Sustainability has become a buzzword almost everywhere you go. You’ve probably heard it on the news, by various multinational corporations, your place of work, by activists and bloggers alike. And if you’ve been following my instagram account for a while, you’ve probably heard me talk about it too. It’s a subject very close to my heart, as I like to think of myself as a steward, with a responsibility, an أمانة (Arabic for amanah) which translates to trust in English.
According to the Huffington Post, the term ‘sustainability’ was mentioned in Our Common Future, a UN-commissioned study from 1987, known as the Brundtland Report. It’s fair to say that the term has existed for quite some time, but the renewed focus on living more sustainably is linked to the damaging effects of global warming, which has been driven by large human emissions of greenhouse gases, and the extreme shifts in weather patterns.
For me, sustainability is more than just a ‘buzzword’. It’s an integral part of my lifestyle, deep rooted within my faith, Islam, hence where the idea of being a steward derives from. Admittedly, I have not always lived sustainably, nor do I claim to be living in the most sustainable way at present — there’s so much more I should be doing. However, I am taking the appropriate steps to live more sustainably and recognise that I will get it wrong sometimes. I also won’t be that person shouting at everyone to go vegan and stop using cars. Everyone’s circumstances are different, so let’s not bash each other if we’re unable to incorporate certain habits into our lifestyles.
For Muslims, sustainability predates to centuries ago. Islam teaches Muslims to be stewards to the earth and to live balanced, eco-friendly lives not causing harm to what God has provided whether that be towards the world’s animals or nature. This supports the idea of ‘sustainable living’, which is “a lifestyle that aims to reduce one’s environmental impact in ways that are sustainable both for the Earth and for the person.” [Green Matters]
A beginner’s guide to living more sustainably
“There are endless ways to live sustainably, including: reducing your use of resources, composting, relying on clean energy sources, reducing your consumption of single-use plastic, eating less animal products, shopping for clothing and other items sustainably, buying local, and more.” [Green Matters]
Without realising, we are (at times) living more sustainably, whether that be opting to take our carrier bags to the supermarket for our shopping instead of buying them, recycling materials in the correct bins or opting for reusable masks over disposable ones. Every small act makes a difference! Here are five useful tips to help you on your journey to leading a more sustainable lifestyle:
- Reduce the use of energy
Yes I am stating the obvious! Switch off the lights or unplug appliances when you’re not using them. Also consider swapping your existing light bulbs for energy efficient ones. You should also try to take shorter showers and hang your clothes out to dry when you get some sun (as opposed to using the dryer). If you’re a Muslim completing your ‘ablution’ (wudu) for prayers, please don’t leave the tap running — use water efficiently — “do not waste, for God does not love the wasteful.” [Qur’an, 6:141]
You can calculate your household’s carbon footprint on this calculator.
2. Reduce, reuse and recycle
Admittedly, this is a difficult one for me and quite frankly, a work in progress for many of us.
I have found that when I meal plan, I tend to waste less and I end up enjoying the food much more as it’s more wholesome — it’s also less stressful to have to think of what to eat on the spot (and I save some money so it’s a win win). I’ve recently been looking into the idea of eating seasonal vegetables or fruits but farmer’s markets are quite difficult to get hold of where I am in London. No doubt the quality and taste of seasonal fruit and vegetables are so much better overall.
Additionally, it is a known fact that eating meat has a huge impact on the environment from fueling climate change to polluting landscapes and waterways. Experts have warned that we must start consuming less meat in order to help navigate this. An Independent article states that people in the UK on average consume “84.2kg of meat per year, that’s about 5.5bn kilograms of meat.” That’s a lot of meat for an individual. Now multiply this amount with the UK’s population — that’s a disturbing amount! If we put global warming aside, we should consider the meat and dairy industry’s devastating impact on animal welfare as well as our health. Switching to alternative vegan, vegetarian or flexitarian diets would make a big difference to our planet, as well as our selves.
I have gotten into the habit of making a shopping list before I go shopping so this helps me avoid buying things I won’t need. I also recently came across a really cool app called Olio, an app where you can share surplus food or items with your community / neighbours instead of throwing it in the trash — a great concept. It’s an app which increases the art of giving and reducing waste — something I am very conscious about.
