Household Sustainability

Introduction

As we elders embrace practices at home in our daily lives to honor our deepest intentions for the future, we arise in gratitude for our decades of living, we express generosity toward the world of our children and grandchildren … we embrace humility toward all we have witnessed, at all we have done—and left undone—over the decades.

In this focus on our homes and daily routines, we explore our practices related to food, shelter, water and energy consumption, and acquisition and release of the “stuff” of life. In taking up practices on behalf of the future, we join the movement to walk more gently on Earth to honor a new normal for households and communities across our land.

Here we learn about the environmental ramifications of our habits and how everyday actions can promote a healthier course for all of our surroundings.

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ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT

Calculating an ecological footprint highlights our personal impact on the environment through water, carbon, and everyday uses of energy.

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FOOD

Find out how household food movements complement a global effort to reduce food waste.

water conservation

WATER CONSERVATION

Measures that conserve household water use include permeable paving and intentionally changing our habits.

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ENERGY CONSERVATION

Wind power, solar power, and strategically choosing home appliances are among several green energy practices you can incorporate into daily life.

household waste

HOUSEHOLD WASTE

Our disposal practices affect worldwide waste systems like recycling, composting, and overall reduction.

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YARDS AND GARDENS

The areas right outside our homes provide a microcosm in which we can create sustainable green spaces, support pollinators, and grow our own food.

green finances

GREEN FINANCE

By learning sustainable finance practices, we can demand corporate responsibility when we invest in green businesses and create intergenerational support systems.