In recent years, more and more people hear about the «eco-sustainability». Many times we hear about sustainable lifestyles or different ecological approaches to different aspects of our lives, but do we know what eco-sustainability means? What's more, do we really know why it is important and how it affects our day to day?
First of all, it should be said that there are different definitions of eco-sustainability.
What do we understand by eco-sustainability?
If we focus on the word itself, we will see that "sustainable" means something that allows human beings to continue living on this planet. The point to highlight that helps to make this possible is, among other things, resource renewal. The world is transformed in a cyclical way, and we have the task of defending this property so as not to upset the balance.
So, eco-sustainable, is everything that leads us to act so that future generations face a world that has an amount of resources equal to the current one. In other words, The eco-sustainable approach allows us to live on a healthy planet, both for ourselves and for our children and grandchildren..
We can all contribute our grain of sand for eco-sustainability
The concept of eco-sustainability applies to different aspects of our lives, from what we eat to what we wear. So, we can all do our part to achieve a more eco-sustainable world. The choices we make in the small things in our lives will influence which path we take. Preserving the environment is a duty of all. When we go to do something in our day to day, let's think about the impact that this act will have on the planet. Surely initially we will see that there are many things that we can change without much effort and that later they will become habitual daily gestures.
This can only be achieved by implementing a series of actions to ensure that current resource consumption allows future generations to have access to resources equal to those who preceded them. The basic concept of eco-sustainability is, therefore, the renewal of resources.
renewal is cyclical
On the other hand, the world changes cyclically and it is our job to defend this property so that its balance is not altered. Therefore, we can consider eco-sustainable everything that leads us to behave in such a way that future generations live in a world that offers the same amount of resources as today.
The concept of eco-sustainability can be applied to various fields and each one of us, even with little contribution, can do something to contribute to the preservation of the environment. It is better to contribute little than nothing, and many times, when we start to contribute, we are encouraged and continue wanting to contribute more to our planet.
As we've discussed before, we can influence every aspect of our lives, whether it's our home, the clothes we wear, the furniture in our home, the food we eat, or even the food we plant.
If we want our planet to be truly eco-sustainable, it would be necessary to contribute to the evolution of new technologies, such as renewable energy sources, and also modify the styles of Life individual in one increasingly ecological perspective. The more we are, the more we will notice it.
The years pass between idea and idea
" A development capable of ensuring the satisfaction of the needs of the present generation, without compromising the possibility of future generations satisfying their own. ".
This definition was coined in 1972 at the first United Nations conference on the environment. From that moment, it took another 15 years to arrive at the concept of "sustainable development", with the publication of the report of the World Commission on Environment and Development in 1987, which was established in 1983, "The Future of All of Us".
What is the purpose of eco-sustainability?
The main objective of eco-sustainability is to leave our children and grandchildren a world like the one we live in today (even better, that would be ideal). For this to be achieved, it is necessary to minimize the environmental impact that all kinds of human action has on Earth. Only then will future generations have the opportunity to enjoy the planet's resources and its beauty. On the contrary, these resources are destined to be consumed in a short time, giving life to a series of catastrophic events, such as endangering the existence of animal and plant life.
Why is eco-sustainability important?
In addition to what has been said so far, it is of fundamental importance for human well-being. By ensuring a certain balance, the environment will be able to continue supplying resources, thus ensuring basic "life support" functions. If we continue to consume resources, there will come a time (which is already beginning to happen today) when they will be depleted and we will have to look for other resources. We will not always have a substitute for the resource that has been depleted, and furthermore, continuing with the same trend, the new substitute will eventually be depleted as well.
Eco-sustainability is necessarily an integrated approach that involves all aspects of our existence, and this is something we must understand in order to contribute to ensuring that the Earth's resources are not depleted.
What are eco-sustainable behaviours?
Eco-sustainability must involve everyone without distinction: the largest productive sectors as well as individual consumers, who are called to act virtuously by implementing good ecological practices Every day. A few precautions are enough, such as proper selective waste collection and paying attention to both energy and food waste.
Each one of us can make his valuable contribution to save the planet from environmental collapse. So let's see together some virtuous behaviors to start putting our eco-sustainability implementation into practice.
Watch out for consumption
In winter, learn to manage the weather well calefacción without having it on all day and keeping the temperature at a maximum of 21°,
in summer, do not overdo it air conditioner and set it to one maximum temperature of 26°, for greater efficiency, as well as you can read more about his invention.
check that the faucets are not leaking,
install flow reducers on the taps to avoid wasting water,
choose plants resistant to the sun and that need little water, that are not very demanding in terms of irrigation,
uses Energy saving lightbulbs: they last 8 times longer, with a saving of 80%,
turn off the lights when leaving a room,
Turn off electronic devices when not in use
dry your clothes at air instead of using the dryer,
purchase energy efficient appliances,
use only fully loaded dishwashers and washing machines and, if possible, put them in "eco" mode...
Embrace renewable energy sources
Install Photovoltaic systems o thermal solar panels It is an investment that presents important advantages, as we saw in the article «Solar panels and their importance«:
It is an environmentally friendly form of electricity,
the cost of invoices is lightened,
polluting emissions are significantly reduced,
property increases by energy class and consequently also increases in value.
Sustainable mobility
Whenever possible, walk or ride a bike. Your health will also benefit.
Instead of the car, use public transport,
opt for cars electrical o hybrid. Thanks also to incentives, now they have increasingly affordable costs.
share rides with people who need to travel to the same destination as us, as companions.
Throw the garbage where it belongs
Separate waste functionally for disposal. The symbols which indicate the material are always shown on the packaging of the different products to avoid making mistakes in case of doubt.
Recycle whenever possible. Do good for the environment and save money along the way.
Buying Refurbished Electronics
Refurbished products, such as smart phones o PC, they save a lot in price and generate 80% less waste than buying a new product.
Avoid using disposable products
Always choose reusable containers and utensils,
opt for the rechargeable products,
avoid single-use plastics. In addition to contaminating the water, it suffocates flora and fauna, and it must be remembered that it takes from 15 to 1000 years to decompose.
Reuse objects and clothes
Buy ecological brands and clothes made with organic fabrics.
Evita fast fashion.
buy less, in general. Learn to reuse things.
donate or resell items you no longer use.
Choose seasonal products and kilometer zero
Buy food from the region itself or purchased through of solidarity buying groups.
Whenever possible, buy products directly from local farmers, thereby supporting the short supply chain.
Choose season products: In addition to being cheaper, they are also healthier in terms of nutrients.
Always read labels carefully to ensure that you are buying from companies that promote sustainability and therefore their products are free of pesticides.
What are environmentally sustainable materials?
In the construction sector, all materials that promote energy savings and also have a low impact on the environment are defined as sustainable.
So-called biomaterials are non-toxic and come from natural and renewable resources. The main ones are wood, clay, cellulose, cork and concrete.
