It’s possible you don’t even know the answer to this question – maybe the government offered a solar rebate, which got you to thinking about solar power. Maybe you have heard about the world’s water supplies and the stories of exploitation of this abundant, free resource, by large corporations. Possibly, you’ve heard of Monsanto, and want to know more about what it means to eat genetically modified food.
You’ve probably realized that living sustainably means less financial output on your part, in the long run. All in all, when you decide to live sustainably, you consume less energy – whether that is energy from fossil fuels, financial energy, or other forms of energy.
The point is, whenever you decide to do something, it’s important you clearly understand WHY you do it. Because if you don’t, it won’t be sustainable.
Is SAVING MONEY enough of a reason to continue living sustainably? I’m not so sure it is, because if you want to save money, won’t you go for the $1 burger instead of the $5 salad? Will you reach for the $2 ‘Black and White’ brand of flour, rather than the $4 packet of organic flour?
Can you see the conflict?
So why do you want to start to live sustainably? Here are a few reasons why you may understand this decision has so much more merit than just a cost saving exercise.
“We do not inherit the land from our ancestors. We borrow it from our children”
– Native American proverb
1. You reconnect with what is important to you. How? Turn off the TV and eat around the dinner table with the family. Start a conversation and reconnect with each other. The more you do this, the more you encourage your children to believe this is the norm.
2. You feel a renewed sense of satisfaction and respect, as you prepare your own food, in your own kitchen. How is this living sustainably? When you prepare your own food you know exactly what you are putting in your body. When you know what you put into your body, you begin to take more notice of it. Your body appreciates that, and it responds in kind. A simple decision to prepare more of your own food can result in less dis-ease in your body, weight loss, and a greater general self-respect
3. You contribute to a cleaner planet, as you use less chemicals in your home, and put less chemicals in your body.
4. As you notice your electricity bills decrease you want to do more to contribute to your own sustainability, which means you begin to learn more and more about living sustainably. This, in turn, leads to greater self-respect and respect for others, and for our planet.
5. You experience a greater sense of overall health, because you consume less processed food, use less chemicals in your home, decrease electronic emissions, and enhance relationships by preparing and sharing food around the dinner table.
As you’ve noticed, your decision to live sustainably, when well considered, only produces positive results. So what’s your reason?