Sustainable Living Framework: The 3 Ms
I was in a great Clubhouse room earlier this week that addressed sustainable living. While there was a lot of discussion around the typical - and VERY needed - reduction of energy, waste and water, I pondered on how to frame the discussion differently, since we all process information idiosyncratically.
The 3M framework discussed below provides a different lens to approaching environmental sustainability and sustainable living. There are many lenses that could be used, and this is shared in the hope that it may resonate with some if the energy/water/waste angle may not. Note: while the focus of the discussion is on living sustainably on a personal level, these concepts also apply to implementing environmental sustainability within organizations.
1. Mindfulness
Mindfulness means being in the present, being aware. It means paying attention to what we are doing - or thinking - at any given time instead of letting our thoughts drift. When applied to environmental sustainability and sustainable living, it is in the context of slowing down. When we slow down, when we focus on the present moment, we significantly eliminate the impulse decisions that we would make otherwise. Those include impulse buys, impulse screen time, impulse eating or drinking, etc...
Sustainable living is being in harmony not just with the planet, but also with yourself and other living beings. Meditating daily, taking walks in nature, breath work, practicing calm movement, journaling, and so many other activities can be used to help us all be more aware and live in the present moment, finding satisfaction and joy in where we are, without needing external stimulants to boost our mood and feeling well-being.
Mindfulness is important at home and at work and everywhere we are. Being present enables us to enjoy the moment and take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves. Practicing mindfulness can help us all live a more fulfilling life, and includes practicing gratitude and compassion for others as well as ourselves. Appreciating what we have makes us yearn less for external things that we may not actually need.
2. Minimalism
Minimalism typically refers to living with less things. Having less things, and only things that you need or love, is one way to live sustainably and to reduce your footprint. Having less things also means that you are not distracted by unneeded objects, and can focus more on the meaningful experiences in your life. The average American's carbon footprint is close to four times the global average (16 tons versus 4 tons) because of our use and disposal of goods.
In our personal lives, one way to reduce consumerism is to avoid buying more than you need or have room for in your home. Try living with less clothing, books, toys, appliances...Really think about what items are necessary and useful before bringing something new into your home. At work, it can mean thinking about what is purchased versus what is needed, and what can be digitized versus kept on file, etc...
3. Materialism
Materialism is not to be confused with materiality, which is used in the sustainability context for defining the social and environmental topics that matter most to the organization's day to day business and its stakeholders. Materialism, per the Oxford dictionary, is defined as: 'a tendency to consider material possessions and physical comfort as more important than spiritual values.'
However, what if we used materialism in a positive sense, in connection with mindfulness and minimalism to support a sustainable lifestyle? In this context, it means investing in items that may be higher cost - beautiful items, high quality items - which will last longer and that you will not need to replace every five years. It means picking a reusable bottle or bag that you love and that brings you joy when you use it. It could mean purchasing higher quality clothing that fits well and that will last for years to come.
At work, it can mean looking at alternatives to disposable items for example. A beautiful mug or glass is more likely to be used than a plastic cup. A well-built high quality desk can be used for many years, etc...
Bonus: Mindset
Your mindset is incredibly important when it comes to how you live your life, we would all agree. In this context, it is looking at your habits and identifying what is congruous with a sustainability lifestyle and what needs to change. It means determining whether this is something important enough to make a priority in your life. It means identifying ways that you can share what you are doing and learning with others by leading by example.
I hope you enjoyed this departure from business-focuses sustainability posts. Be sure to be on the lookout for the fifth in the five part series on getting others on board with going green at work, coming soon!
P.S. If you are currently working within an organization and are looking to grow your skill set and knowledge around sustainability by starting with where you currently work, be sure to download our free Beginner’s Guide to Going Green, with 50+ low-cost and low barrier to entry projects and much more to get started with. If you are looking at becoming a consultant, this could also be helpful in providing you will additional information around potential projects and the business case for going green.
Anca Novacovici
Anca is an author, speaker and founder of Eco-Coach Inc. She is passionate about supporting individuals and organizations around going green and environmental sustainability. You can connect with her on LinkedIn.