Way of living
Way of living
Our lifestyle affects the entity of the ecosystem we live in. It is our responsibility to inherit a livable ecosystem to our children, as our general attitude towards nature, animals, and man, determines the profile of our environmental footprint.
That’s the reason, we are required to follow the principles of sustainable development. This means, making small changes not only in our diet but also, in our basic everyday choices.
In particular, the propositions are:
A. Energy
The profile of the energy we use should, if possible, come mainly from renewable energy sources (like wind or solar), and a small part from low footprint sources (as natural gas). Our goal should be to eliminate the use of energy from high-footprint fossil fuels (as oil).
In the meanwhile, we can reduce energy use by choosing to walk instead of drive or buy an electric/hybrid car, as well as replace conventional bulbs with LED bulbs.
B. Reuse and Recycle
Usually, product packaging is one of the factors for choosing a product. But for the most part, packaging materials are energy-consuming and are not recyclable or reusable. If we stop choosing such packaging materials, companies will be forced to use more environmentally friendly materials.
We don’t have to go back to the era when milk was delivered to our homes in reusable bottles or cans, we just have to apply these lessons in new ways – like using vending machines to fill the containers the customer brings.
We can also find and buy disposable drinking straws from plant recourses (like peas) and paper or reusable ones from stainless steel and bamboo.
Such small daily choices help us lessen the impact that human civilization has on the environment.
C. Product choice
Even our daily choices of the products we buy or use, play a role in the process of redefining man and its relationship to nature. The first step is avoiding or reducing the products that require the death of animals to be produced (like furs), the exploitation of humans, or they don’t follow the principles of sustainability in production. Soon, the state will introduce the mandatory display of every product’s carbon footprint on the packaging.
Until then, we’d better evaluate our choices not by aesthetics, but with respect towards the triptych: “man – animals – environment”.
D. Nutrition
Nutrition is a very important factor, as it is an essential, daily part of people’s lives. This section is dedicated to nutrition as it is the main target of the Hellenic Vegetarianism Association.
In addition to the type of diet, attention must be paid to the wastage of food, as large quantities end up in the garbage and landfills, while they are still suitable for consumption. It has been found that this happens throughout the production and consumption chain, in the farms, transportation, processing plants, and homes.
The transition to vegetarianism is an important means of reducing cruelty to animals, protecting the environment, and reducing poverty on our planet. It can also improve our health and limit one the most serious modern diseases – cancer. Learn more.
However, the transition to a vegan/vegetarian diet should be gradual as there are some nutrients that are hard to substitute in a vegan diet. Valid and scientific information is the first step in this direction. In this section of our website, you can find healthy plant-based recipes.
The recipes can be plenty as nature offers us a wide variety of options and infinite combinations. Our bid is to present you with easy, tried, and tasty recipes, that are low in fat and calories. For both our younger, and older friends.
If you decide to transition in a strictly vegetarian/vegan diet, it is advisable to consult an expert before making your first steps, so that you follow a balanced diet that substitutes the nutrients you need from meat.