[youtube:http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=-1bhbNPS2gM]

Mark at 45n5.com gave me a good idea for a post, Mark runs a blog with the subject of internet marketing, and posted recently that his current interests were homesteading and sustainability.  So taking a cue from him I though sustainability would be a great subject for a combination video/text blog post.

Sustainability is humanity’s investment in a system of living that provides the current needs, while ensuring the opportunity for future generations to provide for their needs. In other words providing the things that we need to survive, while at the same time not destroying anything so that future generations will not have the same opportunity that we have now.

This is a very important concept of living and should be considered by all, there are many things that we can do to live a more sustainable lifestyle, whether you live in the big city, suburban setting, or the deep country, we all have things that we can do. Here is a list of things that we all can do to get started on the path to living a more sustainable life.

Trash

Trash is a common problem no matter where you live, and one of the first things we can do is Reduce the amount of landfill trash that we are producing. First step we can do is start buying concentrates and refills, or even going to your local warehouse and buying in bulk, all of these things provide more product for less packaging.

Large Items that you no longer want could possibly be needed by another, we have all heard the saying “One man’s trash is another’s treasure”. Give away or sell items that might otherwise go to a landfill.

Recycle – Most neighborhoods provide a means to recycle plastics and aluminum cans, In Japan they are required to separate plastics, PET bottles (plastic drink bottles), cans, and burnable and non burnable trash. A little inconvenience but something that is easily adjustable to, and helps tremendously.

Compost – About 45% of our garbage can be used as compost, Any vegetable material can be thrown outside in a compost bin and used for organic plant food later on, a great way to reuse waste.

Energy

Turn it off, unplug appliances at the wall that are not being used, many people do not know that their appliances are still using energy plugged into the wall even if they are off. Turn lights off, there is no reason to use lights when the sun is up.

Use hot water wisely, almost 30% of a homes electricity bill goes towards heating water, Check the insulation around your hot water heater, check the pipes for leaks. A wonderful thing to consider is a solar water heating system or a heat pump water system.

Choose energy efficient products, eco-bulbs use only 1/5 of a regular light bulb and last longer, seek out products with Energy Star labels or refer to the appliances star rating. (5 stars is best).

These are just a few things to consider, and can be accomplished no matter what environment that you live in. If you are in the market to build a house, now is a good time to start researching more energy efficient ways to design your house. Look into grey water, solar panels, earthship type construction, solar heaters, heat pumps, etc.. There are many areas of interest that fall under the Sustainability category.

I would like to hear what some of the readers of this blog do, to live a more sustainable lifestyle. I will showcase more specialty areas under the Sustainability subject in future posts, until then take care all!

1. 

   45n5 says:

   June 6, 2008 at 9:04 pm

   thanks for the mention and great video, I’ll look into sustainability

   I’m a true city folk as I just had the “awakening” moment lately that I don’t need to pay someone to grow my food for me, water is free and falls from the sky here, sun can cook the food half the year etc.

   Love the “free land” video you have, looks beautiful where you are.

   Cheers,
   Mark
2. 

   The Energy Coach says:

   June 10, 2008 at 12:24 pm

   Loved the video presentation – thanks for the reminder and inspiration to go on a bike ride!
3. 

   Jason says:

   June 11, 2008 at 2:08 pm

   I love to see when people write about sustainability, especially when their blog is not directed solely at that audience.
4. 

   Charles Hamel says:

   June 11, 2008 at 7:19 pm

   Thanks for all of the great comments you all.

   Mark – your an inspiration with every new post to your blog, it really is easy, just need a little perseverance.

   The Energy Coach – it was a fun ride but my bottom really felt it the next day, Ouch, I need a new seat.

   Jason – Thanks it is a subject dear to my heart, and something that I have been interested for a long time but never acted upon.
5. 

   Liara Covert says:

   June 12, 2008 at 6:43 pm

   Lots of great tips on offer here. It makes sense to recondition the mind, to realize where things come from and what happens after you use them. Just because ‘garbage’ is no longer in your home or garage doesn’t mean its gone for good. Out of sight doesn’t have to be completely out-of-mind. Raising awareness has many benefits.