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'''Green living''' (or '''sustainable living''') is a lifestyle that attempts to reduce an individual's or society's use of the Earth's natural resources and his or her own resources.<ref name="Ain09">Ainoa, J., Kaskela, A., Lahti, L., Saarikoski, N., Sivunen, A., Storgårds, J., & Zhang, H. (2009). Future of Living. In Neuvo, Y., & Ylönen, S. (eds.), [http://lib.tkk.fi/Reports/2009/isbn9789522480781.pdf Bit Bang - Rays to the Future]. Helsinki University of Technology (TKK), MIDE, Helsinki University Print, Helsinki, Finland, 174-204. ISBN 978-952-248-078-1.</ref>
| category = Green living
 
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In practice, it deals about practical lifestyle choices, large and small, to live inline with the Earth's carrying capacities,{{W|Carrying capacity}} while maintaining (and sometimes improving) our [[quality of life]]. Besides lifestyle choices, the housing and [[appliances]] we use also has its impact on the environment (see [[Autonomous houses and neighbourhoods]]). This article only focuses on choices in lifestyle/habits. [[Sustainable city living]] then again discusses some of the areas of action specific to green living in an urban environment.
<blockquote>
Sustainable living in the 21st century can be described as "shifting to a renewable energy-based, reuse/recycle economy with a diversified transport system." -Lester R. Brown{{w|Lester R. Brown}}, founder of the Worldwatch Institute{{w|Worldwatch Institute}} and Earth Policy Institute{{w|Earth Policy Institute}}<ref>Ross, Greg. [http://www.americanscientist.org/bookshelf/pub/lester-brown "An interview with Lester Brown"] ''American Scientist''.</ref>
</blockquote>


'''Green living''' (or '''sustainable living''') is a lifestyle{{w|lifestyle (sociology)}} that attempts to reduce an individual's or society's use of the Earth's natural resources{{w|natural resources}} and his or her own resources.<ref name="Ain09">Ainoa, J., Kaskela, A., Lahti, L., Saarikoski, N., Sivunen, A., Storgårds, J., & Zhang, H. (2009). Future of Living. In Neuvo, Y., & Ylönen, S. (eds.), [http://lib.tkk.fi/Reports/2009/isbn9789522480781.pdf Bit Bang - Rays to the Future]. Helsinki University of Technology (TKK), MIDE, Helsinki University Print, Helsinki, Finland, 174-204. ISBN 978-952-248-078-1.</ref> In practice, it deals about practical lifestyle choices, large and small, to live inline with the Earth's carrying capacities, while maintaining (or sometimes improving) our [[quality of life]]. Besides lifestyle choices, the housing and [[appliances]] we use also has its impact on the environment. These however are explained in detail at [[Autonomous houses and neighbourhoods]]. This article only focuses on choices in lifestyle/habits. [[Sustainable city living]] then again discusses some of the areas of action specific to green living in a urban environment.
In order to make sustainable choices, it is very helpful to have solid, reliable information that tells us which behaviors are sustainable and which are unsustainable, and -more importantly-, which actions will make the greatest positive difference for us, and should be prioritized. Green living can be ''high tech'' (buying a [[hybrid vehicle]]), ''low tech'' ([[green cleaning]]), or completely ''"back to nature"''. It can be ''smart grid'' or ''[[off the grid]]''.


In order to make sustainable choices, it is very helpful to have solid, reliable information that tells us which behaviors are sustainable and which are unsustainable, and -more importantly-, which actions will make the greatest positive difference for us, and should be prioritized.
{{Quote|Sustainable living in the 21st century can be described as "shifting to a renewable energy-based, reuse/recycle economy with a diversified transport system."|Lester R. Brown, founder of the Worldwatch Institute and Earth Policy Institute<ref>Ross, Greg. [https://web.archive.org/web/20161227004714/http://www.americanscientist.org/bookshelf/pub/lester-brown "An interview with Lester Brown"] ''American Scientist''.</ref>}}


==Approach==
Practitioners of sustainable living often attempt to reduce their [[carbon footprint]] by altering methods of [[transportation]], energy consumption{{W|Domestic energy consumption}} and [[diet]].<ref name="Winter">{{Cite book|last=Winter|first=Mick|title=Sustainable Living: For Home, Neighborhood and Community|publisher=Westsong Publishing|year=2007|isbn=0-9659-0005-3}}</ref> 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{{W|symbiotic}} relationship with the Earth's natural ecology{{W|ecology}} and cycles.<ref>[http://www.cellonline.org/about-cell/what-is-cell%e2%80%99s-philosophy/ The Center for Ecological Living and Learning (CELL)&ndash;philosophy]</ref> The practice and general philosophy of ecological living is highly interrelated with the overall principles of [[sustainable development]].
Practitioners of sustainable living often attempt to reduce their [[carbon footprint]] by altering methods of [[transportation]], energy consumption{{w|Domestic energy consumption}} and [[diet]].<ref name=Winter>{{cite book |last= Winter |first=Mick |title= Sustainable Living: For Home, Neighborhood and Community |publisher= Westsong Publishing |year= 2007 |isbn= 0-9659-0005-3 }}</ref> 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{{w|symbiotic}} relationship with the Earth's natural ecology{{w|ecology}} and cycles.<ref>[http://www.cellonline.org/about-cell/what-is-cell%e2%80%99s-philosophy/ The Center for Ecological Living and Learning (CELL)&ndash;philosophy]</ref> The practice and general philosophy of ecological living is highly interrelated with the overall principles of [[sustainable development]].


===Eating===
It can be very economical and also time-saving to live more [[green]]. For example most people will hesitate to purchase expensive low-energy-light-bulbs, like light emitting diodes ([https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/07/when-will-we-transition-to-all-led-lighting/ LED]). All because they are more expensive to buy. But prove to them that these bulbs have a much longer lifetime and result in a lower electric bill, providing a small profit over a long time. Larger investments like [[Thermal insulation|insulating the walls of your house]], or putting in 3-glaze-windows is also very expensive but can pay off. Doing the financial calculations on the different options can help you find the most economical and effective choices.<ref>[[Technology jumps]]</ref>
====Reducing meat consumption====
{{Main|Ecologic diet}}
The adoption of a ecologic diet (primarily diets that do not contain meat, or diets that contain little meat) decreases the impact you have on the environment considerably.


====Obtaining local and seasonal foods====
== Food ==
{{Main|Food distribution}}
{{Main|Small scale agriculture}}
A more sustainable means of acquiring food is to purchase locally. Buying food from local farmers reduces [[carbon offset]]s, caused by long-distance food transport, and stimulates the local economy.<ref name="Astyk, Sharon 2008"/>


Also, in addition to buying local food, the food you buy is best seasonally grown. You can obtain seasonal food by buying the products which are now in season from farmers' markets{{w|Farmers' market}}. Seasonally grown food is grown and harvested within their suitable growing season{{w|growing season}}. Thus, seasonal food{{w|seasonal food}} farming does not require energy intensive [[greenhouse]] production, extensive irrigation, plastic packaging and long-distance transport from importing non-regional foods, and other environmental stressors.<ref name="Seymour, John 2003">Seymour, John. ''The Self-Sufficient Life and How to Live It''. London: DK Publishing, 2003.</ref> Local, seasonal produce is typically fresher, unprocessed and argued to be more nutritious. Local produce also contains less to no chemical residues from applications required for long-distance shipping and handling.<ref>Princen, Thomas. ''The Logic of Sufficiency''. New York: MIT Press, 2005.</ref>
{{Excerpt|Eating}}


====Obtaining food from farmers in short supply chains====
== House ==
{{Main|Food distribution}}
Conventional food distribution is additionally resource and [[energy]] exhaustive. A shorter supply chain increases efficiency and so also reduces greenhouse gas emissions.


