A beginners guide to sustainability – Part 1

None of us really want to see the Earth in ruins and leave a barren remnant for our children, do we? It’s just that for many, the whole concept of ‘sustainable living’ seems tedious and frankly a little overwhelming to embark upon. I know there are many out there, just like me, wondering if only there were an easy way to start living sensibly, or prudently as I like to call it. “The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.” So, I decided to give a little thought to my steps. I did a lot of research, contemplation and finally some implementation.

So, here’s part one of our series on ways to start this meaningful journey. Let’s get our feet wet, shall we?

Part 1 - Avoid/Reduce single-use products

Being a newbie to this lifestyle myself, I decided to start small and stay consistent, rather than aiming too high and falling face down. Avoiding or reducing the use of single-use products (plastics/ Styrofoam/ anything harmful to the environment) seemed like the best place to start. What are single use products though? They are products or objects that we use just once, probably just for a minute, but their impact on the environment could last for hundreds of years. By stopping the use of at least one single-use product, multiplied by the number of days/times you would’ve used them, it’s easy to understand how much waste we would stop generating. And hey, I’ve found more than one!

1. Invest in a good carry-on water bottle like this one, and make sure you fill it every chance you get, that way you can avoid the temptation of buying bottled water every time you’re out. Additionally, for those of you that work in an office, make sure you keep a coffee mug at your work place too, so you can avoid using throwaway cups, every time you go for those inevitable coffee breaks.

2. Carry a handkerchief. Anyone who knows me would know that I always have a handkerchief on me. I've always thought they carried a sort of romantic, vintage elegance. But for those of you who don’t think that, you can start using one for how much waste it helps us avoid. It’ll stop you from reaching for that tissue paper every time you have a runny nose, or to wipe off a smidgen of makeup, or when the weather is acting up, or even on a weepy day. Being old school is sometimes very futuristic.

3. Be take-out smart. Take out deliveries contribute to a large part of the single use cutlery we accumulate. Make sure you specify that you do not need cutlery or napkins when you order take out, specially if you’re getting it delivered home where you have your own cutlery. And one step further would be to avoid ordering food as much as you can help it, so you can avoid the wastage caused by the containers as well. I know it’s hard for many of us to do that, but hey, the easy recipes on our Nourish section could help you become a master chef in no time. Go on, baby steps.

4. Carry a couple of cloth/jute/recyclable bags with you when you’re headed to the store. Plastic carry bags are one of the biggest pollutants that are choking up our oceans and the creatures that live in it. Carrying your own bags is one of those things that’s super easy to do, but so hard to remember until we make it a habit. So, until it’s become a habit, stash some right away in your car’s trunk, or in your usual shopping handbag. Here’s a way to make bags out of something you have at home.

5. Buy local produce. Another huge contributor to plastic waste are the plastic packets in which many of our produce come in, be it fruits, vegetables, grains or meat. So, as much as you can, go to your local farmers market, street side vendor, butcher, or any other local option that avoids the fancy-ness of extra packaging. Not only will you be helping the environment, you will be helping your local vendor/business to thrive, and they need your support more than massive supermarket chains.

6. Use bamboo alternatives to single use plastic. I'm sure we all use ear buds or Q tips as some of you call it. It isn't the best habit and definitely shouldn't be over done, but no one wants dirty ears, that's understandable. So, here’s a sustainable replacement for the plastic and cotton ear bud, very similar to what I’ve grown up watching my grandmother use.

7. Plastic is no good for our body either. So lastly, for the women, let’s try to avoid adding our sanitary pads and tampons to the plastic waste heap every month. Not only are they a hazard to the environment, but in countries like India where scavengers and rag pickers sort through landfills, it is unhygienic and unkind really, to trash our pads. We can switch over either to reusable sanitary pads, or menstrual cups. It takes a little getting used to, but then again, is there anything women can’t do?

Let’s try making these little changes, practice until perfection(or imperfection), and come back next month for part 2 of this beautiful journey!

“For the earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it”

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