What Does “Sustainability” Even Mean?

The word “sustainability” is thrown around a lot, but what does it actually mean? Most people attach the word to a certain type of earthy-crunchy lifestyle that makes it seem unappealing or even unattainable.

Luckily, sustainability doesn’t necessarily mean that you will have to alter your entire routine, it just means that working towards more socially conscious decisions.

When I say socially conscious decisions, I don’t mean that you have to decide to give up your apartment and move into co-housing and maybe raise your own chickens—but if that’s what you’re into, I fully support you!

For me, making socially conscious decisions means being consistently aware of how our actions affect the community. Sustainability is really about improving our daily lives. It is about cutting our dependency on outside resources and supporting ourselves in a local level. Thinking globally and acting locally.

Sustainability requires self-reflection and it probably means giving up minor conveniences…

• Using reusable bags instead of plastic. This means you need to stop leaving them in the car or at home like I do — intention is the first step, but then you’ve gotta work to make it a habit!
• Buy a water bottle, instead of buying bottled water every day. This is both good for your wallet and the environment. You can even use a mason jar and lid if you don’t want to spend the money.
•  Buy fruits and vegetables when they are in season! I can’t stress this one enough. Buying in season is better for your body, your wallet, and the environment. It has more nutrients, it costs less, and it reduces the amount of energy we use to transport it long distances. Buying locally also puts money back directly back into your community, so look for local produce at the supermarket and check out your local farmers market.
• Consider what you need and what you don’t need. Try to cut back on that impulse spending! When you are adding items to your home or wardrobe, look to buy things of quality, that will last and not end up in a landfill in a few years.

Becoming entirely self-sufficient may seem impossible, but that doesn’t mean you should give up on the idea! Small changes can make a huge difference!

Not that I’m trying to be a product pusher (wink wink), but here at Prosperity Candle, we work to create candles with a sustainable impact. All of our candle vessels can be reused or recycled, and our Eco Living Collection consists of candles made from recycled and repurposed glass, and even real soda bottles and coffee tins!