Sustainable Practices

Sustainability is a word that I feel like we are expected to understand. It isn't necessarily a difficult concept, but I often only think of it as applying to an 'obvious' environmental sphere. It is easy to identify sustainable practices that directly impact the environment; however, there are so many other, less obvious, ways that one can be sustainable. I know that I'm supposed to conserve water and recycle and keep the environment clean, but I also think that I'm limiting myself by only thinking of sustainability in terms of the environment. Reusing clothing, dishes, pans, picture frames (and other items) can also contribute to sustainable practices. I often realize that I'm buying things that I don't necessarily need just because I can. A friend of mine buys new silverware and dishes every year, and that is also a contributing factor to unsustainable practices.

While reusing these items and not excessively buying things that I don't need, also impacts the environment it is less talked about than practices such as water conservation. Sustainability is ensuring that we have enough resources to support all living things. We have become so enthralled with new things we forget that they are not what really contribute to our livelihood. I hope to become more aware of how closely every decision I make affects the lives of people (animals and plants as well) around me.