Globally, people are weaving sustainability into their daily lives — meeting needs and pursuing wellbeing and aspirations through building community; reducing meat and dairy consumption; wasting less food and using leftovers; reusing, repairing, recycling, sharing and borrowing goods; and enjoying the things that matter most, such as friends, experiences and nature. 

This is impressive since aspirations of ‘the good life’ continue to be strongly influenced by pro-consumption messaging and because people who are aware may not have more sustainable options available. Yet, taken together these actions are piecemeal and do not capture the full potential that holistic sustainable living initiatives can offer.

This publication addresses this gap. It provides a sample of proven lifestyles options and opportunities including in the areas of food, mobility, housing, consumer goods, and leisure and encourages creating holistic sustainable living initiatives.

​The audience is people running campaigns and initiatives with limited resources who want maximum impact. We welcome you to explore these opportunities and to create initiatives that work in your context — because what works in Brazil is different from what works in Morocco. Join us in advancing sustainable living and lifestyles in more effective ways.

The report co-authors are: Dagmar Timmer, Dwayne A. Appleby, Vanessa Timmer (One Earth). The co-authors gratefully acknowledge the team at UN Environment for their support, as well as others who contributed key insights and support.

Citation: United Nations Environment Programme, One Earth (2018). Sustainable Lifestyles: Options and Opportunities. Paris: UN Environment.