolutely everything we do and ask ourselves why. Along the way, we'll likely discover even more simple things we could have been doing long ago for our health and that of our planet.

Furthermore...

Whenever possible, talk about sustainability . Share informative materials and show your friends and loved ones new ways of consuming that they might not have considered before.

The truth is that saving the world is a matter of conscience and collective responsibility: we have to change our habits not only for ourselves, but also for all those who came before us, for those who live next to us, and for those who will come if we help pave the way.

With love,
Re