====Obtaining food from organic farmers====
{{Excerpt|Green building}}
{{Main|Organic farming}}
Purchasing and supporting organic products is another fundamental contribution to sustainable living. [[Organic farming]] is a rapidly emerging trend in the food industry and in the web of sustainability. According to the USDA{{w|USDA}} National Organic Standards Board{{w|National Organic Standards Board}} (NOSB), [[organic agriculture]] is defined as "an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain, or enhance ecological harmony. The primary goal of organic agriculture is to optimize the health and productivity of interdependent communities of soil life, plants, animals and people." Upon sustaining these goals, organic agriculture uses techniques such as crop rotation{{w|crop rotation}}, [[permaculture]], [[compost]], [[green manure]] and biological pest control{{w|biological pest control}}. In addition, organic farming prohibits or strictly limits the use of manufactured fertilizers and pesticides, plant growth regulators{{w|plant growth regulators}} such as hormones{{w|hormones}}, livestock antibiotics{{w|antibiotics}}, food additives{{w|food additives}} and genetically modified organisms{{w|genetically modified organisms}}.<ref>[http://extension.agron.iastate.edu/organicag/whatis.html Organic Agriculture - What is Organic Agriculture?] Iowa State University. 2008. Web. Retrieved on: 18 Nov 2010.</ref> Organically farmed products include vegetables, fruit, grains, herbs, meat, dairy, eggs, fibers, and flowers. See organic certification{{w|organic certification}} for more information.


====Growing your own food====
== Services ==
{{Main|Gardening}}
{{Main|Urban agriculture}}
{{Main|Community-supported agriculture}}
In addition to local, small-scale farms, there has been a recent emergence in growing ones own food; ie using [[community gardens]] or private home gardens. With this trend, both farmers and ordinary people are becoming involved in food production{{w|food production}}. This helps in reducing carbon offsets even more, and also increases self-sufficiency.


Another way to become involved in growing your own food is by joining a local [[community-supported agriculture]] (CSA). A CSA consists of a community of growers and consumers who pledge to support a farming operation while equally sharing the risks and benefits of food production. CSA's usually involve a system of weekly pick-ups of locally farmed vegetables and fruits, sometimes including dairy products, meat and special food items such as baked goods.<ref>Nabhan, Gary. ''Coming Home to Eat''. Berkeley, CA: W.W. Norton, 2002.</ref> Considering the previously noted rising environmental crisis, the United States and much of the world is facing immense vulnerability to famine. Local food production ensures food security if potential transportation disruptions and climatic, economical, and sociopolitical disasters were to occur.<ref name="Astyk, Sharon 2008"/>
{{Excerpt|Off-the-grid}}


====Food preservation and storage====
== Products ==
{{Main|Food preservation and storage}}
Preserving and storing foods reduces reliance on long-distance transported food and the market industry. Home-grown foods can be preserved and stored outside of their growing season and continually consumed throughout the year, enhancing self-sufficiency and independence from the supermarket. Food can be preserved and saved by dehydration (e.g. [[solar food drying]], freezing{{w|Freezing (food)}}, vacuum packing{{w|vacuum packing}}, canning{{w|canning}}, bottling{{w|bottling}}, pickling{{w|pickling}} and jellying.<ref>Ciperthwaite, Wm. ''A Handmade Life: In Search of Simplicity''. New York: Chelsea Green, 2004.</ref>


===Buying or producing one's own energy===
{{Excerpt|Ethical consumerism}}
{{Main|Net metering}}
{{Main|Refrigeration for developing countries}}
{{Main|Energy stacking}}
{{Main|Energy_efficiency#Reducing_energy_use_at_home}}


Since electricity is an expensive utility, the first step towards conservation is to design a house and lifestyle to reduce demand. Fluorescent lights, laptop computers and gas-powered refrigerators save electricity, although gas-powered refrigerators are not very efficient.<ref>Sunfrost rates 15 cu. ft. refrigerators at [http://www.sunfrost.com/extreme_efficiency.html 0.27 kWh/day] (2007-12-27), while Dometic (formerly Servel) gas refrigerators cool only 8cuft for [http://www.sunfrost.com/extreme_efficiency.html 325 W continuous] (i.e. 7.8 kWh/day) ALternatively, they use about 8 US gal of LP gas per month, which in most places is more expensive than the equivalent electricity.(2007-12-27)</ref> There are also superefficient electric refrigerators, such as those produced by the [[Sun Frost]] company, some of which use only about half as much electricity as a mass-market [[energy star]]-rated refrigerator.
== Transport ==


Some sustainable households may choose to [[Autonomous houses and neighbourhoods|produce their own renewable energy]], while others may choose to purchase it through the grid from a power company that harnesses sustainable sources (also mentioned previously are the methods of metering the production and consumption of electricity in a household). Purchasing sustainable energy, however, may simply not be possible in some locations due to its limited availability. 6 out of the 50 states in the US do not offer green energy, for example. For those that do, its consumers typically buy a fixed amount or a percentage of their monthly consumption from a company of their choice and the bought green energy is fed into the entire national grid. Technically, in this case, the green energy is not being fed directly to the household that buys it.<ref>[http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/home-garden/news/2007/07/buy-green-power-and-electricity-to-help-the-environment/overview/0707_buying_green_power_ov.htm Buy Green Power and Electricity to Help the Environment]. Consumer Reports: Expert Product Reviews and Product Ratings from Our Test Labs. Consumers Union of U.S., July 2007. Web. 28 Oct. 2010.</ref> In this case, it is possible that the actual amount of green electricity that the buying household receives is a small fraction of their total incoming electricity. This may or may not depend on the amount being purchased. The purpose of buying green electricity is to support their utility’s effort in producing sustainable energy.<ref name="ReferenceC">Hamilton, Andy, and Dave Hamilton. The Self-sufficient-ish Bible: an Eco-living Guide for the 21st Century. London: Hodder & Stoughton, 2009. Print.</ref> Producing sustainable energy on an individual household or community basis is much more flexible, but can still be limited in the richness of the sources that the location may afford (some locations may not be rich in renewable energy sources while others may have an abundance of it).
{{Excerpt|Transport}}


===Limiting our human reproduction===
== Ecotourism ==
{{Main|Population management}}
The population size needs to be reduced to 2 billion people, in order to keep within the limits of the earth's carrying capacity. As such, the decision of not reproducing is one of the most effective actions we can take. In practice, some families will be able to propogate and some not as we are all entitled to about 0,57 children<ref>Having 2 children maintains population size, divided by 3,5 makes 0,57</ref><ref>The decision on who can and can not reproduce will probably depend on financial means (to be able to support children), and [[eugenics|genetic makeup]]</ref> This does not mean off course that we can not have any children at all; adoption is still an option, as this does not increase the population size.


