In the previous article, we began discussing the meaning of sustainable living and its connection to the negative changes happening to our planet and the environment around us. We mentioned nine principles of sustainable living through which we attempt to find solutions to change our way of life, reduce the damage we have caused, and return to a sustainable lifestyle. We will provide a simple explanation in a series of articles for each principle individually.
Principle One: Prioritizing Quality Over Quantity
Choosing quality in all aspects of life leads to better, cleaner, and more efficient outcomes. This preference is crucial based on our life experiences and possessions. It primarily relies on selecting the principles of quality and excellence over mere quantity in all its forms. Even routine and life-altering decisions lead to reduced costs, saving time, minimizing unnecessary consumption, improving physical and mental health, and enhancing cognitive activity.
If we consider some ideas that contribute to these benefits, we find the following:
- The quality of life requires those seeking the best to change the monotony of daily routines and embrace new or forgotten experiences.
- Time management and patience play a significant role in making sound decisions, accepting outcomes, and submitting to the Creator’s will.
- Choosing the right decision before and during the purchase of any product improves mental well-being.
- Selecting high-quality, efficient, well-crafted, and durable products reduces waste and saves both time and money.
Principle Two: Preserving Environmental Diversity and Minimizing Pollution
The term “environment” encompasses all the components and elements of the Earth. There is the geographical environment, agricultural environment, animal environment, and more. God has endowed different regions of the Earth with a variety of elements that complement each other. When one component’s role ends, a new life cycle begins.
It is also observed that these elements interact, exchanging benefits as if there is a clear language between them, filled with messages to enhance communication. Not only that, but humans, with their diverse races, colors, shapes, ages, cultures, religions, education, and wealth, are one of the foundations of the natural human economy, which supports the overall economy.
This high level of diversity requires a great deal of information, organization, communication, and mutual recognition of ethnicities and races within societies. This reduces conflicts and disputes, lowers poverty, disease, and ignorance prevalent in lower social classes, and helps maintain balance and preserve diversity.
To enhance this balance and preserve diversity, we must:
- Expand the dissemination of culture, knowledge, and learning about the various types of environmental diversity.
- Work on protecting wildlife, respecting the boundaries of each creature, and ensuring sustainable agricultural growth.
- Recognize the differences among individuals in society, including their cultures, traditions, and celebrations.
- Promote inclusivity and citizenship values among community members and encourage participation in various activities.
We will continue this series of articles to explain and clarify each principle, with examples provided for each.
Conclusion: In conclusion, adopting a sustainable lifestyle is not just a temporary solution but a long-term commitment to improving our quality of life and preserving the diversity of our environment. Through the principles outlined, we can create a more balanced and harmonious existence, benefiting not only ourselves but also future generations.
Best regards,
Dr. Ayman Malouk
Environmental expert
Author of the book “Building with Earth Soil Material”
