Planet Earth does not have unlimited resources. Food, water and all other resources are finite. If consumption exceeds a sustainable rate and existing resources are overexploited, environmental degradation is inevitable, with far more detrimental effects on future generations. Hence, there are increasing calls for a global shift to sustainable living. For this, civic effort is needed as much as government initiatives, say experts. TreeTake takes a look …
Achala Misra
Suman Khare, a housewife, ensures all scraps from her kitchen go into the garden compost heap. She is very mindful of switching off the lights when exiting a room and shops with restraint. She is inculcating the same habits in her children, in order to do her bit for sustainability. Others act as influencers on social media platforms, exhorting people to plant greens in terraces, balconies and even windowsills.
Though the multitudes are yet to go for it, many people have awakened to the need for a sustainable lifestyle, more so since the ‘Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE)’ movement introduced by PM Modi at COP26, called for a global shift from "mindless consumption" to "mindful utilisation" to combat climate change. It urged individuals to become "Pro-Planet People" by adopting daily sustainable habits, such as using reusable items, reducing waste and conserving energy, with the potential to reduce global emissions by 40-70%.
What is sustainable living?
Experts define sustainable living as a shift toward renewable energy, reduced consumption and a circular economy to minimise environmental impact. Key strategies include dietary changes (less meat, local food), improved mobility (less flying, more public transit), and energy-efficient housing. It emphasises meeting present needs without compromising future generations. It is an approach to reducing one's carbon footprint and increasing social responsibility, often focusing on "progress over perfection". It extends to self-sufficiency, such as DIY, homesteading and off-the-grid living. Sustainable living is a lifestyle that attempts to reduce an individual's or society's use of the Earth's natural resources and personal carbon footprint. It involves making conscious, daily choices—such as reducing consumption, reusing items, and minimising waste—to promote ecological balance, environmental health, and social equity for current and future generations.
Om Prakash Varma, former director, Directorate of Environment, said: “In India, the average ecological footprint is about 1.1-1.2 global hectares per person, while the country’s biocapacity is only around 0.4-0.45 global hectares per person, showing that we’re using resources faster than nature can regenerate. Therefore, common people must adopt simple daily measures. Switching off lights and fans, using LED bulbs, saving water, carrying cloth or jute bags, avoiding single-use plastics, segregating waste, and composting kitchen waste can greatly reduce our footprint. Using public transport, walking, or cycling also helps reduce pollution. Besides, Sustainable fashion is an important part of sustainable living. The fashion industry causes heavy pollution and textile waste. People should buy fewer but durable clothes and prefer cotton, khadi, handloom or recycled fabrics. Repairing, reusing, donating and exchanging clothes instead of throwing them away are good practices. Washing clothes in cold water and drying them in sunlight saves energy. By following Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and supporting local products and artisans, individuals can live within Earth’s carrying capacity and ensure a cleaner and greener future.”
Why is sustainable living important?
Sustainable living is the need of the hour because our current consumption patterns deplete resources, worsen climate change and harm ecosystems, requiring urgent shifts like reducing waste, conserving energy, embracing plant-based diets and using eco-friendly products to protect the planet for future generations and ensure our own well-being. Small, conscious changes like ditching single-use plastics, saving water, composting and choosing green brands create a significant positive impact by conserving resources, cutting emissions and fostering healthier communities and environments. Reckless consumption depletes non-renewable resources, leading to water scarcity, rising temperatures, and biodiversity loss.
Sustainable practices minimise pollution and waste, protecting habitats and reducing the harmful impact of human activities. Sustainability meets present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet theirs, ensuring a viable planet for all. Hence, sustainable living has evolved from a personal choice into a global necessity to combat climate change, resource depletion, and biodiversity loss. Adopting sustainable habits reduces carbon footprint, lowers electricity bills, improves health and fosters a collective responsibility for a cleaner, greener world, making it an immediate necessity.
