Everyday, we have the choice to enact sustainable practices for the environment. But you might not be sure what exactly that means.

Luckily, we've compiled a quick guide to help you incorporate more sustainable practices into your everyday life. Ranging from how to conserve wildlife to how to make sustainable purchases that support recycling production, we've got everything you need to know about responsible consumption down below.

See Related: Why Use Aluminum Free Deodorant?

What is sustainability?

Sustainability has many definitions. But all definitions combined, sustainability is about living with an environmental focus and adopting sustainable practices that preserve and nurture our food systems, nature, and the population of humans alike. These practices ultimately aim to:

• Decrease unnecessary energy consumption as humans
• Develop and promote resource efficiency in support with partners
• Conserve water among other natural resources across various countries
• Benefit and tend to the physical environment without abusing our access to its materials
• Stop the process of depletion or the destruction of the environment

Just to name a few. These might sound like big goals.

But small choices and actions over time, like deciding to reuse or recycle, minimizing waste, or making a purchase from sustainable vendors, can truly can achieve a global impact. It can be as easy as starting a log of how much gas mileage you put out or getting partners to sign a petition in which office materials and production don't negatively impact the environment.

What are the four pillars of sustainability practices?

Let's break down sustainability even further. And look at the four distinct areas that can affect sustainability practices and the ways in which we reassess and utilize such resources.

• Human
• Social
• Economic 
• Environmental

These main pillars and processes range from personal choices on human health, sustainable business practices, and overall environmental stewardship. For a deeper dive into sustainable development, read here.

What are some sustainable use practices?

So, what personal choices can you make to conserve energy use while still meeting your own needs? We thought you'd never ask...

Waste management

#1. Using zero waste deodorant

There are non-reusable products that we use everyday. But it doesn't have to be that way.

In fact, there are plenty of environmentally preferable products like our PAPR Cosmetics zero waste deodorant. Not only are our deodorant tubes biodegradable.

But they are also made out of 99.98% FSC certified, responsibly sourced paper. AKA as many recycled products as possible to reduce the amount of materials manufactured.

So you're not only making for some zero waste, green space under your arms. You're making for more green spaces around the world.

#2. Donate unused items

Just because you're through with the life cycle of a T-shirt doesn't mean that someone else can't benefit from its fit. Being environmentally responsible means noticing what you throw out.

Then, making the conscious choice to commit and contribute to sustainable development. It's as easy as donating both used and unused items.

#3. Helping to build a community garden

You might not think that a community garden will directly impact global warming. But trees and plants absorb carbon, literally helping to limit our own carbon footprint.

So you're literally using natural resources to prevent climate change. Not to mention that you're probably getting those plants from local sources, proving that sustainability also improves local economies.

#4. Composting in your backyard

Need some sustainable building tips in your own home? Start composting!

Would you rather put that additional renewable energy back into the soil of the earth than in a landfill? This allows you to save energy in ways you can't even imagine like the gas it takes to fill up the dump truck to come and collect your trash.

Renewable energy

#1. Wind energy to reduce carbon emissions

Wind turbines convert kinetic energy in the wind and air into mechanical power, all without the use of greenhouse gases which have devastating environmental impacts. These processes & services employ not only less energy, but the ability to produce a more sustainable energy source that can combat long term degradation.

#2. Electric transportation

By now, you've probably seen an electric car or two on the road. And that's the perfect example of sustainable living.

#3. Solar energy over fossil fuels

Solar energy is another way of using a natural resource that produces electricity once the sun's electromagnetic radiation has been captured. And you can even use solar energy to fuel your own home through energy efficient light bulbs!

#4. Geothermal energy

Geothermal energy is using the heat from within the earth. So talk about some natural resources there.

Reusable alternatives

#1. Opting for plastic free deodorant

Single use plastic is one of the leading causes of water pollution. Not to mention that bottled water takes up the majority of landfills too.

But sustainable use products like plastic free deodorant, dual flush toilets, and even low flow faucets are a great way of enacting sustainability in your own household.

#2. Bring your own coffee mug to coffee shops

Some would say this is the most obvious example. But if you're going somewhere where you know there will be single use plastics involved, simply bring your own.

#3. Buying refillable products in glass jars

There are plenty of companies and brands focused on sustainability and using natural resources. So invest a company interested in providing customers refillable products for you to enjoy without leaving so much of a mark on the environment.

#4. Using tote bags for grocery shopping

If you're not able to grow your own produce, then at least shop with a tote bag in hand at the grocery store. Besides, you won't get up-charged for paper or plastic bags!

Bonus: When Was Deodorant Invented?

Why is sustainability important?

As if we need to tell you why. But let's go over the facts anyway...

Sustainable development preserves natural resources

If there are only so many natural resources, then we can't go on depleting them until there's nothing left. Besides, sustainability improves ecosystems and helps nature flourish, improving our food systems and teaching us to accept that just because we have access doesn't mean we have a right to excavate an entire population for production.

Besides, the best aluminum free deodorant out there will make sure you don't harm your pits. Or your planet. 

Managed consumption of natural resources comes with economic benefits

Plenty of the reusable alternatives we mentioned above come with a pretty nice price tag. As in managed consumption doesn't cost you much because you don't have to continue buying them over and over again.

Sustainable living benefits both present and future generations

Sustainability isn't just about you or the planet. It's about meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own.

Sustainability for a more beautiful world

Sustainability practices come in all shapes and sizes. So it's not just for individuals to take action, but companies and corporations too.

Even still, individual actions can have an impact. So don't be discouraged just yet.

Students across countries have shown us the power of a young voice. Especially one that's fighting for access to exist beyond a certain point.

With products like our eco-friendly deodorant, you can invest your money in sustainable practices. And that, in and of itself, sets off a chain reaction of positive sustainability.

So take the time to make more conscious decisions when it comes to your own life and to the planet. You may find that living more intentionally gives you a greater purpose. 

Keep Reading: What Is The Difference Between Anti-Perspirant And Deodorant?

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PAPR Cosmetics is on a mission to create conscious beauty products with as little impact on the planet as possible. Our products are fully recyclable, vegan, and cruelty-free. When we take down one tree, we plant a new one. For more information and sustainability tips, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube, and Tumblr.