The 40-something Guide to Surviving Sustainable Living

The 40-something Guide to Surviving Sustainable Living

A growing number of people are joining the increasingly popular movement of sustainable living — and 40-something preppers are catching up fast. Making waves in their persuasive calls for the wider adoption of eco-friendly lifestyles, preppers are roughly estimated to be numbered at 3 million in the US alone. Also known as survivalists, preppers literally prepare for the worst possible scenario in order to survive and prevent a possible catastrophe, especially in the context of environmental degradation.  But its popular and general connotation includes anyone prepared to lead a life of modern sustainability with an eye on ecological conservation and quality living. In an international survey conducted by GfK , one of the leading market think-tanks in the world, 78% of interviewees from the 40 to 49 age group are in solid agreement that brands and companies should be environmentally responsible. The number does not actually lag behind the younger generation of 30 to 39 year olds, whose eco-friendly unity is pegged at 80%.

Forty-something preppers all over the world are making a clear stand for green living. But the challenges and temptations of regressing to the old, unhealthy ways of the past are constantly present. Without a clear guide on surviving sustainable living, anyone can easily spiral down to eco-damaging practices.

So you want to survive sustainable living? We laid out 8 new practical guides to help you. Read on.

1. Act Small, Strike Big

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It’s easy to be overwhelmed by shocking environmental statistics, which may cause anyone to simply abandon sustainable living altogether. How does one, for instance, immediately and directly address something as massive as the 8 million metric tons of plastic thrown into the ocean?  A helpful and realistic tip is to act in small, effective ways. For instance, avoiding the purchase of products in aluminum cans can do a lot in terms of contributing to the environmental protection of Brazil, Guinea, Jamaica, Guyana, and Australia — countries where open pit mines are present to extract the raw material calls bauxite ore. The said material is the primary raw material source for aluminum production. Grand, radical actions are important. Yet all eco-friendly actions, even the small ones, eventually add up to impact the environment in big, positive measures.  

2. Modernize Green Living

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There is absolutely no reason why green living should not be in harmony with modern living. In cities where rapid urban modernization is happening at breakneck speed, more and more environmentally conscious citizens are proving that modernity and green living can be a productive pair. Statistics show that people are becoming green-focused, without necessarily giving up modern comforts. According to a new study by Nielsen, a global information and insights company,  55% of global consumers across 60 countries are willing to spend more for socially and environmentally oriented products and lifestyles. The study is helpful in providing insight as to why more people choose green condo living as a viable option in the world’s modern cities. A rapidly growing number of people consider going for modern living spaces as the smarter and healthier choice if made in keeping with nature’s welfare.

3. Uphold Sharing Practices

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Green living at its core involves a shift away from unbridled consumption and greed toward more sustainable shared practices. Forty-something preppers are relatively in a more convenient position than the younger generation to share the convenience of what they have, in part because the former had achieved more in their professional life. For instance, in a 2015 survey result released by Uber, 40-something drivers are considerable in number, comprising 26% of the total age spectrum. The survey reveals that the boom in carpooling and ride sharing has the strong presence of 40-somethings making a living out of modern transportation practices that help in reducing gas emission. Collaborating with others and learning to share correlate to the natural bond among humans to strengthen our shared survival.  

4. Take Full Inventory

Preppers inducted to sustainable living later in their lives may have accumulated material things in excess. Taking full inventory of previous purchases that you still keep — clothes, furniture, electronic devices, and even knick-knacks — can drastically help you become grounded. It will also prepare you for the second critical step: de-cluttering your home and your life. Keeping tabs of the excess you own and then letting go, contribute to the ultimate goal of surviving sustainable living.

5. Grow a Garden, Even with Limited Space

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Even with condo living, growing an indoor garden and introducing more greens into your life will help you survive sustainable living. Numerous scientific studies have proven that experiencing the presence of nature restores the mind from modern stressors such as work, studies, and even personal relationships. 40-somethings trying to sustain an eco-friendly lifestyle can be susceptible to stress if their home environment lacks the beneficial and satisfying energy of natural plants. A lot of useful ideas to incorporate more greens into your living quarters, such as container and wall gardening, are available to inspire you. Growing your own garden whatever the size of your space will help you survive sustainable living in a soothing, relaxing way.

6. Follow a Green Diet

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Green living practices directed outside the world are equally important with those directed into your body. Following a green diet is not only the less expensive, and obviously healthier,  option. It is also a happier option. The internal balance a green diet brings to your body inevitably results in more positive energy. But even if you do not strictly follow a plant-based diet , you may try this simple green smoothie recipe. Mix in a blender local vegetables and fruits, such as kale, spinach, banana, and mango. Taking this concoction first thing in the morning will alkalize and recharge your body, making you happier and much more committed to sustainable living. Feel free to make your own version of a green smoothie to satiate your appetite for contemporary healthy living. Drink up and enjoy.

7. Think and Act In "Glocal" Terms

Glocal is a combination of two words — global and local. For our purposes, it is a mode of eco-friendly thinking that considers positive local efforts with one’s community as part of a shared global network. Thinking and acting in glocal terms can draw inspiration from concrete green living practices such as supporting local farmers by buying their produce. Weekend markets around modern living areas are easily accessible these days. Forty-something preppers thinking of a positive way to shop for healthy eats for themselves and their families have so many options in communal market fairs. If you opt to buy at the grocery, a good practice is to look for ethically-sourced and fairly-traded products.

8. Go for Natural Body Care

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Can you imagine all the harsh ingredients that get absorbed into your body when you use chemically-laden products? As much as possible, go for natural products. A great number of natural products are even available as basic kitchen ingredients. For a fantastic moisturizing elixir, coconut oil tops the list of affordable yet heavy-duty products you can use. This is especially useful for 40-something preppers who may begin to show more apparent signs of dry and dehydrated skin. Surviving sustainable living can surely be achieved while looking and feeling good.

Modern green living can be challenging, but it’s the way to go. It is a nurturing and sustainable lifestyle with innumerable benefits for present and future generations. Forty-something preppers are making an immensely positive choice by keeping the fight for green living in the modern age. They are living proofs that surviving sustainable living is not only a realistic possibility. It is also an urgent necessity everyone should try to practice.