The importance of sustainable living can be categorised into four primary areas:
1. Environmental preservation
The planet has finite resources (freshwater, minerals, fossil fuels): Sustainable living involves responsible consumption and renewable energy to ensure these remain available. Human activities currently consume one-fourth of the Earth's total freshwater and half of all accessible runoff. Sustainable practices like responsible land use and reducing plastic waste help protect wildlife habitats and prevent species extinction. Over 1 million species are currently at risk of extinction due to human-induced habitat loss and pollution.
Economic resilience: Sustainable practices like energy efficiency and the circular economy create long-term cost savings and new "green" jobs.
Combating climate change: By reducing carbon footprints through energy efficiency and green transportation, sustainable living mitigates global warming and extreme weather events. Global greenhouse gas emissions hit a record 57.1 gigatons in 2023. Sustainable choices help lower this carbon footprint.
2. Personal health and well-being
Physical health: Reducing reliance on vehicles encourages walking and cycling. Additionally, eating locally sourced, organic foods reduces exposure to harmful "forever chemicals" and pesticides.
Mental well-being: Living in alignment with eco-friendly values can reduce "eco-anxiety" and foster a sense of purpose and connection to nature.
Improved air & water quality: Using cleaner energy sources leads to less pollution, directly reducing respiratory illnesses like asthma.
3. Economic stability
Cost savings: Energy-efficient appliances and water conservation lead to immediate reductions in utility bills.
Resilience: Sustainable economies are better equipped to handle economic shocks by promoting resource efficiency and innovation.
Job creation: The transition to renewable energy and sustainable Agriculture sectors creates new employment opportunities.
4. Social equity
Fair access: Sustainability aims to ensure everyone has equal access to basic necessities like clean water, nutritious food, and healthcare.
Intergenerational justice: It recognises our moral duty to leave a healthy, liveable planet for our children and grandchildren.
Senior ex-forester Mohd Ehsan said: “Sustainable lifestyle as mere jargon is nothing. Something tangible should be done to make the difference felt. If we don't reduce our basic needs or if we don't reduce our greed, our show-off and our consumption, how can things be improved? We are moving towards consumption every day. It has become our standard of living. The more we consume, the more progressive we are said. This has to change. In Lucknow, people are driving big cars. However, only one man is seen sitting in the car. Does the city need so many big cars? Can we not use public transport so that the environment does not deteriorate? Sustainable lifestyle is a good word, but it has to be practised in our daily lives. I keep saying that if you can walk half a kilometre, then don't go by car. I have started it. If I have to go to nearby places, I walk. I have started using public transport more. Earlier, I used to pick up my car and go. So, if we can bring small things into action, we can change the big consequences."
What should be done?
Experts recommend adopting the 6-R or 7-R of sustainability as a daily guide:
1. Rethink: Question your consumption habits—do you really need it?
2. Refuse: Say no to single-use plastics, excessive packaging, and flyers.
3. Reduce: Lower your intake of resources (energy, water, meat).
4. Reuse: Find a second life for items like jars, boxes, and clothing.
5. Repair: Fix broken electronics, shoes, or furniture instead of buying new.
6. Recycle: As a last resort, ensure items are processed back into raw materials.
7. Regift/Repurpose: Give pre-loved items a new home or transform them into something useful.
What states are doing
State governments in India are actively implementing sustainable living initiatives, driven by national targets to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070 and improve the SDG India Index, which saw a composite national score rise to 71/100 in 2023–24. These efforts focus on renewable energy, water management, waste reduction, and sustainable agriculture, with 32 states and UTs now in the "front-runner" category for SDG progress.
Key actions by states include:
1. Renewable energy & clean power
Solar expansion: States like Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu are leaders in solar capacity, with Rajasthan rapidly increasing assistance to green energy developers.
Solar pumps & rooftops: Programmes such as PM-KUSUM are solarising the agriculture sector, with over 2.46 lakh farmers benefiting as of August 2023. PM Surya Ghar is promoting rural rooftop solar, with over 8.46 lakh households installing systems within its first year.
