Living sustainably means meeting your needs in ways that do not destroy or deplete the environmental and social systems that future generations will also depend on.

Core idea

To live sustainably is to reduce your impact on the planet’s resources so they can regenerate and continue supporting life over the long term. It is about balancing what you take (energy, materials, food, water) with what Earth can replace, while also supporting fair, healthy communities and economies.

Key principles

• Use resources at a rate that does not exceed how quickly they are renewed (for example, relying more on renewable energy and efficient technologies).

• Minimize pollution and waste, especially greenhouse gases and long‑lasting materials like plastics.

• Respect the “three pillars” of sustainability: environmental health (planet), social well‑being (people), and economic viability (prosperity).

What it looks like day to day

In practice, sustainable living shows up in everyday choices: how you travel, what you eat, what you buy, and how you power and heat your home. Examples include using public transport, walking or cycling when possible, eating more plant‑based and local foods, reducing overall consumption, reusing and repairing items, and supporting businesses and policies that protect ecosystems and human rights.

Why it matters

Living sustainably helps slow climate change, reduce pollution, and protect biodiversity, which in turn supports clean air, water, and stable food systems. It also aims to create a fairer world, where people today and in the future can meet their basic needs and live healthy, dignified lives.