===Reducing waste===
{{Excerpt|Ecotourism}}
As populations and resource demands climb, waste production contributes to [[Greenhouse gas emissions|emissions]] of carbon dioxide{{w|carbon dioxide}}, leaching of hazardous materials into the soil and waterways, and [[methane]] emissions. In America alone, over the course of a decade, 500 trillion pounds of American resources will have been transformed into nonproductive wastes and gases.<ref>Hawken, Paul, Amory Lovins, and L. Hunter Lovins. ''Natural Capitalism: Creating the Next Industrial Revolution.'' New York City: Little, Brown and Company, 1999. Print.</ref> Thus, a crucial component of sustainable living is being waste conscious. One can do this by reducing waste, reusing commodities, and recycling.


There are a number of ways to reduce waste in sustainable living. One method is reducing paper waste, such as by taking action to cancel junk mail and move paper transactions to an online document. Another method to reduce waste is to buy in bulk, which reduces packaging materials. Preventing food waste is an alternative to organic waste compiling to create costly methane emissions. Food waste can be reintegrated into the environment through [[composting]]. Composting can be carried out at home or locally, with community composting. An additional example of how to reduce waste is being cognizant of not buying materials with limited use in excess, such as paint. Reduction aides in reducing the toxicity of waste if non-hazardous or less hazardous items are selected.<ref>[http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/rrr/recycle.htm Reduce] United States Environmental Protection Agency. 5 May 2010. Web 10 Nov. 2010</ref>
== Water ==


By reusing materials, one lives sustainably by not contributing to the addition of waste to landfills. Reuse saves natural resources{{w|natural resources}} by decreasing the necessity of raw material{{w|raw material}} extraction. [[Recycling]], a process that breaks down used items into raw materials in order to make new materials, is a particularly useful means of contributing to the renewal of goods. Recycling incorporates three primary processes; collection and processing, manufacturing, and purchasing recycled products.<ref>[http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/rrr/recycle.htm Wastes – Resource Conservation – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle] United States Environmental Protection Agency. 05 May 2010. Web 10 Nov. 2010</ref> An offshoot of recycling, [[upcycling]], strives to convert a material into something of similar or greater value in its second life.<ref>[http://www.sustainabilitydictionary.com/u/upcycle.php UpCycle] Sustainability Management. Presidio Graduate School. Web. 10 Nov. 2010</ref> By integrating measures of reusing, reducing, and recycling one can effectively reduce production of waste and use materials in a sustainable manner.
{{Excerpt|Water conservation}}


===Transport options===
== Waste ==
First of all, the house you buy or construct should be chosen to be in proximity to essential services such as grocery stores, schools, daycares, work, or public transit making it possible to commit to sustainable transportation choices.<ref>Jeffery, Yvonne, Michael Grosvenor, and Liz Barclay. ''Green Living for Dummies.'' Indianapolis, IN: Wiley Pub., 2008. Print.</ref> This already reduces your carbon offsets from transport greatly.


With the depleting [[Peak oil|fossil oil reserves]], climate warming{{w|climate warming}} exacerbated by carbon emissions{{w|carbon emissions}} and high energy prices, the conventional automobile industry{{w|automobile industry}} is becoming less and less feasible to the conversation of sustainability. Revisions of [[Public transport|urban transport]]{{w|Public transport}} systems that foster mobility, low-cost transportation and healthier urban environments are needed. Such urban transport systems should consist of a combination of rail transport{{w|rail transport}}, bus transport{{w|bus transport}}, [[bicycle]] pathways and pedestrian{{w|pedestrian}} walkways{{w|walkways}}. Public transport systems such as underground rail systems and bus transit systems shift huge numbers of people away from reliance on car mobilization{{w|mobilization}} and dramatically reduce the rate of carbon emissions caused by automobile transport.<ref name="Brown, Lester R. 2009">Brown, Lester R. ''Plan B 4.0: Mobilizing to Save Civilization''. New York: W.W. Norton, 2009.</ref> Carpooling{{w|Carpooling}} is another alternative for reducing oil consumption and carbon emissions by transit.
{{Excerpt|Waste reduction}}


In comparison with automobiles, bicycles are a paradigm of energy efficient personal transportation. Bicycles increase mobility while alleviating congestion{{w|Traffic congestion}}, lowering [[Air pollution|air]]{{w|Air pollution}} and noise pollution{{w|noise pollution}}, and increasing physical exercise{{w|physical exercise}}. Most importantly, they do not emit climate-disturbing carbon dioxide{{w|carbon dioxide}}.<ref name="Brown, Lester R. 2009"/> [[Bike-sharing]] programs are beginning to boom throughout the world and are modeled in leading cities such as Paris{{w|Paris}}, Amsterdam{{w|Amsterdam}} and London{{w|London}}. Bike-sharing programs offer kiosks{{w|kiosks}} and docking stations that supply hundreds to thousands of bikes for rental throughout a city through small deposits or affordable memberships.
== Washing ==


A recent boom has occurred in electric bikes{{w|electric bikes}} especially in China and other Asian countries. Electric bikes are similar to plug-in hybrid{{w|plug-in hybrid}} vehicles in that they are battery powered and can be plugged into the provincial electric grid{{w|electric grid}} for recharging as needed. In contrast to plug-in hybrid cars, electric bikes do not directly use any [[fossil fuels]]. Adequate sustainable urban transportation is dependent upon proper city infrastructure{{w|infrastructure}} and planning that incorporates efficient public transit along with bicycle and pedestrian-friendly pathways.<ref>Brown, Lester R.'' Plan B 4.0: Mobilizing to Save Civilization''. New York: W.W. Norton, 2009.</ref>
{{Excerpt|Washing and drying clothes}}


===Reducing our water use===
== Computing ==
In sustainable living, one can use water more sustainably through a series of simple, everyday measures. These measures involve considering indoor home appliance{{w|home appliance}} efficiency, outdoor water use, and daily water use awareness.


====Reducing water use in indoor appliances====
{{Excerpt|Green computing}}
Housing and commercial buildings{{w|commercial buildings}} account for 12 percent of America’s freshwater withdrawals.<ref name="Hawken, Paul 1999"/> A typical American single family home uses about 70 gallons per person per day indoors.<ref name="Hawken, Paul 1999"/> This usage can be reduced by simple alterations in behavior and upgrades to appliance{{w|Home appliance}} quality.


=====Toilets=====
== Community ==
[[Flush toilet]]s account for almost 30% of residential indoor water use in the United States.<ref name="autogenerated1">[http://www.epa.gov/watersense/pubs/indoor.html Indoor Water Use in the United States] WaterSense: An EPA Partnership Program. US Environmental Protection Agency, 09 Nov. 2010. Web. 10 Nov. 2010.</ref> Some tweaks can be applied to still reduce water consumption greatly with flush toilets. Another option is to install a type of toilet that doesn't use water at all. For example, [[composting toilet]]s treat human waste through [[composting]] and dehydration{{w|dehydration}}, producing a valuable soil additive.<ref>[http://compostingtoilet.org/compost_toilets_explained/what_is_a_composting_toilet/index.php What is a Composting Toilet?] Composting Toilet World. Envirolet. 2010. Web. 10 Nov. 2010.</ref> These toilets feature a two-compartment bowl to separate urine from feces. The urine can be collected or sold as fertilizer. The feces can be dried and bagged or composted. These toilets cost scarcely more than regularly installed toilets and do not require a sewer hookup. In addition to providing valuable fertilizer, these toilets are highly sustainable because they save sewage collection and treatment, as well as lessen agricultural costs and improve topsoil{{w|topsoil}}.


