The Art of Conscious Living
When Maslow first created his Hierarchy of Needs, he outlined the tiny tip of Self Actualization at the top. Unfortunately, we need to get more people to be aware of our impact on our planet. We, as a species, continue to produce and consume at a rate that is unsustainable to the long-term preservation of our earth.
By becoming more conscious of our impact on our environment, reducing our consumption levels, and strongly encouraging businesses to change the way they currently operate, we can start to undo some of the damage we are now doing.
Conscious Living Starts at Home
Take a good look at your surroundings! What can you do without or donate or recycle to someone who can use it more than you do.
During the Covid-19 hard lockdowns, neighbours shared tools, gadgets, kitchen appliances, supplies, etc., as they could not get to the shops.
Facebook Marketplace became the place to buy and sell second-hand furniture, goods, and appliances.
If you need something specific, does it matter if you get it second-hand? Or if you don’t currently use something in your home, can someone else make better use of it.
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
The first step in becoming more aware of our impact on the environment is to see what we throw away. You can eliminate basic things like buying bottled water if you have a reusable water or juice bottle handy. Instantly, you’ll minimise the plastic reaching our oceans. Installing a water filtering system in your home ensures you have clean and fresh water on tap to refill your bottles. Eliminate plastic bags and replace them with reusable bags when you go grocery shopping. Confidently deny the plastic coffee cup and plastic straw by bringing your own. Reusable mugs are super versatile for hot and cold drinks and often you get a discount for bringing your own.
Energy and Water Consumption
Do a detailed assessment of your home. What are you spending on electricity each month? Did you know that by changing up some minor aspects of your home, you can reduce that radically? Energy-saving light bulbs, sensors on your lights, which switch off when you leave the room, and energy-efficient appliances can all make a difference.
Water is fast becoming a very scarce resource. You can implement a water capturing system in your garden. Installing or converting gutters so that the water runoff lands up in a Jojo tank can water your garden for months from the seasonal rainfall. Live in an apartment? Get the community involved and do the same.
Only when you make conscious decisions about your consumption habits will you start to see a difference in your shopping habits. Vote with your wallet, and support sustainable businesses with a conscious conscience.
