Picture: Ruggiero’s Trotula, the woman who is credited with the birth of Obstetrics and Gynecology as medical sciences. Made for the exhibition of Women in 2015.

Practice makes perfect

Practice makes perfect, they say, and there is much truth about this. The frequency of our actions, if they are repeated, does set patterns. And so it goes for sustainable or unsustainable practical things we do. So it goes for our eating, sleeping, sexual habits, but of course about shopping, travelling, visiting, gardening as well.

So, this sinner has adopted six habits, practised almost daily. In the most part, those are related to what he sees as sustainable in a spiritual sense: in accord with the balance of life, acceptance of our destiny, and pleasure.

Six habits

First the morning ritual: rinsing the night guard, a little prayer, attention to changes that may have occurred overnight (who knows what the devil may have concocted while we were asleep?), coffee making, a few pages of the book of the moment (at of the last few days, a reread of Glamorama, a novel about the unsustainable 90’s), tidying up the kitchen, that is hand washing up, not dish washer, this comes every two days in the evening.

Second, a look at the blogging things, catching up, checking what’s new, like this prompt. This takes some time, as I have five sites to keep up to date: mail, two blogs – for short posts like this – one gallery of interest, one photo site, and Page, my writing tool (I still use Scrivener as a drafting board, and for long hand work).

Third: writing. I usually have three or four pieces of work going, for writing is only sustainable, in this context meaning prolonged effort bearing fruit in the end, is one escapes being bored. Currently I have one main new initiative, an erotic short novel about a no longer young man falling back in love with an old flame, a kind of literary reflection named “Lust”, which is really about light, desire and the triumph of spirituality. I also keep editing and reviewing previous work, as I have three, may be four, longish and incomplete long work, that begs for thorough editing.

Fourth reading, as compulsion, and an exercise in diversity. Currently my stack is about a dozen started books in various subjects (only one or two fictions), which I have undertaken to speak/write about in those pages.

Fifth, shopping locally. This is important as sustaining local businesses is key to maintain the balance, and fending off aggressive corporations(!).

The recycling patch

Sixth: gardening, my part of it being fighting, or rather taming the jungle. We run a natural recycling locus, at the bottom of the garden, where foxes visit regularly, although they tend to prefer the sunny bit of lawn extending further where it’s neat and polished, near the vegetable patch. That recycling place is surrounded by marvellous weeds, of all types, and requires the machete treatment to be accessed with a struggle. Good for the heart and legs…

So, what does all this do for a sustainable “life style”. To paraphrase Victor Ward, central character of Glamorama: “The better you look, the more you see.” This means that sustained means proceeding without haste and no major obstacle. We travel little, have a second hand petrol engine car with an exceptionally sober engine, don’t speed, don’t fly, favour trains or ships, don’t have wild parties, consume alcohol in moderation, don’t display our intimate habits, don’t lust for what is not worth having… 

Guru

In summary, having listened to many gurus, my favourite still is Jeffrey Sachs, lessons on “sustainable development” form which he spawned a whole industry, a chair of the same name at Columbia, and of course the direction of the UN programme on sustainability, we have concluded that “It” is all about personal responsibility.

Summary 2

Summary: Sustainable lifestyle refers to adopting practices that minimize negative impacts on the environment and promote long-term well-being. It involves making conscious choices in areas such as energy consumption, waste management, transportation, and food consumption. By adopting sustainable practices, individuals can contribute to a healthier planet and create a more sustainable future.

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Title: Embracing a Sustainable Lifestyle: Empowering Change through Conscious Practices

Introduction:
In today’s world, the concept of a sustainable lifestyle has gained significant importance. With increasing concerns about environmental degradation and climate change, individuals are recognizing the need to adopt practices that promote a more sustainable future. This report aims to highlight the empirical relevance of sustainable living and its impact on the environment, focusing on key areas of practice.

Energy Consumption:
One of the primary aspects of sustainable living is minimizing energy consumption. By implementing energy-efficient practices such as using LED lights, optimizing home insulation, and utilizing renewable energy sources, individuals can reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a greener planet.

Waste Management:
Effective waste management is crucial for a sustainable lifestyle. Practicing recycling, composting, and reducing single-use plastics can significantly reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills or pollutes our oceans. By adopting these practices, individuals can help conserve resources and protect the environment.

Transportation:
Transportation is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Embracing sustainable transportation options such as walking, cycling, carpooling, or using public transport can help reduce carbon emissions and alleviate traffic congestion. By making conscious choices in transportation, individuals can contribute to cleaner air and a healthier environment.

Food Consumption:
The food we consume has a significant impact on the environment. Opting for locally sourced, organic, and seasonal produce reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation and chemical-intensive farming practices. Additionally, reducing food waste and embracing plant-based diets can further promote sustainability and reduce the strain on natural resources.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, adopting a sustainable lifestyle is crucial for mitigating the environmental challenges we face today. By practicing energy conservation, effective waste management, sustainable transportation, and mindful food consumption, individuals can make a positive impact on the planet. Empowering change through conscious practices is key to creating a sustainable future for generations to come.

Keywords: sustainable lifestyle, empirical relevance, practice