=====Showers=====
{{Excerpt|Green communities}}
On average, showers are 18% of indoor water use, at 6-8 gallons per minute traditionally in America.<ref name="autogenerated1"/> A simple method to reduce this usage is to switch to low-flow, high-performance showerheads. These showerheads use only 1.0-1.5 gpm or less. An alternative to replacing the showerhead is to install a [http://eartheasy.com/evolve-showerstart-converter-the-ladybug converter]. This device arrests a running shower upon reaching the desired temperature. Solar water heaters can be used to obtain optimal water temperature, and are more sustainable because they reduce dependence on fossil fuels. To lessen excess water usage, water pipes can be insulated with pre-slit foam pipe insulation. This insulation decreases hot water generation time. A simple, straightforward method to conserve water when showering is to take shorter showers. One method to accomplish this is to turn off the water when it is not necessary (such as while lathering) and resuming the shower when water is necessary.


=====Dishwasher/Sinks=====
== Family ==
On average, sinks are 15% of indoor water use.<ref name="autogenerated1"/> There are, however, easy methods to rectify excessive water loss. Available for purchase is a screw-on aerator. This device works by combining water with air thus generating a frothy substance that has more moisture and reduces water usage by half. Additionally, there is a flip-valve available that allows flow to be turned off and back on at the previously reached temperature. Finally, a [http://www.toolbase.org/Technology-Inventory/Plumbing/laminar-flow-fixtures laminar flow device] creates a 1.5-2.4 gpm stream of water that reduces water usage by half, but can be turned to normal water level when optimal.
In addition to buying the above devices, one can live more sustainably by checking sinks for leaks, and fixing these links if they exist. According to the EPA, "A small drip from a worn faucet washer can waste 20 gallons of water per day, while larger leaks can waste hundreds of gallons":<ref name="autogenerated1"/> When using a sink, being more aware of water usage is a very simple way to use water more sustainably. For instance, when washing dishes by hand, it is not necessary to leave the water running for rinsing. It is more sustainable to rinse dishes simultaneously.
On average, dishwashing consumes 1% of indoor water use.<ref name="autogenerated1"/> When using a dishwasher{{w|dishwasher}}, water can be conserved by only running the machine when it is completely full. Additionally, it can be set to Lowflow setting, in order to use less water per wash cycle. The enzymatic detergents{{w|detergents}} available clean dishes more efficiently and more successfully with a smaller amount of water at a lower temperature.


=====Washing machines=====
{{Excerpt|Population growth}}
On average, 23% of indoor water use is due to clothes washing.<ref name="autogenerated1"/> In contrast to other machines, American washing machines{{w|washing machines}} have changed little to become more sustainable. A typical washing machine has a vertical-axis design, in which clothes are agitated in a tubful of water. Horizontal-axis machines, in contrast, put less water into the bottom of the rub and rotate clothes through it. These machines are more efficient in terms of soap usage and clothing stability.


====Reducing water use in the garden====
== Gifts ==
There are a number of ways one can incorporate a personal yard{{w|yard}}, roof{{w|roof}}, and [[garden]] in more sustainable living. While conserving water is a major element of sustainability, so is sequestering water.


=====Using plants suited for the region=====
{{Excerpt|Sustainable gifts}}
In planning a yard and garden space, it is most sustainable to consider the plants, soil, and available water. Drought resistant shrubs, plants, and grasses require a smaller amount of water in comparison to more traditional species. Additionally, native plants (as opposed to herbaceous perennials) will use a smaller supply of water and have a heightened resistance to plant diseases of the area. Xeriscape{{w|Xeriscape}}, a system that accounts for endemic features such as slope{{w|slope}}, soil type{{w|soil type}}, and native plant{{w|native plant}} range, can reduce landscape water use by 50 – 70%, while providing habitat{{w|habitat}} space for wildlife. By planting slopes one can reduce runoff{{w|Surface runoff}}. Grouping plants by watering needs further reduces water waste.


After planting, placing a circumference of [[mulch]] surrounding plants functions to lessen evaporation{{w|evaporation}}. To do this, firmly press two to four inches of organic matter along the plant's dripline. This prevents water runoff{{w|water runoff}}. When watering, consider the range of sprinklers; watering paved areas is unnecessary. Additionally, to conserve the maximum amount of water, watering should be carried out during early mornings on non-windy days in order to reduce water loss to evaporation. Drip-irrigation systems and soaker hoses are a more sustainable alternative to the traditional sprinkler system. Drip-irrigation systems employ small gaps at standard distances in a hose, leading to the slow trickle of water droplets which percolate the soil over a protracted period. These systems use 30 – 50% less water than conventional methods.<ref>Pinkham, R. and Dyer, J., 1993: "Linking Water and Energy Savings in Irrigation," Rocky Mountain Institute Publication #A94-4.</ref> Soaker hoses help to reduce water use by up to 90%.<ref>[http://www.savingwater.org/docs/successwithsoakerhoses.pdf Soaker Hoses: Good for your Garden, Your Wallet, and Our Environment] Saving Water Partnership. Seattle and Participating Area Water Utilities. 2005. Web. 10 Nov. 2010.</ref> They connect to a garden hose and lay along the row of plants under a layer of mulch. A layer of organic material{{w|organic material}} added to the soil helps to increase its absorption and water retention; previously planted areas can be covered with [[compost]].
== Share ==


In caring for a lawn, there are a number of measures that can increase the sustainability of lawn maintenance techniques. A primary aspect of lawn care is watering. In order to conserve water, it is important to only water when necessary, and to deep soak when watering. Additionally, a lawn may be left to go dormant, renewing after a dry spell to its original vitality.
You should be a good role model to your relatives, friends, and coworkers by showing good examples on how they easily can change. But do not try to persuade or force anyone to change, it will sometimes cause a backlash, and they will not respect you and your ideas. Being hardcore and extreme about living green will sometimes make them into skeptic opponents and it will be impossible to discuss the core principles of green living. Also debates like this take the focus from the important tasks to talk about.


