Embracing Sustainable Living: Easy Steps to Start Today

“Sustainability is not a distant goal; it's a journey we embark on every day with small, intentional choices.” - Adriana Ocampo Senior

I recently had the incredible opportunity to attend the II Congreso International de Ingenieria con Sentido Social (CIISS), where I connected with inspiring leaders making a tangible impact in the sustainable living space.  These experiences have fueled my commitment to sustainable practices, and I'm excited to share what I've learned to inspirate you on your journey toward a greener lifestyle.

As the urgency for sustainability living grows, our individual choices have never been more critical. Sustainable living isn’t just a choice, it’s a commitment to a brighter, cleaner future for all. Let’s take that first step together by following some of these ideas:

1. Connect with Local Sustainability Champions

I had the pleasure of meeting Marce, La Recicladora, the number one recycling influencer in Latin America. Her passion for reducing waste and promoting recycling is contagious, serving as a powerful reminder that individual actions can spark widespread change. Seek out local leaders or online communities like hers to stay motivated and informed.

2. Innovate with Natural Resources

I also had the privilege of meeting Lilliana Rodriguez, from the Universidad Técnica Nacional, Costa Rica, who is transforming agricultural waste into valuable resources. Dr. Rodriguez works with the residues from pineapple production, turning what might be considered waste into sustainable products, highlighting the power of creative, circular thinking. Consider how you can support or even replicate these innovative approaches in your community.

3. Start Small, Think Big

Every significant change begins with a small step. Whether it’s reducing single-use plastics, cutting back on energy consumption, or starting a home compost system, each small effort can have a massive collective impact. The goal isn’t just to reduce waste but to shift our mindset toward a more sustainable way of living. The key is to start where you are, with what you have, and let your efforts inspire those around you. Small steps, when multiplied by millions, can change the world.

4. Bring Sustainability Home

One of the easiest and most impactful ways to embrace sustainable living is by reducing household waste. Inspired by my visit to Fundación para el Desarrollo Agroecológico, Social y Económico Sostenible, I brought back a Bokashi can and a bag efficient microorganisms (EM), to start processing domestic organic residues. This simple yet powerful setup allows me to start processing domestic organic residues right at home, significantly reducing landfill waste and lowering my carbon footprint. I am now exploring ways to scale this concept, potentially bringing similar solutions to households across the U.S.

Why Use a Bokashi Bin?

• Reduces Landfill Waste: It diverts organic matter from landfills, significantly reducing your carbon footprint.

• Enriches the Soil: The fermented product can be used as nutrient-rich compost, enhancing soil health.

• Odor-Free and Space-Saving: Unlike traditional compost bins, bokashi bins are compact and nearly odorless, making them ideal for indoor use.

• Quick and Efficient: The bokashi process is faster than traditional composting, breaking down waste in just a few weeks.

• Creates Beneficial Liquid (Lixiviado): The liquid produced can be diluted and used as a natural fertilizer for your plants or safely poured down the drain, helping to keep your plumbing clear.

Starting small, like adopting this system, is a great way to reduce household waste and make a meaningful environmental impact. If you’re inspired to start your own sustainable journey, I’d love to connect! Whether you’re curious about bokashi bins, organic waste processing, or just want to share ideas, feel free to reach out. Let’s make a positive impact together! 🌱

Simple Solutions Towards a Greener Lifestyle

Consider these small yet impactful ideas: 

• Reduce and Reuse: opt for reusable containers, bags, and utensils.

• Conserve Water: fix leaks, take shorter showers, and install water-saving fixtures.

• Support Local and Sustainable Brands: choose products that prioritize the planet.

• Educate and Inspire Others: share your journey and encourage others to join.

Whether it's starting a compost bin, reducing plastic use, or supporting local sustainability projects, every action counts. The key is to start small, stay consistent, and remain open to learning and growing in your journey.

Your Next Move: Action Station

Ready to start your sustainable journey? Whether you live in a small apartment or a large house, there’s always room to reduce waste and make a positive impact.

If these ideas inspires you, consider joining me in scaling this concept and bringing innovative solutions like this to households across the U.S.

Let’s build a cleaner, more sustainable future together. Start today!

Until next time, stay inspired.