What is Sustainable Living?

Sustainable living means different things for different people.

The wikipedia definition states: "Sustainable living is a lifestyle that attempts to reduce an individual's or society's use of the Earth's natural resources and his/her own resources."  Also, "Proponents of sustainable living aim to conduct their lives in ways that are consistent with sustainability, in natural balance and respectful of humanity's symbiotic relationship with the Earth's natural ecology and cycles. The practice and general philosophy of ecological living is highly interrelated with the overall principles of sustainable development."

There are so many online resource to get started living a sustainable lifestyle, such as Mother Earth News, Lighter Footstep, Sustainable Living Magazine and Homegrown.org.

You don't have to live on a farm or become completely "off-grid."  It can be as simple as recycling at home and work or BYOB (bring your own bag) when you head off to the grocery store.

My Florida garden started out small and only in containers.  I have since graduated to a small area in the side yard with a few pots still remaining.  My goal for the current garden is to let nothing go to waste and become less dependent on store-bought produce.

Some people refer to Urban Sustainable living.  Not everyone can live in the country and raise chickens.  There are many simple ways to reduce waste, live a sustainable lifestyle and even save money in the process.

~Skip bottled water. Buy a filter such as AquaSauna or britta and filter your own water.  Use reusable bpa-free bottles or containers.
~Turn off lights and plugged in items when not in use.
~BYOB to the grocery store or farmer's market.
~Put leftover food in reusable containers.  Reduce or discontinue use of plastic bags.
~Plant a tree.  It seems so simple but it will offset tons of carbon, provide shade and benefit local wildlife.
~Buy used products when possible.  Check out your local thrift store or browse craigslist.
~DIY beauty products such as facial cleansers and body soap.  Not only will you save money by avoiding pricey items, there is little or no waste in production and storage.
~Start a veggie or herb garden.  It's that simple!