Wind energy: States like Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Karnataka are investing heavily in wind farms.
2. Water conservation & management
Water security: The Jal Jeevan Mission has installed over 150 million tap connections.
Water harvesting: Rajasthan has implemented the Mukhyamantri Jal Swavalamban Abhiyan (MJSA) to make villages self-sufficient in water, resulting in an average 4.66-foot rise in the water table in 21 districts.
Reviving water bodies: Karnataka launched Jalamrutha and Jalandhare to revive traditional water bodies.
Sewage treatment: States such as Delhi, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu are treating sewage to support the water needs of thermal power plants.
3. Waste Management & Circular Economy
Solid waste management: Under the Swachh Bharat Mission, states have achieved Open Defecation Free (ODF) status and are focusing on waste segregation.
Waste-to-energy: Rural biogas plants (GOBARdhan scheme) are being used to convert agricultural and animal waste into cooking fuel.
Plastic ban: Many states are enforcing bans on single-use plastics and promoting recycling.
4. Sustainable Agriculture
Organic farming: Sikkim was declared the world's first 100% organic state in 2016.
Natural Farming: Andhra Pradesh and other states are piloting Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF), encouraging farmers to use natural inputs.
Crop diversification: Haryana is promoting a shift away from water-intensive crops.
5. Urban & Industrial Sustainability
Smart Cities Mission: Pune and other cities are implementing data-driven public transport and energy-efficient LED lighting.
Electric vehicles (EVs): Delhi, Telangana, and Maharashtra have policies offering subsidies for EV adoption and charging infrastructure.
Energy efficiency: The Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) has been adopted by over 22 states, requiring energy-efficient designs in new buildings.
6. Ecological restoration
Green India Mission: States like Madhya Pradesh are restoring degraded forest land through native-species plantations, involving local communities.
Joint Forest Management (JFM): Over 100,000 JFM committees across 27 states manage forest land, promoting sustainable harvesting.
While these initiatives show progress, challenges remain regarding the uneven enforcement of policies across different states and the need for better data, monitoring, and financial sustainability.
A source in the Municipal Corporation of Indore, the cleanest city in India, said on condition of anonymity: “For Indore Municipal Corporation, sustainable development is not a policy on paper — it is everyday work on the ground. The focus is simple: help the city grow while protecting its resources, so the next generation inherits a cleaner and more resilient Indore. The city’s waste management system reflects this approach. Today, every household segregates waste, and that waste is put to use. Kitchen waste is converted into Bio-CNG that runs city buses and municipal vehicles. Dry waste is recycled, while garden and tree waste is processed at the green waste plant, where it is converted into useful fuel instead of being dumped. Through RRR (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) centres, citizens donate usable items, giving them a second life and reducing unnecessary waste. Clean energy is another major step. The 60 MW solar plant at Jalood, built to power the Narmada water supply system, is a landmark project. This project alone will save nearly ₹5 crore every month in electricity costs, while also reducing carbon emissions.”
“Water conservation is treated with the same seriousness. Treated wastewater is reused for gardens, road dividers, and public spaces, reducing pressure on fresh water sources. Indore has already installed around one lakh rainwater harvesting systems, with 25,000 more being added, and 450 recharge shafts have been constructed to help rainwater percolate back into the ground and strengthen groundwater levels. With clean transport, green spaces and active citizen participation, Indore shows that sustainability succeeds best when it becomes a shared civic habit — not just a government initiative,” He added.
What UP is doing
Uttar Pradesh (UP) is also actively pursuing sustainable living and development through a combination of large-scale renewable energy projects, environmental conservation initiatives and urban sustainability planning aimed at reducing its carbon footprint. The state is focusing on transitioning to a greener economy while addressing pollution and resource depletion.
Key initiatives and actions being taken in UP for sustainable living include:
1. Renewable energy and green power: The state aims to install 22,000 MW of solar power by 2027, with major solar parks in Jalaun, Kanpur, Allahabad, and Mirzapur, aimed at providing clean energy to millions of households.
