Sustainable Living

Sustainability is complex, and even the most conscious among us may wonder whether we really live sustainable lives. Giles Crosse looks at how to take more meaningful action.

What is considered sustainable? Do we have to give up everything or are there more realistic options for balancing impacts with a more thoughtful way of life?

It’s an interesting question, because so many of the most common elements of 21st century living seem opposed to sustainable principles. Driving, consumption and the food we buy in the supermarket can all contribute to global warming and threaten biodiversity.

Equally, there’s little less appealing than the notion of giving up every tiny luxury for our planet. Clearly some kind of balance is required.

So what’s the solution?

“Sustainable living is by its nature a holistic concept,” explains Karl Hansen. He’s the Director of The Living Rainforest / Trust for Sustainable Living. It’s a charity that looks at rainforest ecology as a metaphor for sustainability issues.

“The focus is not just on our ideas, but also our actions. I like the broad, ‘big picture’ approaches. Looking not just at population, but at consumption. Not just economics, but also ecology. Ultimately, we'll probably need to adopt a new language for all of this, and release ourselves from the old ways of thinking which got us here.” Read more

Resources:
The University of Manchester, Sustainable Consumption Institute: Improving Sustainability Skills and Knowledge in the Workplace

Action for sustainable living:
Case Studies:
Rolls Crescent Primary School
Chorlton’s Big Green Festival
Fo Guang Green Action Group
The Energy Academy
New Barracks Co-operative Housing Scheme

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