=====Reusing grey water and unfiltered roof water=====
If your way of living shows how little effort it takes to change methods and ways of life, that it is not necessary to "go back and live in a cave without any amenities," this can lower resistance. Inspire others with your examples. If you share ideas, try to talk about one new small thing that is easy for anyone to change per week (or per month), and one major thing to change per month (or per 6 months) - slow change is usually longer-lasting.
Greywater systems function in sequestering used indoor water, such as laundry, bath and sink water, and filtering it for reuse. [[Greywater]] can be reused in [[irrigation]] and toilet flushing. There are two types of greywater systems: gravity fed manual systems and package systems.<ref name="greenbuildingsupply1">[http://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/Public/Energy-WaterConservation/GreywaterSystems/index.cfm Greywater Systems: Reusing Bath, Laundry, and Sink Water to Conserve Fresh Water]. Green Building Supply. 2010. Web. 10 Nov. 2010.</ref> The manual systems do not require electricity but may require a larger yard space.<ref name="greenbuildingsupply1"/> The package systems require electricity but are self-contained and can be installed indoors.<ref name="greenbuildingsupply1"/>


A common method of water sequestrations is [[rainwater harvesting]], which incorporates the collection and storage of rain. Primarily, the rain is obtained from a roof, and stored on the ground in catchment tanks. Water sequestration varies based on extent, cost, and complexity. A simple method involves a single barrel at the bottom of a downspout, while a more complex method involves multiple tanks. It is highly sustainable to use stored water in place of purified water for activities such as irrigation and flushing toilets. Additionally, using stored rainwater reduces the amount of runoff [[pollution]], picked up from roofs and pavements that would normally enter streams through storm drains. The following equation can be used to estimate annual water supply:
== History ==


Collection area (square feet) x Rainfall (inch/year) / 12 (inch/foot) = Cubic Feet of Water/Year
The earliest milestones for the modern sustainable living movement include the books ''Living the Good Life'' (1954) by Helen and Scott Nearing{{W|Helen and Scott Nearing}} and ''Silent Spring{{W|Silent Spring}}'' (1962) by Rachel Carson. Influential books in later years include ''The Limits to Growth{{W|The Limits to Growth}}'' (1972) by Donella Meadows and the classic which popularized the idea of [[appropriate technology]], ''[[Small is Beautiful]]{{W|Small is Beautiful}}'' (1973) by E. F. Schumacher.{{W|E. F. Schumacher}}


Cubic Feet/Year x 7.43 (Gallons/Cubic Foot) = Gallons/year
Over time many of these ideas have moved from the fringe to the mainstream - at least as topics of acknowledged importance, even when action lags well behind rhetoric. Sustainability is now an important selling point in advertising (often simply [[greenwashing]]), campaigns for policy changes are going on in cities around the world, and policies to encourage sustainable lifestyles on a societal level provoke fierce debates in election campaigns.


Note, however, this calculation does not account for losses such as evaporation or leakage.<ref>[http://www.portlandonline.com/shared/cfm/image.cfm?id=182095 How to Manage Stormwater: Rain Barrels]. Stormwater Management for Clean Rivers. Environmental Services. Web. 10 Nov. 2010</ref>
From 1972, the [[United Nations]] has held occasional conferences focused on improving sustainability within societies. So far, these have been held in 1972{{W|Conference on the Human Environment}}, 1992 and 2002{{W|Earth Summit 2002}}.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090205010018/http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/natlinfo/nsds/nsds.htm National Sustainable Development Strategies] United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs April 2008.</ref> In 2007 the United Nations published ''Sustainable Consumption and Production, Promoting Climate-Friendly Household Consumption Patterns''.<ref>[http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/publications/household_consumption.pdf Sustainable Consumption and Production: Promoting Climate-Friendly Household Consumption Patterns] United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs 2007-04-30.</ref>


== Literature and history ==
{{See also|Wikipedia:Sustainable living#History}}
The earliest milestones for the modern sustainable living movement include the books ''Living the Good Life'' (1954) by Helen and Scott Nearing{{w|Helen and Scott Nearing}} and ''Silent Spring{{w|Silent Spring}}'' (1962) by Rachel Carson. Influential books in later years include ''The Limits to Growth{{w|The Limits to Growth}}'' (1972) by Donella Meadows and the classic which popularized the idea of [[appropriate technology]], ''[[Small is Beautiful]]{{w|Small is Beautiful}}'' (1973) by E. F. Schumacher.{{w|E. F. Schumacher}}


Over time many of these ideas have moved from the fringe to the mainstream - at least as topics of acknowledged importance, even when action lags well behind rhetoric. Sustainability is now an important selling point in advertising (often simply [[greenwashing]]), campaigns for policy changes are going on in cities around the world, and policies to encourage sustainable lifestyles on a societal level provoke fierce debates in election campaigns.
== See also ==


From 1972, the [[United Nations]] has held occasional conferences focused on improving sustainability within societies. So far, these have been held in 1972{{w|Conference on the Human Environment}}, 1992 and 2002{{w|Earth Summit 2002}}.<ref>[http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/natlinfo/nsds/nsds.htm National Sustainable Development Strategies] United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs April 2008.</ref> In 2007 the United Nations published ''Sustainable Consumption and Production, Promoting Climate-Friendly Household Consumption Patterns''.<ref>[http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/publications/household_consumption.pdf Sustainable Consumption and Production: Promoting Climate-Friendly Household Consumption Patterns] United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs 2007-04-30.</ref>
<gallery heights="140" mode="packed-overlay">
Appropriate technology homepage.jpg|link=Appropriate technology
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Water homepage.jpg|link=Water
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</gallery>


''For a more detailed history, see [[Wikipedia:Sustainable living #History]].''
{{Columns|start}}


== See also ==
* [[Portal:Green living]]
{{Portal box|Green living}}
{{multicol}}
* [[Abundance]]
* [[Abundance]]
* [[Autonomous houses and neighbourhoods]]
* [[Autonomous houses and neighbourhoods]]
* [[Conservation]]
* [[Conservation]]
* Downshifting{{w|Downshifting}}
* Downshifting{{W|Downshifting}}
* Eco-communalism{{w|Eco-communalism}}
* Eco-communalism{{W|Eco-communalism}}
* Ecological economics{{w|Ecological economics}}
* Ecological economics{{W|Ecological economics}}
* [[Ecotourism]]
* [[Ecotourism]]
* [[Ecovillages]]{{w|Ecovillage}}
* [[Ecovillages]]{{W|Ecovillage}}
* [[How to make awesome thermal curtains]]
* [[How to make awesome thermal curtains]]
* [[Green communities]]
* [[Green communities]]
{{multicol-break}}
 
{{Columns|break}}
 
* [[Green computing]]
* [[Green computing]]
* [[No such thing as garbage]]
* [[No such thing as garbage]]
* [[Sustainability]]
* [[Sustainability]]
* Sustainable architecture{{w|Sustainable architecture}}
* Sustainable architecture{{W|Sustainable architecture}}
* [[Sustainable design]]
* [[Sustainable design]]
* [[Sustainable development]]
* [[Sustainable development]]
* Sustainable event management{{w|Sustainable event management}}
* Sustainable event management{{W|Sustainable event management}}
* [[Sustainable housing directory]]
* [[Sustainable housing directory]]
** [[List of sustainable houses]]
** [[List of sustainable houses]]
{{multicol-break}}
 
* Sustainable landscaping{{w|Sustainable landscaping}}
{{Columns|break}}
* Sustainable House Day{{w|Sustainable House Day}} (in Australia)
 
