Sustainable living is about making a lifestyle choice that attempts to reduce an individual’s or society’s use of the Earth’s natural resources and his/her own resources. Everybody can contribute to sustainable living and reduce their carbon footprint by altering methods of transportation, energy consumption and diet.

It’s easy to think that a lot of our lifestyle choices are influenced by popular culture and the media but recent environmental research has found that friends and family play a far more positive role on influencing positive attitudes to the environment.

It is also worth noting that all environmental actions are important no matter how small or trivial we may think they are. Remember individual actions performed collectively by a large number of people in a community can really add up and can be influential in behavioral change and creating new, more sustainable attitudes to consumption and lifestyle choices.

As we are influenced by close social groups and more likely to mimic behaviour of those around us, by trying to live sustainably we can all be environmental leaders. By making positive environmental choices each of us individually can influence others to take positive environmental steps.

So what things can you do?

• Buy only what you need. Unnecessary consumption depletes resources and creates waste.
• When you are finished with an item, don’t discard it, check out re-use options amongst friends and family as well as Reuse Websites and Reuse Facilities at your local Civic Amenity Centre.
• Support local shops and producers, particularly when purchasing food as this will help you to reduce “food miles” and your carbon footprint.
• Cycle or walk for short journeys instead of using the car.
• Think about using the bus or train when commuting to work or school, it could be cheaper than you think.
• If you can grow something – whether its plants or trees it’s very good for the environment.

Do you Live Sustainably?