Sustainable Living Sustainable living is a lifestyle that attempts to reduce an individual's or society's use of the Earths natural resources. Reducing ones "Carbon Footprint" although a primary concern of those individuals attempting to lead such a lifestyle it is not there sole concern. Sustainable living is basically the application of sustainability practices to the lifestyle choices and decisions we make in our daily lives from the prospective of the "average" citizenry. An extreme example of a sustainable lifestyle was the "Back-To-Land-Movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Where groups of people would move to a remote rural location and "live off the land", establishing communes and the like. Although popular due to media coverage and the like, its effects however notable made very little impact in the reduction of our nations carbon foot print and the reduction of green house gases. Today, (2012) the sustainable living trend appears to be driven more by the desire for economic relief than anything else. What ever the motive,sustainable living practices benefit our planet and this of course is a good thing. Thanks to modern technological advancements prompted by sustainable living concerns solar power, agriculture and aquaculture, have advance greatly in the last decade. Today there are urban, off the grid homes that do not require any public energy, water, or sewer service. Solar system technology i.e. Solar panels, wind power generators, solar water heaters and the like are now being fabricated and installed by the average DIY. This saves the typical home owner a considerable amount of money (as apposed to commercial builds and installations) it also allows for a much quicker R.O.I. (Return On Investment) making it a viable upgrade with monthly recurring financial benefits. The installation of an alternative source of energy also provides an added sense of security should grid failures and power outages occur. Additionally and justifiably Alternative sources of energy,add significant value to your home, should you decide to sell. Agricultural advancements geared toward the average working family have also improved greatly throughout the years it is now possible to produce 100% organic vegetables requiring as little as 8 hours of work a year. Additionally there is a relatively new food production system called Aquaponics whereby fish and crustaceans are grown along with vegetables also providing 100% organic vegetables and fish/shrimp, crabs etc Along with the obvious reduced carbon footprint that these modifications to your home can provide, They also offerfinancial benefits that can save the average home owner a small fortune. A house practicing sustainable living would typically include the following: Solar Power generators, solar panels and solar water heaters, or other renewable energy sources are typical items utilize by sustainable life practitioners, to provide for some or all of there energy requirements.Water retaining or Grey water system: Sustainable lifestyle-rs typically make use of rain barrels to provide for at least some of there watering needs. This water is used directly for bathing, toilette water, or for watering lawns and garden. Grey water/ previously used water is also re-purposed in that bath and laundry water can be reused as toilette water, and for the watering of lawns and or gardens.Reuse, recycle and re-purpose: Rather self explanatory, sustainable living practitioners make use of the recycle bins, usually provided by sanitation departments, We reuse or re-purpose what items we can and often donate reusable items rather than have them fill the land fills.These modifications which can be accomplished by your typical DIY (Do It Your-selfer) are considered by some as "Benevolent Upgrades" in that they: They benefit the world at large in multiple facets with lasting beneficial affects Environmentally, socially, economically, and individually.They reduce the CO2 carbon emissions resulting from the consumption of fossil fuel required to supply the electrical need of the household.Relatively inexpensive: As compare to commercial installations and continuous pay, public services.Easy to implement.They also promote and encourage a healthy lifestyle for the individual, society in general and our planet.
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