The Path Towards Sustainability

The Path Towards Sustainability

The need to take care of our Earth is on the rise. Our relationship to the Earth is best described as being part of a multi-faceted ecosystem. What does that exactly mean? This means that we share the space with the elements on our planet Earth. Our oceans, rivers, forests, and resources all need to be protected and conserved.

It is imperative to shift focus to creating a better planet Earth. Not just for the present, but for generations to come. At face value, it might seem daunting trying to figure out how we can conserve every resource, especially as just one person. Luckily, there are so many small daily changes that we can make to reach this goal. 

Here are some simple changes you can make to your everyday life!

Grow your own produce!

At Your Health First – Sahtak Awalan, which is the flagship public health campaign of Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Khayr Qatarna was launched in 2018 to boost self-sufficiency in Qatar at the same time as helping the younger generation avoid non-communicable diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes by teaching them the importance of a healthy, balanced diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables. Such initiatives help to inspire sustainability and self-sufficiency in the community.

Taking notes? Go Electronic!

At work, at school, or for to-do lists, using paper to prepare our schedules is the norm. Shift to using an electronic list by typing on your tablet, phone, or laptop. If using electronic means to take notes is not possible, using recycled paper is also an option.   

Another step towards sustainability is minimizing car use. As the weather is getting better, walking is a great option. Using public transportation such as the metro or bus is an effective way to reduce our carbon foot prints. Carpooling with a friend is another simple way to reduce our carbon footprints. Reducing carbon emissions – all while spending time with a close friend – has double the benefits!

Bringing lunch from home? Buy yourself sustainable lunchboxes, food containers, and cutlery. By bringing lunch, daily waste is reduced. Ordering out excessively can be wasteful, especially with the plastic utensils and plastic bags that come with the food. If one is ordering, there are many restaurants that have eco-friendly options such as paper straws, biodegradable wooden utensils, and paper boxes for the food.

Do you like hot beverages?

Most tea bag manufacturers use a special sealing plastic, called polypropylene, to help seal their tea bags. Unfortunately, this plastic is neither recyclable nor biodegradable. Instead of using countless tea bags, you may opt to invest in a loose-leaf tea strainer. By using a loose-leaf tea strainer, you can eliminate the constant waste of tea bags. In line with cutting down plastic, use a metal straw instead of a plastic straw. In the mood to get coffee today? Bring your own reusable cup to the coffee store or better yet, make your own at home.

Practicing sustainability step by step is a great way to get started in helping the planet. Making small changes to our daily routines promotes more mindful consumption. Furthermore, solidifying these practices gradually creates habits to pass down the generations! Little by little, contributions add up and differences are made, so stay positive and join us in being more sustainable!