I believe whenever you aim for bringing about a good change, it should begin at home. You must not preach without practising. So while we know sustainable living is the need of the hour, can we truly go out of our way for it? You may be shopping less, upcycling more, and using products that are eco-friendly but is that enough?
When we stay in a shared household, say with our families, sustainable living can become a lifestyle choice for all. You feel good when you do the right thing when you do something that’s good for the earth. Thus, being conscious of our environment can be contagious. You may end up actively and passively inspiring your family members to practise as much sustainability as they can.
However, for elders who have been living a certain way, being accustomed to certain things, it can get quite difficult to make the switch. Here’s how you can get your family to live more sustainably in a shared household.
Take the lead
When it comes to bringing eco-friendly changes to your home, it can very likely be met with either dismissal or passiveness. Don’t let that dishearten you. Be the torchbearer in your house and go ahead with a few changes, to begin with. For instance, go to the market and get eco-friendly toothbrushes and combs for the entire family. They will love the novelty and understand the cause you’ve taken up. Gradually, your team's sustainability will be stronger and bigger!
Make everyone participate
While our grandparents and parents may have been practising sustainability in their own way by reducing kitchen waste, upcycling old bedsheets, always trying to reduce energy consumption, etc, maybe it’s time for everyone to join in! This can be a fun family bonding time and it can make people of all age groups in the house come together to do some good.
Make a new shopping list
Sustainability also means buying less but buying meaningful. Having said that, if your generic shopping list consists of items that can make our earth facepalm, you will have to completely revamp it. When the time comes to hit the store, create a list that includes more local produce, and those that are biodegradable and conscious. A little change in the house will be welcomed by the family members as they get eager to try out the new items you introduce at home.
Get more plants
Biophilic interiors can bring more oxygen into your home and give you a sense of being close to nature. Plants have the capability of refreshing your soul and connecting you to your roots, to mother earth. Simply making your balconies or homes green, will make your family members more environment-conscious. Money plants and other creepers can revamp your living room and study spaces as well. These barely need any maintenance or space, so you can start your journey by making your home a bucolic haven with creepers.
Look back into our past
If you have elders living with you, do not underestimate them regarding sustainable initiatives. The generations before us have the habit of saving, recycling and reusing—this means, they may be more aware of zero-waste cooking and upcycling techniques. Involve them, even if they don’t live with you. They will love the involvement and you might not just make your household more sustainable but also revive our traditional practices.
Some key initiatives you can take:
· Consume local produce
· Limit packaging usage
· Look for eco-friendly alternatives
· Opt for full-size products
· Recycle, reuse and reduce
· Practice waste segregation
· Donate and share your resources
· Conserve energy
· Soften your space with plants
Also Read: Everyday Unsustainable Products That You Use Unconsciously, But Shouldn’t