Sustainable lifestyle - A beautiful commitment for future generations

A sustainable lifestyle has never been outdated. It is a way of living that nurtures ourselves, harmonizes with the community, and the environment around us. Today, let's explore this lifestyle together with Soumaki.

What is a sustainable lifestyle?

The present era is often referred to as the era of excess. We are provided with everything from head to toe. And because of this easy access to everything, wastefulness has become a social disease.

Every year, millions of tons of food are wasted, and Vietnam ranks second in the list of countries with food waste in the region. The fast-fashion trend has led to a rapid increase in consumption, resulting in piles of discarded clothing. In some coastal areas, the amount of floating waste exceeds the number of marine organisms.

At this moment, people are starting to reassess the values of sustainability. What does sustainability mean? It means avoiding wastefulness, not using "instant" products. It means practicing moderation, saving, and changing consumer awareness.

From there, a sustainable lifestyle is formed. It should be clarified that sustainability in this way of living is not only about maintaining the health and happiness of individuals, but it also involves placing humans in the natural context to reflect on how to protect and restore natural resources and live in harmony and balance with all species.

The ultimate goal of living sustainably is to create a long-lasting present and future. Therefore, it can be said that a sustainable lifestyle is a beautiful commitment for the future generations of humanity in particular, and for the Earth in general.

Benefits of a sustainable lifestyle

 Living sustainably can meet our current needs while preserving resources for future generations:

For the environment: protecting natural resources, minimizing the impact of pollution and harmful waste on air, water, and soil.

For individuals: promoting healthy eating, exercise, and reducing exposure to harmful substances. Practicing inner reflection creates a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment.

For society: promoting social justice, creating job opportunities for all social classes, and fostering sustainable economic development.

For natural resources: creating conditions for depleted resources to have time for recovery. Halting excessive exploitation and extraction without considering the consequences.

Learn more: What is mental health? What is your current mental state?

Habits that contribute to a sustainable lifestyle

To build a sustainable lifestyle, we can adopt the following habits:

1. Use and consumption

Use energy efficiently: Open windows to utilize natural light. Use energy-saving devices and renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and water.

Choose sustainable fashion: Prioritize clothing made from environmentally friendly materials such as natural fibers, bamboo, banana fibers, lotus silk, biodegradable fabrics, or handmade materials.

Use public transportation: Opt for public transportation, cycling, or walking more often. Replace cars and motorcycles to reduce air pollution emissions.

Conserve water: Use only the necessary amount of water in daily activities such as bathing, dishwashing, and watering plants. You can recycle water used for washing vegetables or cooking for flushing toilets and watering plants.

2. Recycling and reusing

Collect food scraps: Food scraps that may seem like waste can be a valuable source of fuel. For example, soak fruit peels and vegetables to make hand wash or dry them to use for making tea.

Reduce waste: Reuse and repurpose items around the house before considering purchasing new ones, minimizing waste to the maximum extent.

Physical and mental activities: Set aside a few minutes each day to take care of yourself through simple daily activities. Spend 5-10 minutes each day sitting with yourself, practicing deep breathing, and transforming physical and mental suffering. Strengthen your physical and mental well-being on the journey of living mindfully and healthily.

Topics surrounding sustainable living

Regarding sustainable living, there are several prominent topics that many people are interested in, including:

1. Sustainable eating habits - Igniting a long and healthy life

Sustainable eating habits are an essential part of a long-lasting lifestyle, including:

• Choosing naturally sourced foods and minimizing processed or industrialized foods.

• Encouraging the consumption of more fruits and vegetables while reducing meat and fish consumption to minimize the environmental burden of animal farming.

• Prioritizing local produce and seasonal foods (such as the AMAP  model worldwide)

• Adopting a healthy eating regimen that doesn't necessarily adhere to strict scientific principles but aligns with one's own lifestyle and physical condition.

Read more: Organic food - Consumer trend of the modern world

2. What does green consumption mean for a sustainable lifestyle?

Our conscious consumption choices and behaviors directly relate to the selection of products and the transportation of goods and services worldwide.

By prioritizing local products or those near your area, we can reduce the carbon footprint during transportation. Alternatively, we can choose environmentally friendly products/services or support companies with sustainable visions.

Conclusion