What Does Sustainability Mean?

Sustainability means living in a way that meets our needs without hurting the ability of future generations to meet theirs. It’s about balance—using natural resources wisely, wasting less, and thinking about how our actions affect the world.

The choices we make every day—like using less plastic, saving energy, or buying second-hand—can all help protect the Earth. When millions of people make small changes, the impact is huge.

Everyday Changes That Matter

You don’t need to change your whole life overnight. Here are a few easy steps you can try today:

• Use reusable bags, bottles, and containers: One plastic bottle takes up to 450 years to break down. Imagine how much we save by reusing instead.
• Switch off lights and devices: Turn them off if you’re not using them. This simple habit can save lots of energy.
• Eat more plants: Plant-based foods use less water and land to produce. Try “Meatless Mondays” or add more veggies to your meals.
• Buy less, choose wisely: Fast fashion and cheap goods harm the environment. Buy better, buy less, and take care of what you own.

A Cleaner Way to Clean

One amazing eco-friendly swap more people are learning about is electrolyzed water. It sounds high-tech, but it’s very simple and safe. It’s made by applying electricity to salt and water. This creates a powerful cleaner that kills germs, removes dirt, and is safe for people, pets, and the planet.

Unlike many regular cleaners, electrolyzed water doesn’t have harsh chemicals. That means no strong smells, no toxic fumes, and no harm to waterways when it gets washed down the drain. It’s already used in schools, hospitals, and food prep areas. Now, it’s becoming easier for regular households to use, too.

This is an excellent example of how science and nature can work together to give us better options for a cleaner, greener home.

The Ripple Effect

When you make one change, others notice. Your friends, family, and even your kids might start to follow your lead. Sustainability spreads through inspiration.

Share what you’re learning. Talk about your swaps. Post about eco-friendly finds. Every person you reach can make a difference, too.

It All Starts With One Step

No one is perfect. But we don’t need one person to do everything right. We need millions doing their best. Pick one thing to change this week. Maybe it’s switching to electrolyzed water for cleaning. Perhaps it’s walking to the store instead of driving. Whatever you choose, know that it matters.

Let’s build a future where clean air, freshwater, and healthy food are available for everyone. And let’s do it one small, powerful choice at a time.

As summertime comes to a close, I look forward to enjoying the early fall. A long weekend camping in the Catskill Mountains in upstate New York is a spectacular site to behold in September. The climate is temperate, yellow and red deciduous tree tops peeking above the dairy farms, and the smell of autumn is ripe in the air. This region always delivers; the roaring Delaware rapids make for an adventurous canoeing expedition with friends, and hiking along the plateaus gives us one last endurance challenge of the warm weather season.

I am mindful and always maintain eco-friendly behavior. In order to meet my eco goals and have a stress-free trip, there are 3 essentials tools I take with me on all camping outings.

Meals are most important, how to prepare and how to serve; a titanium cook set is ideal because it is light in the pack so transport is not a burden and cooking is done swiftly. These pots are utility so one can eat right out of them so no need for extra bowls or dishware. Cooking, eating, and cleanup are complete before the night stars twinkle.

Of course, having an ample supply of water should be an automatic given. Bringing along extra hydration tends to be an over-sight made by many of my camping co-orts. My second essential camping tool is a durable water-bottle. I bring extra for those that are absent-minded.

My trusty insulated stainless steel water bottle, which clips universally to all my out-door clothing, always is attached. If I am paddling out on the lake in a kayak in the razor heat of the 2pm hour or hiking on the scenic trails of Sugarloaf Mountain, I can always quench my thirst. I found a perfect eco-friendly bottle that keeps my water cool all day and never leaves a bitter metallic taste in my mouth.

Campfires are my favorite part of the weekend. At the end of the day, it’s time to sit around, share stories, and enjoy everyone’s company. But, the night doesn’t come without its pests. The smoke of the fire does its best, but the bugs are lethal and they are ready to attack. I leave city behind just to be re-acquainted with mosquitoes the size of the Chrysler and The Empire State Buildings.

My third essential camping tool is bug spray. I recently discovered an eco-friendly mosquito spray, Eco Raider, and I keep a bottle of it in my car. It comes with me to outdoor parties, company picnics, and even helps repel bugs away while lounging in my backyard on a hot, sunny, afternoon. The all natural lemongrass oil has a pleasant smell and extended residual so I don’t find it necessary to spray myself every 10 minutes. It really works and most important, its 100% bio-degradable.

I love the outdoors. I love the woods, the lakes, the beaches, all the places where insects pray. Every year when spring is upon us, so are the bugs and they are looking to fest, and it seems my skin is their pâté. I have tried every insect repellent the corner drug store has and no other spray has offered the relief that Eco Raider Mosquito Spray has. I can enjoy the summer evenings, the neighborhood barbeques, and my early fall camping trip again without the threat of being eaten alive or spraying toxins into the air.

There are investments in choosing to live an eco-conscious lifestyle. Being a responsible consumer is a good place to start. For example, the time it takes to research alternative products can consume a large part of your leisure. However, these costs are minimal when comparing it to the overall long-term environmental and economical benefits. Remember it starts with individuals and families making environmentally-informed choices today that lead towards a greener tomorrow.

Article Contributed by Tania Lewis From EcoRaider