Sustainable living

Sustainable living, what does that actually mean, can I no longer have luxury, no longer travel by plane, no longer charge my mobile phone?

By living sustainably, you start thinking about the choices you make in your daily life, consciously dealing with the things you have and the energy you use.

You don't have to immediately change course to start living sustainably. For example, do you want to switch to a soap and shampoo bar for the shower? Then use up your supply of shower gel and shampoo first, it would not be sustainable to throw them away or leave them in the closet for years.

Dealing with things consciously

Be conscious of the things you already have. Are you no longer using something? Think about whether you can give it another function at home. If not, try selling it second-hand or taking it to the thrift store to give it another life, rather than ending up in the landfill.

Do you want to buy something new? Then think about whether you really need it. A lot of stuff we buy is an impulse buy and we don't really need it. Do you need some news? Then first take a look at the second-hand market. Maybe you can do a good job there, for your wallet and for the environment.

Irritate

A week of lying in the sun, a relaxed dinner with a view of the sea…. Who doesn't like to travel? And to get to our favorite destination quickly, we take the plane and a few hours later we are enjoying our first day of vacation under a blazing sun. But why do we always take the plane for European trips? Or the car? Europe has an excellent rail network and along the way you watch breathtaking landscapes flash by. Isn't that the beauty of traveling?

Some tips for a sustainable daily life

Which anyone can apply. Small adjustments here and there and they don't have to cost a lot of money. Often they can even save you money. If that's not a good thing.

• Turn your heating down a degree.
• Need a new device? Look second-hand or buy a new device with an A+ label.
• Use rechargeable batteries instead of disposable batteries.
• It is not necessary to shower every day and see if it can be shorter.
• Use rainwater for toilet and washing machine.
• Unsubscribe from advertising brochures that you receive weekly/monthly but do not view.
• Buy used interior and toys.
• Opt for a digital newspaper or magazine instead of paper.
• Give fun activities as a gift and eternal memories.
• Take a walk? Bring a bag and pick up the litter.
• Use reusable boxes and bottles for food and drink.
• Take a reusable bag to the store for your groceries.
• Set your washing machine less hot. At 30°, your laundry is also clean.
• Don't throw away old clothes, but sell or donate your clothes.
• Check out second-hand for new clothes. You will often find gems here.
• Put the lid on your cooking pot when you boil water.
• Use a silicone baking mat instead of baking paper.
• Shopping and shopping, do them locally as much as possible and support the small traders in your area.
• Do your shopping in bulk, bring your own empty jars.
• Buy seasonal products.
• Switch to using bar soap instead of shower gel.
• Take the bike to work instead of the car.
• Travel by train instead of plane.

Which tips for a sustainable life are you going to apply or are you already applying?
Let us know below in the comments.