In terms of reducing waste with regard to personal care, we can certainly find alternatives to plastic or paper goods as they are widely available. For example, switch the make up wipes for washable cloths or shampoo bottles for shampoo bars — lush do lovely shampoo bars. It’s also ideal to keep a note of what you need somewhere, whether that be a spreadsheet, your phone notes or a diary. This will certainly help you keep track and you’d be less likely to waste money on items that you (probably) already have at home.
While you’re at it, I recommend picking up a plastic free, reusable hydrating water bottle and straw. If you’re extra keen, pick up some reusable cutlery for your travels. Check out places like Etsy, John Lewis or your local supermarkets for these products.
Finally, recycle wherever possible and use the appropriate bins provided by local councils. Do also compost your food and other waste where possible.
3. Travel consciously
I am sad but not surprised to say that not all carbon emissions can be avoided on your travels. As a travel geek, I absolutely love travelling so admittedly this one is quite difficult for me. I know once it’s safer to travel, I will be on the first plane out of the UK and sitting on a beach somewhere. But as I try to lead a more sustainable life, I am looking to reduce my travelling via airplane due to the climate emergency. Sorry travel buddies!
When distances permit, walk or cycle instead of driving, or alternatively opt to take public transport. For longer distances, no doubt you may need to hop on a plane but perhaps check out whether your plane is moving towards sustainable travel.
I also recommend researching about where you’re planning to stay on your travels — don’t be afraid to enquire about their sustainability practices.
4. Change the way you shop — shop less and shop with intention
I started this journey in 2018 and it’s still a work in progress but I am amazed at how much easier it is to pick something to wear as I have less options to choose from.
If and when you shop at your favourite clothing retailers, please try to do so with intention, over impulse. I have found the best way to live more sustainably is to purchase less. The aim is to reduce, not redirect our waste. Be aware of brand ‘greenwashing’ campaigns. Many fast fashion brands have tapped into the sustainable market, and are now advertising their merchandise as ‘eco-friendly’ whilst violating human rights in their supply chains. You can read more about this on websites such as Amnesty International or Clean Clothes Campaign. I also recommend watching ‘The True Cost’.
Among the environmental impacts of fast fashion include the reduction of non-renewable sources, emission of greenhouse gases and the use of massive amounts of water and energy.
Separately, it’s worth noting, much of our impulse buys end up in landfills, at the back of charity shops or third world markets which then results in competition against local businesses that lose out due to the sale of second hand clothing in markets.
If you’re in need of new clothes, you can also try thrifting at your local second hand stores and starting a versatile capsule wardrobe comprising of biodegradable fabrics such as linen. You can also try repurposing old fabrics for household upholstery or consider reselling items on apps such as Depop or Ebay. It should be noted that donating your clothes isn’t always a viable sustainable solution as it does not lessen the impact of fast fashion if the amount of new clothes we buy is increasing in sheer amounts and tonnes of textile waste is ending up in landfills. As awareness on the devastating impact of fast fashion grows, it is expected that people will be likely to donate their old clothes instead of throwing them away, but it is likely to end up as textile waste, especially if the condition of the item is not suitable to resell. The best way to tackle this issue is to shop less! As Vivienne Westwood says “buy less, choose well, make it last.”
5. Hold companies as well as governments to account
When shopping at brands, question workers rights and conditions to ensure that clothing pieces were created in safe conditions. As mentioned above, be aware of greenwashing by multinational fast fashion brands!
As mentioned under tip four, don’t be afraid to call out companies and governments for their complicity in human rights violations in their supply chains. It is totally unacceptable for multinational corporations to profit off the backs of vulnerable workers.
You can show your support by writing to your local MPs, signing petitions, calling out companies on your social media accounts and writing to company CSR departments. Every act goes a long way. Never underestimate the power you, as an individual have to influence and advocate change.
Sustainable living is a lifestyle, a continuous learning process and philosophy — you won’t always get it right. You will make mistakes, I have and continue to. In the face of an increasingly deteriorating earth with rising global temperatures, we have no choice but to act and change our habits. I understand it can often feel as though an individual’s small choice or action won’t make change but it will. The proliferation of these small actions or habits in the long-term will amount to huge changes in the grand scheme of things.
My request to anyone reading this is to start with yourself and then share what you’ve learned with your family, community and friends — online and offline. You really don’t know who you will inspire to change. Make it an intentional habit to live more sustainably and you’ll notice big changes in the long-term on and individual and community level.
How are you advocating for a more greener, sustainable world? Share your thoughts in the comments. 🌎
