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Lifestyle
Waste, No Thank You! The Contemporary Approach To Sustainable Living
Tuesday, 18 Feb 2025
In this fast-paced modern era, lifestyle trends continuously evolve in response to changing times. One increasingly popular trend is sustainable living. From celebrities to young individuals on social media, many take pride in showcasing their environmentally friendly habits—ranging from carrying reusable tumblers to cafes, using tote bags, and recycling household waste. However, the question arises: is this trend genuinely driven by environmental awareness, or is it merely a fashionable lifestyle gaining traction?
Sustainable Living: Between Awareness and Social Trend
The objective of sustainable living is to reduce ecological footprints by minimizing waste, conserving resources, and opting for eco-friendly products. While this concept is not new, it has gained prominence due to the rising awareness of environmental crises. Data from the UN Environment Programme indicates that global plastic waste production has surged dramatically, reaching 400 million tons annually, with only 9% being recycled. This alarming fact has sparked significant concern, prompting many to adopt more environmentally conscious lifestyles.
Nevertheless, it is undeniable that sustainable living has also become a facet of social trends frequently showcased on social media. Hashtags such as #ZeroWaste, #SustainableLiving, and #PlasticFree flood platforms like Instagram and TikTok, presenting an aesthetic of minimalistic and eco-friendly lifestyles that often appear exclusive and costly. This raises the question: do all individuals embracing this lifestyle genuinely care about the environment, or are they simply following a trend to appear "in vogue"?
Critique of Consumerism in Sustainable Living
Ironically, certain elements of sustainable living can lead to excessive consumption.
