Sustainable living is basically the practicing of sustainability in terms of lifestyle choices and decisions. Sustainability itself is meeting present ecological, social, and economical needs without compromising these factors for future generations. Sustainable living can therefore be described as living within the carrying capacities defined by these factors.

The dimensions of sustainability are often taken to be: environmental, social and economic, known as the "three pillars". These can be depicted as three overlapping circles to show that they are not mutually exclusive and can be mutually reinforcing.

In the second half of the 20th century world population doubled, food production tripled, energy use quadrupled, and overall economic activity quintupled. Historically there has been a close correlation between economic growth and environmental degradation: as communities grow, so the environment declines. This trend is clearly demonstrated on graphs of human population numbers, economic growth, and environmental indicators. There is concern that, unless resource use is checked, modern global civilization will follow the path of ancient civilizations that collapsed through overexploitation of their resource base. While conventional economics is concerned largely with economic growth and the efficient allocation of resources, ecological economics has the explicit goal of sustainable scale (rather than continual growth), fair distribution and efficient allocation, in that order.

So what can do to lessen our impact on the environment?

In terms of electricity consumption:

• Consider planting deciduous trees near your windows and patio. They lose their leaves in winter allowing the sun and light in but their leaves in summer will shade your home.
• Set your geyser temperature at 60-65ºC

Transportation:

• Walk or cycle – not only does one get fit but you also see much more of the world rather than whizzing by
• There is also high fuel consumption if you drive at speed. Driving at 100kn/hr, instead of 120km/hr, will save much fuel although not necessarily get you to your destination faster.

Water use:

• Have a shower instead of a bath. On average a bath uses twice as much water but only if you have a quick shower with the water turned low.
• Use a watering can or hosepipe with a trigger nozzle instead of a sprinkler.
• If you do not have a dual flush system for your cistern, then consider placing a 2l bottle of water in the cistern. Every time you flush you will use less water and your flush will still work adequately.

Waste

• Return bottles and refillable containers whenever you can and buy returnable bottles if possible.
• Repair things rather than throwing them away.
• Compost household waste
• Rather use email instead of faxing and mailed letters where possible. Not only you saving on paper but it’s also much faster

Food choices:

• Avoid non seasonal food which is mostly imported
• Consider food stuffs that are fair trade
• Know where your food comes from and how it is grown. Eat lower on the food chain.
• Grow your own vegetables to eliminate packaging and transportation.

Cleaning products

• Baking soda – clears sinks, toilets and freshens drains
• Vinegar in a spray bottle – cleans mirrors and shines chrome
• Vegetable oil with lemon juice makes a good furniture polish
• Otherwise buy products with Fair Labour practices

Tourism

• Take fewer holidays. Rather explore the area closer to home like Wakkerstroom
• Support local trade and crafts people. Buy locally made souvenirs where possible.
• Carry your own reusable mug to avoid disposable cups.
• Enjoy walking tours