In recent years, the term “sustainability” has become increasingly popular. But what does it really mean to be sustainable?
To get a better understanding of what most people think this term means, I asked around my neighborhood in Denver. Here’s what some Denverites had to say:
“I like to think that being sustainable means wasting less. I try to only buy food at the grocery store that I will actually eat, but in my case, eating out more is probably more sustainable as then I know I will truly only pay for what I’m going to eat. Does that count for sustainability since I’m wasting less in food rather than thinking about plastic or something that gets thrown away–or worse, you see it thrown onto the ground as litter? I hope so…”
“Sustainability means choosing to purchase items that can be recycled and has the little triangle on the bottom of the container.”
“I bring my reusable grocery bags to the store whenever I remember–which is most of the time–and that always feels good.”
“Bike more. Or walk more. I rarely put gas in my car because I rarely drive. We’re a pretty bike friendly community, especially in the summer, so just get outside.”
“Do your research on the brands you buy from. Do they give back to the community? Do they offer sustainable options? Do they treat their employees with respect and dignity? Sustainability for me goes above and beyond the environment. It’s a movement rooted in respect towards people living in the environment.”
Sustainability can mean a number of different things to different people, as you can see from above. Whether it’s about reducing consumption, your waste output, choosing respect, or making more conscious decisions, we are all doing our part to make the world a more eco-friendly place.
The definition of “Sustainability”
Merriam Webster’s definition of sustainability is as follows
“noun. the ability to be sustained, supported, upheld, or confirmed. Environmental Science. the quality of not being harmful to the environment or depleting natural resources, and thereby supporting long-term ecological balance: The committee is developing sustainability standards for products that use energy.”
At its core, sustainability is about meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It is about finding a balance between economic growth, social development, and environmental protection.
In other words, sustainability is about ensuring that we can continue to thrive as a society without depleting the resources that we depend on.
Just like the sustainable choices mentioned above, what else can we do to be more sustainable in our day-to-day lives?
5 sustainable suggestions
Here are five key areas in which individuals and organizations can focus on to be more sustainable:
- Energy Efficiency
- One of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions is the burning of fossil fuels for energy. By improving energy efficiency, we can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and decrease our carbon footprint. For example, using LED light bulbs, turning off electronics when not in use, and using public transportation or carpooling are all ways to improve energy efficiency.
- Pro tip: A sneaky way to improve energy efficiency is to go back through your email and delete old emails you don’t need anymore. That newsletter you got last year is probably a good one to delete. These emails are stored on a server somewhere taking up space. This is a quick, easy and highly manageable way to be more efficient.
- Waste Reduction
- The amount of waste we produce has a significant impact on the environment. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the United States generated 292.4 million tons of municipal solid waste in 2018, with only 32.1% being recycled or composted. By reducing the amount of waste we produce and properly disposing of what we do produce, we can help to conserve resources and reduce pollution. This can be achieved by recycling, composting, and reducing the use of single-use plastics.
- Pro tip: At the grocery store, try and buy your fruits and veggies whole rather than pre-cute AND without any plastic bags to hold them together. You don’t really need them so why grab them anyway?
- Sustainable Agriculture
- Agriculture is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation. By adopting sustainable agricultural practices, we can reduce the environmental impact of food production. This can be achieved by using organic farming methods, reducing the use of pesticides and fertilizers, and supporting local farmers who use sustainable practices.
- Pro tip: Look for the free range eggs and local meat at your grocery store. These are typically just $1-2 more and are worth it for the environment and for your own health. Another pro tip is to plant your own herb plants rather than buy herbs in those plastic clam-shell wrappings every time you need herbs. First, you’ll have them 24/7 at home and second, you’ll be wasting less.
- Water Conservation
- Water is a precious resource, and it is becoming increasingly scarce in many parts of the world. By conserving water and using it more efficiently, we can help to ensure that there is enough water for everyone. This can be achieved by fixing leaks, using low-flow fixtures, and reducing water usage in landscaping.
- Pro tip: Turn your faucet off when you’re brushing your teeth. So simply yet so easy and impactful in creating new habits to conserve water.
- Reusable Packaging
- Cardboard and plastic polymailers use precious resources. Polymailers simply have no positive environmental impact as they are made from plastic and cardboard is deceiving when it comes to sustainability. Unfortunately, it’s become ingrained in consumers that recycling is the solution to keep the planet healthy and happy. However, we know that recycling is the last option when it comes to the 3 R’s of reduce, reuse and recycle. Recycling should be the last resort which is why reusable packaging is the more sustainable option.
- Pro tip: Look for brands that send packages in LimeLoop reusable packaging. Check out our website to see some brands using LimeLoop to ship goods and maybe you’ll find something you like and want to order. Or the easiest pro tip, walk into your favorite store next step and shop in real-time in a brick-and-mortar.
Taking responsibility
Being sustainable means taking responsibility for our impact on the environment and future generations. By focusing on energy efficiency, waste reduction, sustainable agriculture, water conservation and reusable packaging, we can all play a role in creating a more sustainable future.
Small changes can make a big difference. Are you ready to deliver a world without waste?
Learn more about LimeLoop’s Trackable Reusable Packaging, click here.
