A Sustainable Lifestyle—Where Does It Start?

by Cathy Ingham

HOUSTON, TX--You have heard it--green is the color to be these days. What exactly does it mean to live a ‘green’ or ‘sustainable’ lifestyle? That’s kind of like asking what it’s like to live an American lifestyle--every American has a different view. Let’s bring it down to the basics—food, shelter, and clothing. Once we have these things--in any ‘color’--we are then more likely to advance on the pyramid of needs into areas like spiritual fulfillment, community involvement, self-realization and more esoteric pursuits. Notice that ‘accumulation of material goods’ is not on the list! This is basic “Survival 101” stuff.
 
     One often heard definition of sustainability is: “The ability of the current generation to meet its needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.” That is a great definition when talking about worldly concerns like climate change, peak oil, food supply and political issues with global impacts. But just what are my needs—and yours? For most people, sustainability may mean something more like “The ability to make my mortgage/rent payment, buy groceries this week, and save something for my kids’ college fund.” We seem to be in survival mode—esoteric pursuits notwithstanding.

     The most important concept to grasp in terms of being green is that the guy who gets ‘there’ the fastest with the most toys does NOT win! This means we need to—and easily can—live better by slowing down and living with less stuff. Being green starts with using less and wasting nothing, especially in the 3 basic needs group. If we green our pyramids from the bottom up, the rest of our wants and needs will be based on a foundation of sustainability.

     Take one day of eating ‘green’ vs. one day of eating SAD (Standard American Diet) and compare.

GREEN                                 

1. Smoothie made with frozen banana, berries yogurt and milk or almond milk                                     
2. Salad of fresh greens                       
3. Mixed veggies, whole-grain bread                                                                                           
4. Grilled zucchini, eggplant & peppers with rice            
5. Grilled chicken
6. Watermelon slices or a piece of fruit
7. Water or tea

SAD (Standard American Diet)

1. Drive-thru sausage & egg sandwich with coffee & hash browns                
2. Fast food sandwich, chips and soda               
3. Afternoon stop at the vending machine
4. Macaroni and cheese
5. Hot dogs and fries          
6. Store bought cookies

     Which one of these produced more trash in packaging, plastic or paper containers or cups? Which menu items traveled the most miles to get from production location to your plate? Which foods would your grandmother identify as real food? Which menu looks more healthy and nutritious? Which one costs less, per serving? If you’re smarter than a 5th grader, you can probably guess the right answers.

     If you chose the green menu—hooray! You are on your way to living a greener, more sustainable lifestyle. Surely you noticed all the fresh fruits and vegetables recommended on the green menu—and the lack thereof on the SAD menu. If you want to work this kind of eating into your lifestyle, a great place to start is at one of the local farmers markets. Make it an enjoyable new habit to buy your fresh produce and locally produced meats, eggs, cheeses, breads and other culinary delights from your neighbors who are growing for you.

     Two great local Houston markets run by Urban Harvest are the Saturday morning farmers market at Eastside and Richmond—now with 50+ vendors—and the Sunday afternoon market at Discovery Green, downtown. Both markets will soon be offering ‘mini gardening classes’ so you can learn a few tips on how to grow some of your own delicious produce and join the growing community of people living in a more sustainable, joyful way.

     You could also work some exercise into your new green lifestyle by creating your own garden and growing some of your own veggies, fruits and herbs—even if you only have a patio and a couple of pots. The rewards of growing your own food are far beyond any financial savings vs. buying from the grocery store.
 
     Taken to another level, you can become involved with a community or school garden in your area and enjoy the friendships that blossom on the vines of shared experiences in the sun…or rain for that matter. If there is no community or school garden in your area, you can contact Urban Harvest to learn how to start one, or to learn how to create your own garden at home.

     There are many opportunities for you to build your green pyramid food layer—one gardening class, one market visit, one great meal at a time.

                                                                                         —30—

If you are interested in commenting on this article, please contact Cathy Ingham