Green hydrogen policy: The Uttar Pradesh Green Hydrogen Policy 2024 has been introduced to establish a robust ecosystem for green hydrogen and green ammonia production, aligning with net-zero emission goals.
Bio-energy initiatives: Through the GOBARDHAN initiative, the state is converting agricultural and cattle waste into biogas and fertiliser, promoting rural sanitation and organic farming.
2. Environmental conservation and water management
Namami Gange initiative: Intensive efforts are underway to clean and rejuvenate the river Ganga through sewage treatment infrastructure, industrial effluent monitoring and river-front development.
Mission Amrit Sarovar: UP leads in water conservation, having developed over 10,858 lakes (as of mid-2023) to rejuvenate water bodies, which is nearly twice the number in other leading states.
Afforestation: Massive, state-wide plantation campaigns are being conducted to increase forest cover and combat climate change.
3. Sustainable urban and rural development
Smart cities and green infra: Projects such as the Green City Project in Lucknow and the development of smart cities prioritise energy efficiency, improved waste management and the creation of green spaces.
Waste management: The state is enforcing strict solid waste management rules (2016) and plastic waste management rules to manage pollution, including transforming old garbage dumping sites into beautified areas (e.g., in Amroha).
E-mobility: The government is encouraging the shift to electric vehicles (EVs) and CNG vehicles to reduce air pollution.
4. Sustainable agriculture and rural livelihoods: Initiatives like the 'Krishi Kalyan Abhiyan' and 'Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana' promote efficient, sustainable irrigation practices and modern, eco-friendly agricultural technologies.
One District One Product (ODOP): This programme promotes local, traditional and sustainable, long-cycle products across all 75 districts, fostering local economies.
5. Policy and citizen engagement
SDG alignment: The state has adopted "Vision 2030" to align all departmental actions with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including poverty reduction, education, and health.
Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment): The state is pushing for public participation in sustainable habits, such as waste segregation, reducing plastic use, and water conservation.
Sustainable tourism: UP Tourism is promoting eco-friendly practices and the conservation of natural habitats.
These efforts are supported by public-private partnerships, such as PepsiCo India's water replenishment programmes and CSR-driven initiatives in waste management and education.
Sustainable housing
Sustainable housing focuses on minimising environmental impact through energy efficiency, sustainable materials, water conservation and waste reduction. Key strategies include installing solar panels, improving insulation, using eco-friendly materials, and adopting smart, efficient appliances. These, along with passive design, create long-lasting, eco-friendly homes.
According to Anand PJ, architect: “When people talk about building an eco-friendly house, the discussion often begins with materials, green bricks, recycled finishes, or solar panels. While these choices matter, true sustainability in housing cannot be reduced to products alone. From an architectural perspective, what really defines sustainability is energy, how much energy is spent to build a house and how much it consumes over its entire life. The first layer of this is material embodied energy. Embodied energy refers to the total energy already spent before a building even becomes functional: the energy used to extract raw materials, process and manufacture them, transport them to the site, and assemble them into a structure. In simple terms, it is the hidden energy locked into construction materials. A clear example is the difference between conventional burnt clay bricks and fly ash bricks. Clay bricks require fertile topsoil to be excavated and are fired in kilns at high temperatures, consuming large amounts of fuel. Fly ash bricks, on the other hand, utilise industrial waste from thermal power plants, require less energy to manufacture, prevent further loss of agricultural land, and reduce landfill waste. When compared purely on material embodied energy, fly ash bricks are a far more responsible alternative. Similar logic applies to locally quarried stone, compressed stabilised earth blocks, lime-based mortars, recycled steel, and regionally sourced timber. These materials generally have lower embodied energy because they avoid heavy processing and long-distance transport. Choosing alternatives to virgin and imported materials is one of the most effective ways to reduce the environmental cost of construction at the material level. However, material embodied energy alone does not define sustainability. A house stands for decades, and during this time, it consumes energy every day for cooling, lighting, ventilation, water pumping, and appliances. This ongoing consumption is referred to as operational energy, and over a building’s lifetime, it often exceeds the energy spent during construction. This is where architectural design becomes critical. A house built with low-embodied-energy materials but poorly planned, wrong orientation, inadequate ventilation, excessive glazing, or no shading, may depend heavily on air-conditioning and artificial lighting. Over time, its total energy consumption can far outweigh the savings achieved during construction."
