We are always so eager to jump the âtrendingâ bandwagon, arenât we? Right from fashion trends to 'Dalgona' coffee and silly TikTok challenges, we end up giving in to most hashtags that rule our highly âPublicâ social (media) life.

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So, let me introduce you to yet another âtrendâ which has been trending for a few years now. #Sustainability. #SustainableLiving. #SustainableLifestyle. No matter what you wish to call it, itâs all the same and equally promising! 

Itâs hip and much more worthy of your time. Not only will it make you seem âwokeâ and responsible, it comes with the added benefits of improving the quality of your life as well as that of the Earth, all at once.

So, here are 10 small but effective lifestyle changes that you can make to help the environment and the Earth live better, plus also become very âtrendyâ:

1. Say No To Single-Use Plastic

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I know youâve heard enough of this, but trust me when I say it, every time you say no to that plastic straw, plastic cutlery, plastic food packaging, carry bags and a host of other things made out of/covered in single-use plastic, you are not only helping the environment but also saving lives which end up as collateral damage because we love plastic so much in our life. 

2. Carry Reusable Water-Bottles

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The idea is to have a bottle of water handy while on the go, and avoid the need to buy plastic cups and water bottles when you are struck by intense thirst while on the road. 

Use and throw cups and bottles not only impact the environment negatively, but also send your health for a toss by injecting toxins into your body. 

Opt for glass or metal-based (ideally steel or copper) water bottles to carry with you at all times.

3. Practise Basic Recycling

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I do not need to tell you why recycling is supremely crucial for Earthâs future, now more than ever. Junior school taught us enough about it, but growing up we forgot the basics. So, here goes. 

Recycling reduces the generation of avoidable waste, helps conserve Earthâs resources, reduces pollution and saves a ton of energy! By simply recycling this around us, we can heal the Earth! 

4. Bring A Personal Carry Bag

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Letâs bring the âjholaâ back in fashion, shall we? Be it a cotton or khadi-based cloth bag, or a jute bag, just ensure you take your own carry bag with you when you go shopping. Be it for veggies, groceries or even clothes. Itâll also save you a lot of money!

5. Shop Locally

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What this means is, instead of heading to the supermarket, buy stuff from the local sabziwala, doodhwala, or head to the nearest farmerâs market or mandi where you can get fresh, quality produce and pay much less than how much you would at a shopping mart. 

Itâs good for the environment, your health and also for some hard-working people trying to earn an honest living.

6. Opt For Preloved Things

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Many of you may not agree with this, but so much goodness often lies hidden in preloved items. This is true especially if youâre looking at decorating items, antiques, furniture, books and even electronics! 

Second-hand items are not only less expensive, but also conserve resources, energy and prevent pollution too!

7. Travel Responsibly

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Again, something we are all aware of, but not actively participating in. Donât wait for Kejriwal to come back with his Odd-Even Rule to get back to carpooling and taking the public transport. Do it otherwise and regularly too. 

Walk where you can, cycle where you canât and try to reduce the number of times you take out your car and fly someplace as much as you can. Fuel has a significant carbon footprint, which in turn hurts the environment.

8. Avoid Fast Fashion, Go Indigenous

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Changing clothes like changing trends is no longer a healthy practice. From chemical waste production to wastage of water and energy, fast fashion is one of the biggest polluters after the oil industry. 

Instead, choose indigenous brands and craftsmanship. Wear natural fabrics like cotton, silk, khadi and donate unwanted clothes instead of just throwing them away. 

9. Save & Harvest Water

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This is pivotal to any sort of future that we are trying to build on Earth. Water is a basic necessity of life but also one of the most important factors that make life sustainable on this planet. 

So, save water, avoid thoughtless wastage of this life-giving liquid and harvest water if you can.

10. Use Energy Responsibly

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Wastage of energy is another factor that handicaps measures for sustainable living. Avoid unnecessary use of electricity. 

Make use of natural light, opt for LED bulbs instead of CFL. Switch off that light before you leave a room. There is so much you can do really.

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