Sustainable living is more than just a trend. It's a lifestyle choice that can benefit not only the environment but also our health, finances, and overall quality of life.
A friend recently asked me what's your "why" behind Gracious Garlands. My answer to this question has evolved over the years. First, I took over GG from my mother because I had a butt-load of student loans to pay off from nursing school and honestly, I had no idea I was a creative. Then, it became a way to celebrate my love for the table and to encourage you to gather around the table with loved ones. And while I still hope Gracious Garlands encourages you to practice hospitality and embrace long dinners, my current "why" is to encourage you to live a more sustainable lifestyle inspired by nature.
While living sustainably is about making choices that help us reduce our impact on the environment and save natural resources for future generations, it's also about embracing a way of living that promotes balance and harmony in all areas of our life.
Living a sustainable life is about aligning our energy with the flow and tranquility of nature --
It's about turning away from consumerism, fast-fashion, materialism, instant gratification, and the more-is-more culture.
And it's through this intention we create space to truly show up to our lives, to be present for each moment, to not let a second pass us by of our wild and precious lives.
This --- THIS is what I'm passionate about. This is what I hope this space inspires.
Yeah, it may take some effort and sacrifice, but trust me, it's worth it.
Here are five areas of your life you can embrace sustainable living beyond loving mother earth:
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Health and Wellness
Living sustainably can improve our health and wellness in many ways. For example, by choosing locally sourced and organic food, we can reduce our exposure to harmful pesticides and support local farmers. Eating a plant-based diet can also help reduce our carbon footprint and improve our health. Additionally, choosing non-toxic cleaning products and personal care items can help us avoid harmful chemicals that can affect our health.
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Personal Finance
Sustainable living can also benefit our personal finances. By sticking to a budget, reducing our consumption and living more simply, we can save money on unnecessary purchases and reduce our debt. Additionally, by choosing energy-efficient appliances, we can save money on our utility bills. Finally, by investing in sustainable technologies and companies, we can support businesses that align with our values and potentially earn a good return on our investment.
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Social Responsibility
Living sustainably is not just about our individual choices but also our impact on society. By supporting ethical and sustainable businesses, we can contribute to a more just and equitable economy. Additionally, by choosing to volunteer or support organizations that promote a sustainable culture for all people, we can help build stronger communities and promote positive change. Lastly, by shopping with brands that support ethical working conditions and wages and embracing slow fashion we can make a huge impact.
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Mindfulness and Mental Health
Sustainable living can also improve our overall well-being by encouraging us to slow down and be more mindful. It makes room for us to prioritize self-development so that we ourselves can be more sustainable and resilient. By choosing to live a more intentional and simple life, we can reduce stress and improve our mental health. Additionally, spending more time in nature and engaging in sustainable activities like gardening or hiking can promote relaxation and improve our connection to the natural world.
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Relational Connection
Finally, sustainable living also encompasses sustainable relationship practices. This can involve prioritizing open and honest communication, mutual respect, and active listening in our interactions with others. In addition to this, when we bring an intention of sustainability to our relationships, we allow ourselve to set boundaries to prioritize both self-care and to really invest in the people that fill us up. We make space for the relationships that give us life and we commit to fully showing up for one another.
Hopefully now you can see sustainable living is not just about loving Mother Earth. It's about embracing a holistic lifestyle that benefits our health, finances, social responsibility, mindfulness, personal growth and connection to others.
By making small changes in our daily lives, we can all contribute to a more sustainable and just world -- and fully participate in the here and now.
