2012 saw the implementation of a Sustainable Lifestyle program by the UN. It was part of their scheme, One Planet, that sought to improve the environment. Its main focus – reducing the carbon footprint.

There are several ways in which this can be done, such as using public transportation and bicycles rather than fuel-powered personal vehicles, reducing the usage of air-conditioners, shifting to a more heavily plant-based diet, and paying greater attention to water, gas, and electricity-based energy usage.

Everyone on the planet can do their bit to help the environment and everyone contributes in their own way: some people take the bus to work and others cut down on their consumption of meat and dairy. You don’t have to subscribe to every single item on the checklist provided by the United Nations. What matters is that you try to save the planet.

The good news, however, is that you might be doing it already without even realizing it! Here are four surprising ways in which your lifestyle can be termed sustainable.

You Prefer Online Gaming over Traditional Options

When talking about entertainment, people who prefer online gaming like RPGs, casino table games or any type of other digital option over traditional variants (which we also call brick-and-mortar) may radically cut down on carbon emissions and physical waste. 

This is because traditional gaming activities can sometimes require many accessories and resources. This includes air conditioning and electrical units set up in commercial buildings, athletic wear, stadium lighting, plastic and electrical consoles, and a lot of other paraphernalia.

Online gaming options only require one cloud-based server, much less hardware (typically only a laptop computer or one console in each individual’s house), and fewer commute-based carbon emissions due to digitally distributed and data-efficient games.

You Like to Thrift Shop for Sustainability

The fast fashion industry produces 1.2 billion tonnes of CO2 annually. At present, it contributes to almost 10% of the global carbon footprint. If this is allowed to continue unchecked, the amount will grow in excess of over 400% within the next five years.

Unfortunately, eco-friendly shopping is too expensive for most people. However, some people have bypassed this issue by relying heavily on thrift clothes, bags, shoes, and accessories. This is a sustainable lifestyle switch because it discourages the production and purchase of more plastic-based clothing. It encourages everyone to save money by spending on reusable clothes rather than contributing to large amounts of environmental waste.

You Rely On a Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet is one of the healthiest and most sustainable diet plans available, both in terms of environment as well as permanent implementation. The reason behind it is its reliance on plant-based meals alongside smaller portions of carbs, good fats, and healthy sugar and meat.

Over-consuming meat and dairy has caused negative effects to pop up, which are considered long-lasting and bound to have an impact on the environment. That is why it is important to contain their consumption as much as possible. This would lead to both a healthier body and mind as well as a healthier planet. 

You Work Remotely

Greenhouse gases by transportation totaled 28% of all emissions, just for the US alone. Throughout the year, private forms of travel make up the vast majority of the carbon footprint. Frequent flyers are the prime culprits behind this.

People who opt for public transport to work reduce the impact on the environment greatly. However, those who work remotely radically bring down the impact of these emissions as well. By 2025, more than 32 million Americans will be working remotely full-time. If this trend keeps going, it could radically improve the air quality index and breathability levels.

To Sum It All Up

Everyone wants to do their bit for the betterment of the environment. However, the widespread circulation of negative news discourages many of us. It doesn’t have to be that way – by staying up to date with global trends and different movements that are happening around the world, you can ensure that your lifestyle choices are cost-efficient for your own self as well as beneficial for the world around you. Every individual contribution to environmental protection and personal improvement makes for a better world.

Whether or not you advocate actively for environmental protection, it is important to contribute in whatever capacity that is possible. By making even the smallest lifestyle changes – you can slowly contribute to a better planet while improving the quality of your own life.

Who knows, you might already be doing a lot of good for the world without even realizing it! Focus more on the positives of life rather than getting bogged down with negative information. Keep your nose up and continue to try to do your best and be the amazing human being that you have always been.

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