SUSTAINABILITY: what does it mean to YOU?

Since I'm in the design industry, I come across the word "sustainability" all the time - usually regarding specific building products, systems, furnishings and finishes. Sustainability has a much broader meaning than that though, and may mean something completely different to everyone who doesn't work in design or construction. 

I think a broader understanding of the word acknowledges our roles as stewards of the planet and our environment and means seeking out knowledge to enable us to make informed choices - for big picture decisions (like choosing where to live) and in our daily lives (like where to shop and what food to eat).


Then, there's an even broader meaning of the word: "the capacity to endure". I love this definition (from Wikipedia) because it encompasses all of the narrower meanings relating to the environment, business practices and personal finances but also can be applied to society as a whole. Can everyone on the planet continue their own way of living indefinitely? Also, can we, as a society, continue our current processes and systems indefinitely? It's not just what we individually choose, but how we relate to each other as well.

There are some easy decisions to make, and some hard, and there's the balance of not giving up on either one if you find any of the decisions too difficult to make. If you live in the exurbs, where you have to drive for a significant amount of time just to get basic groceries, then you should still feel empowered to make lots of other decisions which will increase sustainability - like growing some herbs and vegetables, driving a fuel-efficient car, reducing consumption of plastic, etc. We can't give up on making the best choices, even if we can't make the best choice for the environment every time.

Most importantly, I see the goal of achieving sustainability in my own life as an opportunity to bring in positive change and happiness. I recently had the opportunity to meet and have dinner with Debbie Phillips, founder of Women On Fire. Her recent blog-post about adding happiness to your day rang so true for me. If I can achieve greater sustainability AND happiness at the same time, that's just incredible!

There are lots of examples to choose from, but here are some snippets of sustainability at work in my own life. Hopefully at least one of these will give you some good ideas. Trust me - if I can do any of these, so can you!

* Love your garden!

thyme & heirloom tomatoes  

I'm a novice at this but have learned that if you have soil, sun and water, chances are you can grow something! One of my goals is to incorporate more edible plants into the landscape and also to grow in raised beds some of the vegetable staples that we go through at staggering rates, especially over the summer. I happen to have outdoor space for growing vegetables, but have you noticed the growing trend of urban window herb gardens? I saw lots of herb garden kits at the Union Square Green Market recently - makes it easy for anyone to grow their own!

* Compost!

It's easier than you'd think. I keep this basket in the cabinet below my sink and have a compost pit outside (away from the house). If it turns into nutrient-dense garden soil one of these days, I'll be thrilled, but in the meantime I'm preventing all of these vegetable scraps, coffee grinds and other biodegradables from taking up lots of space in a landfill, where they won't actually biodegrade for a long, long time. P.S. - Garbage smells better without rotting onions in it, and this compost basket allows air filtration so the scraps don't smell either!

* Eat smart!

Blue Hill at Stone Barns

... And I mean both in your daily life and also at special events. At our wedding, we enjoyed some delicious vegan carrot cake from my favorite local bakery: BabyCakes. Dan Barber of Blue Hill at Stone Barns created a memorable and delicious feast of sustainably-harvested fish and vegetables right from the farm - I can still taste the freshness!

* Cook up a storm!

If you like to cook, increase your sustainability by whipping up your favorites at home. These cranberry coconut chocolate chip muffins (Andrew's favorite combo) are delicious, healthier than store-bought, contain local & organic ingredients, and were made without dairy products or refined sugar.

* Eat wild!

Depending on how you look at it, wild edibles are either annoying weeds or delicious snacks! (consult one of the "experts" on weed eating though!) These are raspberries picked from all over our property.

* Get Involved!

Whether it's hosting a wine tasting event for a local organization or spending a day helping out at the Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary, getting involved in my community just makes me happy!

* Travel smart! 

Planning a trip? Do some research online and find an eco-lodge! Laguna Lodge was one of the most beautiful places I've ever been to, and was built out of all local, renewable, reclaimed & recycled materials, is powered by the sun, helps the local community, serves the most delicious local food... I could keep going about how amazing this place is, but really the picture says it all!

* Shop local!

Shopping at independently owned businesses and farm markets means contributing to sustainability!

* Buy antiques!

If you're in the market for any new furnishings, buying antiques reduces demand on natural resources and is healthier for your home. I've been fortunate to work with Westport and Nantucket-based Interior Designer Trudy Dujardin recently. Her recent blog post on antiques is an informative and interesting perspective on how buying antiques is healthy for you and for the environment. Check it out!

reclaimed wood door, beams,
columns, and ceiling 

* Use reclaimed wood!

reclaimed wood fireplace mantel

Being in the design industry, this actually is a daily decision for me. For others, anyone who's considering renovating or building their own home can easily make this choice as well!

I hope this inspires you to do something more "sustainable" in your own life! I'd love to hear your thoughts: What does sustainability mean to you? What are the decisions that you make every day (or as often as possible!) to contribute to sustainability?

- Christine