* The Venus Project{{w|The Venus Project}}
* Sustainable landscaping{{W|Sustainable landscaping}}
* Sustainable House Day{{W|Sustainable House Day}} (in Australia)
* The Venus Project{{W|The Venus Project}}
* [[Thrivability]]
* [[Thrivability]]
* [[Transition Towns]]
* [[Transition Towns]]
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* [[Water conservation]]
* [[Water conservation]]
* [[Principles of personal green living]] (stub - help expand it!)
* [[Principles of personal green living]] (stub - help expand it!)
{{multicol-end}}
 
{{Columns|end}}


== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist|2}}


== Interwiki links ==
<references />
{{multicol}}
 
== External links ==
 
{{Columns|start}}
 
* [[Wikipedia:Alternative fuel vehicle]]
* [[Wikipedia:Alternative fuel vehicle]]
* [[Wikipedia:Downshifting]]
* [[Wikipedia:Downshifting]]
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* [[Wikipedia:Sustainable design]]
* [[Wikipedia:Sustainable design]]
* [[Wikipedia:Sustainable development]]
* [[Wikipedia:Sustainable development]]
{{multicol-break}}
 
{{Columns|break}}
 
* [[Wikipedia:Sustainable event management]]
* [[Wikipedia:Sustainable event management]]
* [[Wikipedia:Sustainable landscaping]]
* [[Wikipedia:Sustainable landscaping]]
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* [[Wikipedia:The Venus Project]]
* [[Wikipedia:The Venus Project]]
* [[Wikipedia:Transition Towns]]
* [[Wikipedia:Transition Towns]]
* [[Ekopedia:|Ekopedia]] - a sister site to Appropedia, in French and other languages.
* [https://www.ekopedia.fr Ekopedia] - Sister site to Appropedia, in French
{{multicol-break}}
 
{{Columns|break}}
 
* [[Greenlivingpedia:|Greenlivingpedia]] - another sister site, a wiki focused on green living and [[green building]].
* [[Greenlivingpedia:|Greenlivingpedia]] - another sister site, a wiki focused on green living and [[green building]].
* [[Wikipedia:Portal:Sustainable development]]
* [[Wikipedia:Portal:Sustainable development]]
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* [[Wikipedia:Portal:Earth sciences]]
* [[Wikipedia:Portal:Earth sciences]]
* [[Wikipedia:Portal:Ecology]]
* [[Wikipedia:Portal:Ecology]]
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== External links ==
{{Columns|end}}
{{multicol}}
 
{{Columns|start}}
 
* [http://www.ecoliteracy.org/ Center for Ecoliteracy]
* [http://www.ecoliteracy.org/ Center for Ecoliteracy]
** [http://www.ecoliteracy.org/blog/summer-education-sustainable-living A Summer of Education for Sustainable Living]
** [https://www.ecoliteracy.org/book/ecological-literacy-educating-our-children-sustainable-world Ecological Literacy: Educating Our Children For A Sustainable World]
* [http://www.cellonline.org/ Center for Ecological Living and Learning (CELL)]
* [http://www.cellonline.org/ Center for Ecological Living and Learning (CELL)]
* [http://www.simplycsl.org/ Center For Sustainable Living]
* [http://www.simplycsl.org/ Center For Sustainable Living]
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* [http://eartheasy.com/ Eartheasy]
* [http://eartheasy.com/ Eartheasy]
* [https://quiethut.com/go-green-at-home/ Quiethut: Green Guide at Home]
* [https://quiethut.com/go-green-at-home/ Quiethut: Green Guide at Home]
{{multicol-break}}
 
{{Columns|break}}
 
* [http://www.nrdc.org/living/ Natural Resources Defense Council: Smarter Living]
* [http://www.nrdc.org/living/ Natural Resources Defense Council: Smarter Living]
* [http://www.no-impact.com No Impact]
* [http://www.no-impact.com No Impact]
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* [http://www.sustainablelivingmagazine.org/ Sustainable Living Magazine]
* [http://www.sustainablelivingmagazine.org/ Sustainable Living Magazine]
* [http://urbansustainableliving.com/ Urban Sustainable Living Magazine]
* [http://urbansustainableliving.com/ Urban Sustainable Living Magazine]
* [http://worldgreen.org/category/s4-living-green/ World Green: Living Green]  
* [http://web.archive.org/web/20190918000254/http://worldgreen.org:80/category/s4-living-green/ World Green: Living Green]
{{multicol-end}}
* [http://urbansustainableliving.com/ Urban Sustainable Living Magazine]


{{attrib wikipedia|Sustainable living}}
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{{Page data
| ported-from = https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainable_living
| keywords = Green living, Sustainability
| sdg = SDG12 Responsible consumption and production
| authors = User:RichardF, User:KVDP, User:Chriswaterguy, User:Seth Leitman, User:Yeahvle
}}


[[Category:Green living]]
[[Category:Green living]]
[[Category:Sustainability]]
[[Category:Sustainability]]
[[Category:Taking action]]

Latest revision as of 14:34, 23 October 2023

Green christmas.jpg

Green living (or sustainable living) is a lifestyle that attempts to reduce an individual's or society's use of the Earth's natural resources and his or her own resources.[1]

In practice, it deals about practical lifestyle choices, large and small, to live inline with the Earth's carrying capacities,W while maintaining (and sometimes improving) our quality of life. Besides lifestyle choices, the housing and appliances we use also has its impact on the environment (see Autonomous houses and neighbourhoods). This article only focuses on choices in lifestyle/habits. Sustainable city living then again discusses some of the areas of action specific to green living in an urban environment.

In order to make sustainable choices, it is very helpful to have solid, reliable information that tells us which behaviors are sustainable and which are unsustainable, and -more importantly-, which actions will make the greatest positive difference for us, and should be prioritized. Green living can be high tech (buying a hybrid vehicle), low tech (green cleaning), or completely "back to nature". It can be smart grid or off the grid.

Sustainable living in the 21st century can be described as "shifting to a renewable energy-based, reuse/recycle economy with a diversified transport system."
— Lester R. Brown, founder of the Worldwatch Institute and Earth Policy Institute[2]

Practitioners of sustainable living often attempt to reduce their carbon footprint by altering methods of transportation, energy consumptionW and diet.[3] Proponents of sustainable living aim to conduct their lives in ways that are consistent with sustainability, in natural balance and respectful of humanity's symbioticW relationship with the Earth's natural ecologyW and cycles.[4] The practice and general philosophy of ecological living is highly interrelated with the overall principles of sustainable development.

It can be very economical and also time-saving to live more green. For example most people will hesitate to purchase expensive low-energy-light-bulbs, like light emitting diodes (LED). All because they are more expensive to buy. But prove to them that these bulbs have a much longer lifetime and result in a lower electric bill, providing a small profit over a long time. Larger investments like insulating the walls of your house, or putting in 3-glaze-windows is also very expensive but can pay off. Doing the financial calculations on the different options can help you find the most economical and effective choices.[5]

Food[edit | edit source]

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From Eating
Carbon footprint scale of meat eating icon.png

Not all foods are created equal! The carbon footprint of different foods on a per-food-calorie basis varies wildly..[6] Plants produce more calories on the same amount of land and emit less carbon dioxide and methane than animals. Foods with the lowest associated carbon footprints include:

  • Grains, pulses, fruits and vegetables.
  • Anything you grow yourself without fossil fuel inputs.
  • Chicken — Not particularly low footprint but the lowest among meats.

