The urgency of sustainable living and why we can't wait

The alarming price tag of unsustainability

Our current lifestyle, characterized by excessive overconsumption and disregard for waste, is causing alarming environmental damage. The impacts of climate change are far-reaching, with 85% of the world's population already feeling the effects.^[1] In the past five decades alone, surface temperatures have escalated at an unprecedented rate, surpassing any similar period in the last 2,000 years. These alarming trends have led to the melting of ice caps, a rise in sea levels, and a surge in extreme weather events.^[2] Furthermore, climate change intensifies pre-existing social and economic disparities, disproportionately impacting marginalized groups and individuals in poverty.

And we can't forget deforestation, primarily fueled by agricultural expansion, logging, and urban development, which poses a significant threat. It leads to a worrying reduction in biodiversity. Historically, the earth's forests covered 6 billion hectares about 10,000 years ago, but this has now dwindled to just 4 billion hectares. Annually, we witness the loss of around 10 million hectares of forest, with agriculture accounting for 70-80% of tropical deforestation.^[3]  This ongoing destruction not only undermines ecological stability but also aggravates climate change and its associated social inequalities.

As habitats disappear, so do countless species, disrupting vital ecosystems and the critical services they provide, such as pollination, clean water, and carbon sequestration.^[4] Consider the Amazon rainforest, our planet's lungs, which lost 2,133 square kilometers in just 4 months of 2023, a 17% surge from the previous year.^[5] As you can see, if we persist on this destructive trajectory, we will seriously jeopardize even more the fundamental life support systems we rely on.

Green Living: A Win-Win Solution

Transitioning to a sustainable lifestyle can yield numerous benefits for our health, community, and the planet. By embracing sustainability, we can witness improvements in air and water quality, the conservation of natural resources, and an enhancement of community health. Not only that, but sustainable living practices can also reduce the economic burden by conserving resources and promoting the development of resilient communities.

For instance, after starting its sustainable journey during the 1960s, the city of Curitiba, located in Parana State, Brazil, has achieved a remarkable symbiosis of urban development and environmental conservation. By planting over 1.5 million trees, Curitiba became a verdant oasis with 52 square meters of green space per person, one of the highest ratios in the world.^[6]  Moreover, the city's green journey not only improved air quality but has also spread ecological awareness among its citizens. About 70% of the city's residents actively participate in recycling, contributing to a cleaner environment.

Sustainable living practices, such as reducing waste, using renewable energy, and eating less meat, can significantly reduce our environmental footprint. Recent studies found that 78% of US consumers say that a sustainable lifestyle is important to them, and they are willing to back it up with their wallets.^[7]

Adopting a sustainable lifestyle can have profound benefits not only for the planet but also for individual health and well-being. Research indicates that the presence of green spaces, particularly in urban settings, can have a significant positive impact on mental health. They can aid in alleviating chronic stress, enhancing overall physical well-being, and boosting mood.^[8] For example, individuals residing within 300 meters of a green space are 50% less likely to experience stress compared to those living more than a kilometer away.^[9]

Sustainable Living: It Starts with You

Every individual action matters in the journey towards sustainability. It's crucial to take key steps such as minimizing waste, conserving power, reducing meat consumption, and supporting local businesses. By embracing recycling, reusing, and composting, we can effectively reduce our ecological footprint. It's remarkable how small changes, like turning off unused appliances and selecting eco-friendly energy sources, can significantly lower energy consumption.

Now Imagine the impact of these simple choices in our daily lives. Opting for a bicycle instead of a car for your daily errand, you could slash your transportation carbon emissions by an impressive 67%.^[10] It's not just about the ride; it's about the ripple effect of that choice. And consider the humble aluminum can. Recycle just one, and you've conserved enough energy to keep your TV running for three hours.^[11] These small steps aren't just actions; they're gateways to a significantly greener lifestyle.

The continuous rise of innovative breakthroughs is forcing us to reevaluate our lifestyles and consumption patterns. For instance, green building designs, alternative fuels, earth-friendly packaging, and waste-to-energy technologies are shaping a sustainable tomorrow.^[12] With the looming environmental crisis, it's crucial that we act sustainably, and swiftly. Each step towards sustainability is a stride towards a healthier earth and a brighter future for all.

[1] “At least 85 percent of the world’s population has been affected by human-induced climate change”. Available at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2021/10/11/85-percent-population-climate-impacts/
[2] "Climate Change: Global Temperature". Available at: https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/monitoring/monthly-report/global/202213
[3]“Deforestation and Forest Loss”. Available at: https://ourworldindata.org/deforestation
[4] "Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, halt biodiversity loss". Available at: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/biodiversity/
[5] “Deforestation remains high in the Amazon”. Available at: https://www.wwf.org.br/?85601/Even-with-signs-of-a-drop-in-2023-deforestation-remains-high-in-the-Amazon-situation-is-critical-in-the-Cerrado
[6] “A case study of sustainable urban planning principles in Curitiba (Brazil).” Available at: https://digital.library.adelaide.edu.au/dspace/bitstream/2440/114648/3/hdl_114648.pdf
[7] "The Sustainability Imperative: Consumer Expectations and How to Grow with Green". Available at: https://nielseniq.com/global/en/insights/analysis/2015/the-sustainability-imperative-2/
[8] “Urban Green Space and Health: Intervention Impacts and Effectiveness”. Available at: https://www.who.int/europe/publications/m/item/urban-green-space-and-health--intervention-impacts-and-effectiveness
[9] “Parks and Improved Mental Health and Quality of Life”. Available at: https://www.nrpa.org/our-work/Three-Pillars/health-wellness/ParksandHealth/fact-sheets/parks-improved-mental-health-quality-life/
[10] “Switching From Cars to Bikes Cuts Commuting Emissions by 67%.” Available at:  https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-03-31/switching-from-cars-to-bikes-cuts-commuting-emissions-by-67?leadSource=uverify%20wall
[11] “​​Facts about recycling.” Available at: https://actionrecyclingcenter.com/facts-about-recycling/
[12] "Innovations in Sustainable Living". Available at: https://www.msc.org/en-us/media-center/blog/news/2021/12/06/22-simple-tips-to-live-a-more-sustainable-lifestyle-in-2022

Author: Giuseppe Scandariato