In recognition of the important connection between #peopleandplanet, putting sustainability in practice in one’s daily life is as easy as making small shifts in your routine, and committing to mindful and conscious consumption. To get started, we created a list of actionable changes you can make today to live a more sustainable life.
Recycle and Reuse
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle — also known as the “3 Rs” of waste management — is a familiar phrase that many of us remember from our childhood, and it’s just as important today as it was when first introduced back in the 1970s.
To be a more conscious consumer, it’s important to be mindful of your everyday behavior, products used, and various consumption habits — as each individual action leaves its own environmental legacy. Before your next purchase, try asking yourself if this is something you really need. If the answer is “yes,” consider the option of buying second-hand or gently used where applicable. Also, try to reuse products as many times as possible before tossing them to reduce waste.
Save Energy
Being more energy efficient is an easy way to live more sustainably without having to change your daily routine too drastically. Simply switch your electricity supplier, permitted your state/country allows, to a green-e certified company that generates a portion of its power from wind, solar, and other clean technology.
Taking it a step further, incorporate an energy efficient routine into your daily life by consciously switching off standby appliances, unplugging electronics not in use, and opting to air dry clothes that are not needed immediately.
Plastic is a material that never goes away — currently compounding across 40 percent of the world’s ocean surface, plastic is one of the biggest threats to our environment.
Grow Your Own Produce
Growing your own produce is not only good for the environment, but also a great practice of mindfulness and self-care. When growing your own produce, you can easily avoid products grown using pesticides and other harsh chemicals that contribute to water and air pollution. A win-win for people and planet.
Preserve Water
When it comes to water conservation — consider taking shorter showers and choosing low-flow and low- water appliance options. A little change goes a long way.
When consuming water, skip pre-packaged bottled water, opting instead for tap water in a reusable bottle. In addition to making the #plasticfree choice, you’re making a mindful choice on behalf of communities and wildlife that are directly impacted by the negative effects of water extraction and production.
Use Your Voice and Your Vote
How can we each do more, and fast? One of the most powerful things you can do for the planet, today and for future generations, is to get politically involved on both the local and national level. Vote with your wallet, insert yourself into the #climateaction conversation online, and demand change from the governments and organizations in your ecosystem.
Sign and share action alerts, attend events, and talk to your friends about endangered species protection and the need to address human population growth and overconsumption. Conversation spreads awareness and awareness creates change.
Make Mindful Purchases
One way to have an impact is to ensure your big purchases have big social and environmental benefits. Whether you’re in the market for a new car or a diamond ring, be mindful in your choices. If you’re looking for a new diamond, consider choosing a Climate Neutral and Sustainability Rated Lab Grown Diamond (we’ve got you covered) vs. a newly mined diamond.
Choosing a sustainability rated diamond verified under the SCS-007 Official Certification guarantees the company’s commitment to sustainable production practices — benchmarked against rigorous Environmental, Social & Governance audits, full third-party lifecycle assessments against core impact categories, and a dedication to transparency and continuous improvement. Learn more about our sustainability rated certification process and climate neutrality here.
