Today’s children and youth are the leaders of tomorrow. This blog is for you all, the younger population, who are keen on taking charge for a sustainable future. It is crucial for you to understand the fact that the way you live your day-to-day life today can determine the future of our planet. Your sustainable practices today are not only going to prove rewarding for your future and the planet, but even for the future generations. Since right now the world is facing a climate crisis as never before, your contribution towards tackling it is of utmost importance. Here are some steps which you can follow to start living a sustainable lifestyle today.
Start observing the natural elements around you and try to understand the purpose of their existence. You can even dig deeper and research about certain species of plants or birds which you often find in your surroundings. This will help you develop an understanding of different facets of the local biodiversity. Your research will also help you understand the kinds of resources nature provides us.
A few great ways to connect with nature are to go out on nature walks, farm experiences, gardening, biodiversity park visits etc. The more you indulge in the varying aspects of nature, the more you will learn and relate to the flora and fauna around you. This process helps you develop your ecological identity.
Observe the things you do and use in your daily lives and think of their alternative options that are sustainable. Pick an area or a few areas of interest and start working towards it. Some things you can indulge in are:
Being a part of such activities will increase your knowledge and interest in different areas of sustainability. Once you identify the types of eco-friendly and sustainable activities you enjoy doing, continue doing it and make it a part of your daily routine until it becomes a habit.
As children, inquisitiveness and curiosity comes naturally to you! Keep questioning why things are a certain way in nature – How important are honeybees for the food on your plate? Why are sparrows not found in cities any longer? Try to keep yourself up-to-date about the latest developments, inventions and ideas regarding sustainable living. You may find relevant information on social media platforms, newspapers, online blogs, and videos. You could also ask elders at your home, your community or your school, and maybe, you will get them thinking too.
Keeping yourself well-informed will help you get creative with your activities. If your activities have the potential to show tangible results, you should keep a track of the results and even share it with the people around you. During the process, you might also realize your interest in other eco-friendly activities that you can incorporate into your daily routine.
Making changes to your lifestyle to suit today’s needs is a bold and a generous step you take towards sustainable development. It is important to celebrate the little wins in the process. When you set goals and achieve them, rewarding yourselves will keep you motivated to continue your sustainable activities. Here are a few ways in which you can reward yourself:
You are the future of the planet, and the way you lead your lives today, treat nature, spread awareness and be mindful of your daily activities, is going to have a powerful impact in the future. Now is the time to start living a sustainable lifestyle and contributing your bit towards this cause.