"As contradictory as it may sound, a well-designed concrete building can be more sustainable than a poorly planned structure built with 'green' materials, when assessed through lifecycle energy performance. Orientation, climate-responsive planning, cross ventilation, thermal mass, daylight control, and spatial organisation determine whether a house performs comfortably with minimal mechanical dependence. Sustainable construction is therefore not about rejecting certain materials outright, but about using them intelligently and sparingly, supported by good design. Execution also plays a crucial role. Soil testing and early involvement of a structural engineer can significantly optimise foundation and structural systems, often reducing unnecessary use of concrete and steel. Overdesign, common when studies are skipped, leads to excess material consumption and higher embodied energy. Consulting the right professionals early is not an added expense; it is a long-term environmental and economic saving. Similarly, choosing experienced and responsible contractors matters. Even the most sustainable design can fail if execution is careless. Contractors who understand material efficiency, detailing, and waste management can minimise rework and ensure that the building performs as intended. Beyond materials and design, responsible consumption also means using what already exists. In many cities, abandoned or incomplete buildings stand unused due to legal disputes, financial issues, or stalled projects. These structures have already consumed land, materials, and energy, yet serve no purpose. We know transformation is possible. The Kochi-Muziris Biennale demonstrated how abandoned godowns and neglected buildings could be creatively adapted into vibrant cultural spaces. This proves that reuse is not an idealistic idea; it is a practical and proven solution. For homeowners, building sustainably does not require extreme choices. It begins with building only what is needed, prioritising good planning over surface-level “green” features, choosing local materials, reusing existing structures where possible, and working with professionals who understand climate, context, and lifecycle performance,” he added. Why are civic efforts important? Civic efforts are crucial for sustainability because they bridge the gap between policy and action, fostering local accountability, innovation, and community buy-in for environmental goals. By driving grassroots initiatives, such as clean-ups and advocacy, these actions turn abstract sustainability targets into tangible, equitable, and effective community solutions. Individual actions, when multiplied through community engagement, create significant, positive, and systemic change.
What the civic efforts should be:
People should reduce, reuse and recycle. They should minimise consumption, reuse items and recycle materials effectively. Everyone should conserve energy & water. People must remember to turn off lights, use energy-efficient appliances, take shorter showers and fix leaks. One should eat sustainably, choose local, organic foods, reduce meat consumption and compost food scraps. One should choose eco-friendly products, switch to bamboo toothbrushes, cloth bags, metal containers and natural cleaners. When shopping, they should support green brands and buy from companies committed to sustainable practices, favouring slow fashion and cruelty-free products. Everyone should plant a few greens at home to add greenery and improve air quality. One can install solar panels, heat pumps (air or ground source), or wind energy systems to generate clean electricity. One can also upgrade to double/triple-glazed windows, add insulation to walls, floors, and ceilings, and use draft excluders to minimise heating and cooling loss. One can install low-flow fixtures, toilets, and showers, and implement rainwater harvesting systems for irrigation. Use of energy-efficient appliances, LED lighting, and smart thermostats to optimise energy consumption is also a way. If one is building a house, one should try sustainable housing.
Way Forward
Over-consumption has drained the planet’s resources. Hence, there is an urgent need for the multitudes to transition to sustainable living to combat the compounded impact of billions of small, daily actions—ranging from energy use to diet—that currently strain the Earth's natural resources and accelerate climate change. Let us remember, "Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's needs, but not every man's greed."
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