Small changes, big impact: Switch to sustainability in your daily routine

Worried about climate change, and what’s it going to mean for the future? At a time when our planet is stretched for resources, and the global population is expected to reach 9.8 billion by 2050 (according to the UN), living a sustainable life seems to be the need of the hour. If you are a working professional with a busy life and less time to spare on elaborate chores, here’s how you can contribute towards a cleaner and greener future.
Did you know?
86% people, globally, see climate change as a threat
63% people, globally, have started to take climate change impacts into consideration while making decisions like where to live/work, and what to buy
163 metric tonne expected annual waste generation in India, by 2030


Essentially, living sustainably means having an understanding of the impact that lifestyle choices have on the environment. It's also about finding better ways to live, and reducing the damage caused to the environment. While sustainability can mean reducing your daily wastage, it could also mean buying products that have been sourced/made under fair conditions. You don’t have to start with big, overwhelming changes to start living a sustainable lifestyle. Small contributions, too, will make a big impact.

Food in sync with seasons and a region's topography, is more likely to have a smaller carbon footprint. So, follow the mantra of buying local and seasonal produce
*Make a grocery list to avoid overbuying, and ensure you carry your own shopping bag
*To enhance the longevity of food, use airtight containers, or freeze fruits and veggies
*Plan meals in advance and make use of leftovers. Think turning scraps into sabzis, or adding them to soups and curries for extra flavour
*What you discard, can make for a fine compost. But if you think it’s time consuming, donate the waste to someone who makes compost
*Love coffee? Carry your own cup. Many cafes even offer discounts for that
*If you have a green thumb, and gardening is your weekend hobby, try growing your own food. Picture coriander in your kitchen garden, lemon, green chilli and others in your balcony or on the terrace. This way you can contribute towards reducing "food miles" or the journey involved in transportation of the produce
*Use energy-efficient appliances like inductions and pressure cookers
*Ensure your fridge is set to the right temperature
*Cover pots while cooking, as it helps food to cook faster by using less heat
*When eating out, order mindfully, carry a water bottle, straw, and containers to pack leftovers, whenever possible


Going green with gadgets:
*Did you know that downloading is more sustainable than streaming, and watching in standard definition rather than high, can reduce the carbon footprint of video streaming?
*Regularly delete your emails, unused files and apps to reduce unnecessary backups as they create digital waste
*You don’t need to upgrade that phone of yours unless necessary
*Repair instead of replacing, or exchange your old gadget for a new one
* Improper waste disposal leads to environmental destruction and exploitation of vulnerable people. Before selling your device to a retailer, check where is it going for recycling
*Practice safe charging habits to prolong your gadgets lifespan
*Unplug chargers, enable battery saver, turn off devices when not in use
*Look for authorised recyclers that help recycle e-waste
*Most brands today have take-back programmes or designated collection points, using these official channels goes a long way in ensuring safe recycling
*Find out if your municipality is conducting an e-waste collection drive that you can participate in


Sustainable, but make it fashion:
*If you haven't warmed up to the idea of thrifting yet, choose to buy clothes from brands that practice ethical production, or from curated sustainable lifestyle and fashion exhibitions
*Apart from donating old clothes, you can give them away to brands for recycling. Some brands offer discounts in exchange for the clothes
*You can’t possibly buy clothes for all the wedding invitations. Rent them instead, or style your old clothes differently and rewear
*Remember, quality over quantity
*Opt for clothing made from materials like cotton, hemp, khadi, or recycled fabrics
*Wash clothes – not too often - in cold water, air-dry them, and avoid excessive ironing to reduce energy consumption
*Build a capsule wardrobe with versatile pieces so that you can mix-and-match and have multiple options