Foods with the highest carbon footprints include:

  • Red meat — Meat production requires a lot of land for growing animal feed, which is the main driver of deforestation globally.
  • Dairy — Cattle also emits considerable amounts of methane.[7]
  • Processed foods — Requiring refrigeration and anything air-freighted or grown in most greenhouses (except Iceland where they are heated geothermally).

Planning meals ahead of time can help avoid the temptation to purchase prepared foods and take advantage of fresh, local food that is in season.

House[edit | edit source]

Octicons puzzle-piece.svg
Eco-house near Manaton uk

Green building is the practice of increasing the efficiency with which buildings use resources — energy, water, and materials — while reducing building impacts on human health and the environment, through better siting, design, construction, operation, maintenance, and removal — the complete building life cycle.

A green building minimizes impact on the environment through resource conservation in the choice of materials, construction methods, and ongoing consumption. Avoiding artificial compounds and managing ventilation can also contribute to the health of its occupants.

Perhaps the least obvious benefit, yet an extremely important one, is comfort. By reducing the need for air conditioning and heating, and by using natural light, natural materials and natural ventilation, green buildings tend to be aesthetically pleasing, texturally rich, fresh and pleasing environments,

Implementing a building management system, a of computer networking of all energy-related mechanisms of the building, can greatly decrease the need for all forms of energy[verification needed] and improve comfort. This is the concept of the "intelligent building".

Services[edit | edit source]

Octicons puzzle-piece.svg
Schematic of an active solar heating system

An autonomous house or off-the-grid (OTG) house is designed to be operated independently from infrastructural support services ("grids") such as the mains electricity grid, water supply system, sewage/excreta disposal system, centralised food production system, gas grid, and in some cases, storm drains, mains electricity grid-connected communication services and public roads.

An autonomous neighbourhood is a collection of houses which together work autonomously (as one unit). Some of the houses may be completely autonomous on one aspect (e.g. electricity production) but not on other aspects (e.g. sewage disposal)

The phrase "off the grid" has also entered popular language as a related but distinct concept of generally independent lifestyles or desire to be low-profile. For example: "I'm not on social media because I prefer to stay off the grid."

This article focuses on the housing and appliances of autonomous houses. Sustainable city living discusses some of the areas of action specific to green living in a urban environment.

An example of a sustainable city is a 6.5-MW microgrid was built by AlphaStruxure. For it’s a joint venture of Schneider Electric and the Carlyle Group. That’s a global private equity firm, under a long-term energy-as-a-service (EaaS) agreement the company has with the county. Located at the Brookville Smart Energy Bus Depot, it will power the Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s Ride On transit electric buses.

Products[edit | edit source]

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Electric wire reel reused in a furniture ecodesign.jpg
  • News How Greenland’s tourism industry lobbied for a green tax, and won, positive.news (Feb 20, 2024)
  • News Human ‘behavioural crisis’ at root of climate breakdown, say scientists, theguardian.com (Jan 13, 2024)
  • News It’s time to limit how often we can travel abroad – ‘carbon passports’ may be the answer, theconversation.com (Nov 03, 2023)

Ethical consumerism refers to buying things that are made ethically i.e. without harm to or exploitation of humans, animals or the natural environment. This generally entails favoring products and businesses that take account of the greater good in their operations.[8] An extension of the idea, doing more with less, overlaps with the first part of Reduce, reuse, repair and recycle.

Transport[edit | edit source]

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Bicycle market.jpg

Within urban areas, sustainable transport is a key aspect of creating more sustainable cities.

With the depleting fossil oil reserves, climate warming exacerbated by carbon emissions and high energy prices, the conventional automobile industry is becoming less and less feasible to the conversation of sustainability. Revisions of urban transport systems that foster mobility, low-cost transportation and healthier urban environments are needed. Such urban transport systems should consist of a combination of rail transport, bus transport, bicycle pathways and pedestrian walkways. Public transport systems such as underground rail systems and bus transit systems shift huge numbers of people away from reliance on car mobilization and dramatically reduce the rate of carbon emissions caused by automobile transport.[9] Carpooling is another alternative for reducing oil consumption and carbon emissions by transit.

In general, following vehicles types can be distinguished:

  • Water vehicle (includes supersurface water vehicles (regular or hydrofoiling), subsurface vehicles (regular or supercavitating))
  • Ground vehicle (includes supersurface ground vehicles, subsurface ground vehicles)
  • Air vehicle (includes lighter-than-air air vehicles and heavier-than-air air vehicles)

Most vehicles above can be either:

Ecotourism[edit | edit source]

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Balconyview.png

Ecotourism is tourism in a sustainable way. It doesn't necessarily involve traveling from one place to another; on the contrary, it usually involves not traveling at all. When it does involve traveling, it is with sustainable means of transport, preserving the environment of the place to visit and improving the well-being of the local people W. In this page you will find tips and suggestions on how to practice ecotourism in order to live in a greener way

Water[edit | edit source]

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One can use water more sustainably through a series of simple, everyday measures. These measures involve considering indoor home appliance efficiency, outdoor water use, and daily water use awareness.

Waste[edit | edit source]

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Refuse Collection Challenge at Taifa.jpg

As populations and resource demands climb, waste production contributes to emissions of carbon dioxide, leaching of hazardous materials into the soil and waterways, and methane emissions. In the United States alone, over the course of a decade, 500 trillion pounds of resources will have been transformed into nonproductive wastes and gases.[10] Thus, a crucial component of sustainable living is being waste conscious. One can do this by reducing waste, reusing commodities, and recycling.

There are a number of ways to reduce waste in sustainable living. One method is reducing paper waste, such as by taking action to cancel junk mail and move paper transactions to an online document. Another method to reduce waste is to buy in bulk, which reduces packaging materials. Preventing food waste is an alternative to organic waste compiling to create costly methane emissions. Food waste can be reintegrated into the environment through composting. Composting can be carried out at home or locally, with community composting. An additional example of how to reduce waste is being cognizant of not buying materials with limited use in excess, such as paint. Reduction aides in reducing the toxicity of waste if non-hazardous or less hazardous items are selected.[11]

By reusing materials, one lives sustainably by not contributing to the addition of waste to landfills. Reuse saves natural resources by decreasing the necessity of raw material extraction. Recycling, a process that breaks down used items into raw materials in order to make new materials, is a particularly useful means of contributing to the renewal of goods. Recycling incorporates three primary processes; collection and processing, manufacturing, and purchasing recycled products.[12] An offshoot of recycling, upcycling, strives to convert a material into something of similar or greater value in its second life.[13] By integrating measures of reusing, reducing, and recycling one can effectively reduce production of waste and use materials in a sustainable manner.

Washing[edit | edit source]

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After being hung up overnight in a breezy location, shirts worn once (even in the tropics!) smell quite fresh enough to wear again.

Washing and drying clothing are common activities that can use a lot of labor, energy and water and produce large amounts of wastewater - if we aren't careful. However, there are several best practices, like washing in cold water and line drying, which are not only better for the environment, but will make your clothes last longer. This reduces the burden of mending and replacing clothes, and saves resources for other uses. Hygiene is also a crucial aspect of clothing, and improper cleaning can lead to infection and diseases.

