Simple Sustainable Living for the Non-Conformist

People are busy to go green. What's worse is that multi-billion companies are using the Green Movement to bolster their sales and make people think that they are on their side. Though the Green Movement sprung a hundred years ago, it's relevance to daily lifestyle remains. Industries continue to obliterate natural resources which are irreplaceable. The destruction ends up endangering human health and various ecosystems.

Different nations celebrated the first Earth Day on the 22nd of April, 1970. Its goal is to maintain an environment of decency, quality, and regard for all living creatures. To ensure environmental protection and consciousness, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was created. On top of the agency are legislations pointing towards the negative impact of several profitable industries such as forestry, fisheries, mining, and manufacturing.

Why the Green Movement is Limited to Specific Groups

Being eco-friendly is beneficial to all yet people prefer not to go green. Even homeowner and renters who choose to live in a sustainable estate like Cloverleaf would dwell on the reasons not to go green. Every non-conformist know this while the public may not be aware of their choices as it became part of their daily life.

To shed light on this thinking, here are the top reasons why not everCloverleafyone is a follower of the Green agenda:

1. Most people don't have enough time. An average person spends 9-16 hours at work in Cloverleaf offices including travel time and sleeps for an average of 6-8 hours. That leaves them with 9 hours to take charge at home, run errands, bond with family, or do activities they are passionate. Unless sustainable living and being green is their passion, there is not enough time to think of the idea.

2. Some are not aware of the impact of individual actions. A mainstream consumer prioritizes their comfort over anything else. They don't think that minimizing usage of plastic bottles or straws can save the ocean and the planet that will house future generations. They can't see the big picture because they aren't conscious of the effects of their decisions. They won't give up their comfortable lifestyle and switch to eco-friendly alternatives just because they are accustomed to it.

3. Companies brainwash their consumers. Most consumer goods are either in plastic or not sustainably manufactured. Clothing and textiles use synthetiCloverleafc dyes and other chemicals to color and design their product. Supermarkets and groceries sell consumable goods in plastic containers or place them in a non-biodegradable bag. These stores also sell eco-bags which most consumers dump upon using them.

4. Organic and all natural products, as well as eco-friendly solutions, are expensive. Alternatives to mass-produced products have high prices because the supply is less than the demand. These products also have a high production cost as they often employ traditional methods of manufacturing.

There is an opposing side to everything even if the things or advocacy will benefit the people and its habitat. Group, companies, and other individuals will disagree with the Green Movement and do everything in their power to persuade the population to do the same. There are no right or wrongs as each person has their opinion on the matter. Some people choose to live sustainably, while others would instead stick with what's comfortable.

How a Non-Conformist Can Shift to Green Living

A non-conformist always has a choice. Thay can reflect on their current lifestyle to think about its long-term effects or stick to it and watch the planet decay. Change comes from a decision and being part of the Green Movement begins from the changes at home. There are several ways to include sustainability in a simple home living.

Below are some ways to become an eco-friendly homeowner:

1. Relocate to a mixed-use township like Cloverleaf in Quezon City or Arca South.

A mixed-use community has residential towers, commercial spaces for dining, shopping, and entertainment as well as establishments for healthcare and office complex. These types of township minimize carbon footprint as institutions and structures are within reach. People's needs are within walking distance. Hence, there's no need to use a vehicle to get to the area.

2. Patronize homegrown brands.

Locally-manufactured furniture and home accessories, town specialties and other native products are examples of items within the country. These brands acquire their materials within their location. Therefore, they burn less gasoline over imported ones. The same goes for pieces of clothing and quick bites. The ECOlta Fair at Escolta features brands with innovative products such as The Real Happy Cow, Indayog, and A Beautiful Refuge.

3. Decorate with purpose.

Fill a room with greens instead of synthetics or plastic decor. A plant is exciting and challenging to have for its needs and benefits. It cleanses the air in the area as it absorbs toxins and releases carbon dioxide. To minimize the hassle of maintaining a plant, choose one which doesn't require regular watering and steady source of sunlight. Some indoor plants can survive without weeks of watering.

Besides plants, bedsheets, pillowcases, cushions, and fabric shower curtains are some of the functional home items which make a statement. Go for one hundred percent organic cotton when shopping for these pieces. The material uses water-based dyes.

4. Use all-natural hygiene and cosmetic products.

Soap, shampoos, conditioners, and lotions from store shelves all contain chemicals to preserve and enhance their performance. Unfortunately, exposure to these compounds results in a negative impact on people's health in the long run. All-natural products use plant-based materials and other organic compounds. These goods are less likely to produce skin reactions because of their mild ingredients. However, they may have a short shelf life as they lack preservatives.

5. Modify the features of your home.

Install a low flat toilet for less gallon per flush consumption. Use LED (light-emitting diode) or CFL (compact fluorescent lamps) to reduce heat and energy. Insulate your home using borate-treated newspapers (a combination of oxygen and boron which is fire-retardant). Plant tall trees to have a shield from UV rays. Place programmable thermostats, so the air-condition runs only at the designated temperature.

These five steps to sustainable living don't mean becoming a blind conformist. Freedom to choose is still with people. It's up to them to decide how to accept the benefits of the challenge of living in green.

Note: This article was originally published on July 7, 2014 as "Making Your Home More Green." It was revised and updated to increase public awareness on the impact of their collective actions.