by Trevor Sanders, intern for American Sustainability
Sustainable living is something that can really have a positive impact on the planet for future generations to come. Learning how to become a more sustainable person is something that a lot of people are happy to hear about! But, learning some of our favorite things are not sustainable to the planet can be quite overwhelming.
The fact that driving, traveling, playing video games, or even drinking your favorite beverage while out and about can be harmful to the planet can sometimes raise eyebrows and keep people from doing things that they love.
This is not the intention of living sustainably! Sustainability should be beneficial to the planet, while possibly providing some stress reducing activities for individuals who are choosing to make some small, yet important, life changes.
Coming to a place of balance is something that has truly helped me become a more sustainable person. I enjoy playing video games and using technology, but I also make sure to turn off all the electronics in the room, and unplug most devices, while I am not using them.
I enjoy traveling and being able to get around from place to place for meetings and gatherings with friends, but I will also choose to carpool when the opportunity arises or allow for Zoom meetings instead of asking friends or coworkers to gather for something that might not have to be in person.
I enjoy drinking a cold Dr. Pepper from time to time out of a plastic container, but I can also reuse that plastic bottle for some water later in the day! Ensuring that the bottle makes it to the recycling bin after I am done with it.
Sustainable actions, no matter how small, can make a difference. The trash that is found around the community can be picked up instead of ignored, we can begin recycling in our homes, and we can save energy with our different devices within our homes. These small acts can help us feel better about ourselves in the process.
In my experience, when I am doing good things, I tend to feel good, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Doing my part to behave in sustainable ways can help me feel like I am doing good things for our environment which helps both my personal life and the greater environment.
Taking away activities that I truly enjoy doing will not have a positive impact on my experience, but adding sustainable actions to the activities that I enjoy will benefit everyone! Adding behaviors to one’s everyday activities will create a sense of balance that will help yourself, and the environment too!
If we are too focused on how our carbon footprint is negatively impacting the planet, there is a chance that a large portion of enjoyment can be taken out of our lives. This is not something that will be healthy for long periods of time. Coming to a middle ground, accepting some behaviors might not be completely sustainable, while adding some actions that are, will help balance out the carbon footprint that is being left. And also help us keep our peace of mind!
