Sustainability: business, life, environment

For many, ‘green living’ is really paying off.  However as a personal consultant, many of the clients we speak with share their anxiety about how to maintain some of the actions in their personal sustainability programs.  The recent economic downturn has created personal concerns about ‘green’ shopping.

Many of us today are taking a hard look into our finances and we are searching for areas to cut costs and eliminate unnecessary purchases.  As a green living consultant, I am often asked: How can we continue to support our sustainable lifestyle and meet our budget in this economic environment?

In a recent article by Grist, How to green your grocery shopping on a tight budget, the author leads us through a typical family grocery shopping scenario.  Some of their helpful ideas include:

•    Prioritize your list
•    Create a weekly menu
•    Buy local first
•    Buy what’s in season
•    Check the fridge, pantry and freezer before you shop
•    Shop dry
•    Pay with cash

For those on the path of living a sustainable lifestyle, there is power in leveraging purchases to support credible and sustainable businesses.   Consumer preferences for ‘green’ products and services are a major driver of sustainable innovation and the generation of alternatives in the market.

As a sustainability consultant, we encourage our clients and friends to make a personal case for sustainability and consider necessary actions to maintain green purchasing.