The Sustainalist - Sustainability 101
In today’s world, consumption and waste are at an all-time high. It’s astonishing how many people buy a new couch every two years or refit their entire kitchen every five. Instead of focusing on high-quality furniture, many opt for trendy but cheap pieces.
Remember, every piece of furniture is made from something - and that something often comes from nature. For instance, wood comes from trees, which can live for hundreds of years and are vital for our planet’s oxygen supply. Honour and respect that when you sit on your couch next time, and think about having a new one only because the design became boring.
Here’s a quick tip: Give your couch a fresh look by searching for new pillow covers, throw blankets, or other accessories to spruce it up. But remember, these items have a story too. Cotton, for example, is a plant that once thrived under the sun, with the wind brushing through its leaves, drawing nourishment from the soil it grew in.
Whatever you buy, it’s important to recognize the manufacturing process behind it, which consumes significant resources like wood, water, and energy like coal and gas. Make it a habit to check for the sustainability aspect.
When purchasing anything new, adopt a mindset of:
- Gratitude for the tree that gave its life for that piece.
- Gratitude for the people who manufactured it.
- Responsibility in knowing where it came from and how it was made.
Extend this awareness to your clothing and other items. Research the conditions under which products from certain retailers or fashion brands are produced. You’ll soon find yourself gravitating toward brands that prioritise environmental responsibility and fair labour practices.
Becoming more sustainable involves taking responsibility for your actions by learning about their impact. Once you’re aware, make more responsible purchases and seek out alternatives.
Not only will this help our planet, but it will also instil a sense of gratitude and humility as you realise the good you’re contributing to the world.
That’s all for today.
With love, compassion, and courage,
Heike
The Sustainalist
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