What Does Sustainability Mean?

by Madison Swart

So, you’ve probably seen the word sustainability popping up everywhere: websites, advertisements, in campaign messaging. But, what does it actually mean? According to the UN Commission on Environment and Development, sustainability is defined as “meet[ing] the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

When you put it like that, it’s easy to see why sustainability has become such a buzzword. Saving resources for our kids and grandkids seems like a no-brainer. But, you may be asking yourself, how do I incorporate that into my daily life?

So, here’s a little guide to minimizing your impact on the planet with tips that you can incorporate into your life.

Reuse

The first step is easy—reusing and repurposing what you already have. A quick Pinterest search can show you how to upcycle almost anything. A coat of paint or a new finish can modernize older pieces. And, fixing what you have already can save you money and keep items from ending up in the landfill.

Reduce

Fast fashion and fast furniture companies have been popularized in the past few decades because they capitalize on micro-trends. The pieces they sell are often cute but easily breakable and fall out of fashion fast. Therefore, they are often used for a short period of time before being thrown out. Finding pieces that are long-lasting and timeless can reduce the amount of money you spend in the long run as well as reduce your waste.

Buy Used

Let’s face it, things break, tastes change, and lifestyles evolve. We sometimes need or want new things. Shopping at vintage and antique stores can be incredibly fun and rewarding. You can have a piece that’s not only new to you, but unique as well. Charity shops are also definitely worth checking out for discount finds to brighten up your home or wardrobe while your money goes to worthy causes. Not to mention, online shopping has made it easier than ever to find what you are looking for without leaving your living room. And, sites like Ebay, Poshmark, Facebook Marketplace, and the Real Real make it possible to both resell items that you no longer use or find high-end items with lower price tags.

Shop Local and Independent

If you need something new, why not make it an experience. From farmers markets to craft fairs to bookstores, shopping locally helps those in your community and reduces your carbon footprint as importing goods can increase carbon emissions. Neighborhood shops and businesses often boast both incredible character and goods you won’t be able to find anywhere else.

Verify Before You Buy

Third party verification is every sustainable shopper’s best friend. Though many companies claim to be making strides on the sustainability front efforts, they often talk the talk without walking the walk. To ensure that you are buying from companies that are curtailing their impacts, try looking for certifications such as BCorp, 1 Percent for the Planet, Energy Star, and Fair Trade. Companies that have these sorts of certifications are subject to monitoring to make sure that their products and processes meet certain standards. And, you may recognize some of the brands who have these statuses. Patagonia, for example, has fair trade certified products, is a certified BCorp, and is a member of 1 Percent for the Planet.

Build Smarter

If you are considering building a new home or even renovating, there are plenty of eco-friendly options on the market.

Cork and bamboo make low-impact flooring choices. Solar panels can bring down energy costs. Making the switch to energy- and water-saving appliances as well as energy-efficient bulbs can keep your energy bills down too. You can even get insulation made from old blue jeans now. On the more decorative side, you can use native plants in your landscaping, and adding antique pieces can really make your house feel like a home. Using water-based paints as opposed to oil-based paints can reduce air pollution within your home, plus they are much safer to manufacture.

Eating Greener

Believe it or not, there are tons of ways to reduce your impact by reexamining your kitchen. Food waste is a problem that can be combated through home composting. Local and organic groceries are often better for you and the environment. To be honest, they usually taste better too. As you may or may not have heard, the meat industry is actually one of the biggest polluters in the U.S. Now, I won't sit here and tell you that you can’t grill out or grab a chicken sandwich, but it is continuously getting easier to add meatless meals into your rotation with meat substitutes hitting the markets, vegan and vegetarian restaurants popping up, and an abundance of tasty meatless recipes at the swipe of your fingers.