Environmental sustainability is a core component of the UN's
17 Sustainable Development Goals that aim to achieve a more sustainable future. The
EPA identifies that efforts to achieve a more sustainable future should be taken at both organizational and individual levels. The goal with sustainability is to
preserve and prevent the overuse of already scarce natural resources.
Broad examples of sustainability include
conscious consumerism,
recycling, composting, and energy efficiency to name a few. It is important for us as responsible stewards to be mindful of what we take from and put into the environment that supports our existence. On a broad level, adopting environmentally sustainable practices can help
lower costs by reducing the inputs needed for production.
Conscious consumption entails being mindful of the impact the products we consume have on the environment. One can start by learning about the sustainability commitment of companies they make the most purchases from. Additionally, finding green lodging, buying quality products and shopping secondhand are habits one can adopt to reduce their ecological footprint.
As a conscious consumer, we urge you to
recycle instead of tossing recyclable products into the trash. Products that can be
recycled include common items like paper, glass, plastics, aluminum that can be put into your curbside
recycling bin while other products like
batteries and electronics have specific locations that accept them.
Nature recycles too! Simply put,
composting is nature's way of recycling to build healthier soil for plant growth, conserve water and prevent soil erosion. You can start small by
composting at home through backyard composting or vermicomposting instead of throwing your food scraps or yard waste into the trash.
Adopting an
energy efficient lifestyle can be one of the fastest and affordable ways to reduce the overuse of fossil fuels. As we approach spring and summer,
simple changes like allowing natural light to enter your homes and opening windows to cross ventilate can help conserve energy. Additionally, using
ENERGY STAR certified products can help one be more energy efficient.