Washing can be laborious when there are no washing machines, but there are tools and devices that can be utilized to make washing easier and faster.

Computing[edit | edit source]

Octicons puzzle-piece.svg
Graph from the Phantom power reducing power bars project

Green computing, or green information technology (IT), refers to environmentally sustainable computing. It is the study and practice of using computing resources efficiently by designing, manufacturing, using, and disposing of computers, servers, and associated subsystems (such as monitors, printers, storage devices, and networking and communication systems) with minimal or no impact on the environment. Green computing strives for economic practicality and improved system performance while satisfying social and ethical responsibilities. Green computing includes the dimensions of environmental sustainability, energy efficiency economics, and total cost of ownership (which includes the cost of disposals and recycling)."[14]

Green computing can be made more sustainable in several ways including:

  • Placing the computer in hibernation mode
  • Switching the computer screen off instead of using screensavers
  • Turning the computer off when it is not in use

Each of these examples can save power. More efficient coding means computers use less power and need less powerful hardware.

Community[edit | edit source]

Octicons puzzle-piece.svg

The greatest impacts for sustainable living by the human population of Earth may not be the individual actions, but rather the collective actions, such as:

  • Carbon tax or carbon trading
  • Public transport, cycling and walking infrastructure that allows members of the society to travel sustainably without sacrificing quality of life - indeed enhancing it, while also saving money.
  • Urban planning regulations that encourage, rather than discourage, sustainability, allowing higher densities, encouraging alternatives such as cohousing and abandoning old principles such as setback, and the requirement
  • Elimination of tariffs on renewable energy products (such as solar water heaters).
  • Having active members in the community who attend city council meetings and become involved in their local government in order to influence decision making.

Family[edit | edit source]

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Global fertility rates

There is a popular myth that population growth alone determines our impact on the environment.[15] In reality though, it is the combination of both the population size, as the (degree of) participation of each member on the economy, as the way in which each member chooses to use this wealth that determines this.[16]

That being said, the decision of not reproducing is one of the most effective actions we can take. In practice, some families will be able to propagate and some not as we are all entitled to about 0,57 children.[17][18] This does not mean of course that we can not have any children at all, because adoption is still an option, as this does not increase the population size.

Gifts[edit | edit source]

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You can have a Green Christmas.

While Christmas is often the best time of year for catching up with family and friends, it's also the biggest time of spending - on presents, food, alcohol, parties and holidays. Unfortunately, all of our spending and consumption results in significant environmental damage and carbon pollution.

However, you don't have to be a scrooge to reduce your carbon footprint at Christmas or any other important date such as birthdays or anniversaries. Here are a few tips to achieve this.

Share[edit | edit source]

You should be a good role model to your relatives, friends, and coworkers by showing good examples on how they easily can change. But do not try to persuade or force anyone to change, it will sometimes cause a backlash, and they will not respect you and your ideas. Being hardcore and extreme about living green will sometimes make them into skeptic opponents and it will be impossible to discuss the core principles of green living. Also debates like this take the focus from the important tasks to talk about.

If your way of living shows how little effort it takes to change methods and ways of life, that it is not necessary to "go back and live in a cave without any amenities," this can lower resistance. Inspire others with your examples. If you share ideas, try to talk about one new small thing that is easy for anyone to change per week (or per month), and one major thing to change per month (or per 6 months) - slow change is usually longer-lasting.

History[edit | edit source]

The earliest milestones for the modern sustainable living movement include the books Living the Good Life (1954) by Helen and Scott NearingW and Silent SpringW (1962) by Rachel Carson. Influential books in later years include The Limits to GrowthW (1972) by Donella Meadows and the classic which popularized the idea of appropriate technology, Small is BeautifulW (1973) by E. F. Schumacher.W

Over time many of these ideas have moved from the fringe to the mainstream - at least as topics of acknowledged importance, even when action lags well behind rhetoric. Sustainability is now an important selling point in advertising (often simply greenwashing), campaigns for policy changes are going on in cities around the world, and policies to encourage sustainable lifestyles on a societal level provoke fierce debates in election campaigns.

From 1972, the United Nations has held occasional conferences focused on improving sustainability within societies. So far, these have been held in 1972W, 1992 and 2002W.[19] In 2007 the United Nations published Sustainable Consumption and Production, Promoting Climate-Friendly Household Consumption Patterns.[20]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. Ainoa, J., Kaskela, A., Lahti, L., Saarikoski, N., Sivunen, A., Storgårds, J., & Zhang, H. (2009). Future of Living. In Neuvo, Y., & Ylönen, S. (eds.), Bit Bang - Rays to the Future. Helsinki University of Technology (TKK), MIDE, Helsinki University Print, Helsinki, Finland, 174-204. ISBN 978-952-248-078-1.
  2. Ross, Greg. "An interview with Lester Brown" American Scientist.
  3. Winter, Mick (2007). Sustainable Living: For Home, Neighborhood and Community. Westsong Publishing. ISBN 0-9659-0005-3.
  4. The Center for Ecological Living and Learning (CELL)–philosophy
  5. Technology jumps
  6. "The Impacts - 2011 Meat Eater's Guide to Climate Change + Health". Environmental Working Group. 2011. "Lamb, beef and cheese have the highest emissions. This is true, in part, because they come from ruminant animals that constantly generate methane through their digestive process, called enteric fermentation. Methane (CH4) – a greenhouse gas 25 times more (CH4) potent than carbon dioxide (CO2), accounts for nearly half the emissions generated in this study's Nebraska beef production model (...). Pound for pound, ruminants also require significantly more energy-intensive feed and generate more manure than pork or chicken (...)."
  7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8567486/
  8. Glossary of sustainability terms
  9. Brown, Lester R. Plan B 4.0: Mobilizing to Save Civilization. New York: W.W. Norton, 2009.
  10. Hawken, Paul, Amory Lovins, and L. Hunter Lovins. Natural Capitalism: Creating the Next Industrial Revolution. New York City: Little, Brown and Company, 1999. Print.
  11. Reduce United States Environmental Protection Agency. 5 May 2010. Web 10 Nov. 2010
  12. Wastes – Resource Conservation – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle United States Environmental Protection Agency. 05 May 2010. Web 10 Nov. 2010
  13. UpCycle Sustainability Management. Presidio Graduate School. Web. 10 Nov. 2010
  14. San Murugesan, "Harnessing Green IT: Principles and Practices," IEEE IT Professional, January-February 2008, pp 24-33.
  15. http://www.urbansprout.co.za/population_growth_has_no_relation_to_global_warming
  16. For example, someone with millions on his bank account can decide to park it there until he dies, while someone with a limited budget can still have a major negative impact on the environment (e.g. by starting a forest fire) and/or can also have other negative impacts (e.g. by disposing all his organically non-decomposable waste in the environment).
  17. Having 2 children maintains population size, divided by 3,5 makes 0,57
  18. The decision on who can and can not reproduce will probably depend on financial means (to be able to support children), and genetic makeup
  19. National Sustainable Development Strategies United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs April 2008.
  20. Sustainable Consumption and Production: Promoting Climate-Friendly Household Consumption Patterns United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs 2007-04-30.

External links[edit | edit source]

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