Whoever said that sustainability and luxury do not go together probably hasn’t sensed the shift in consumerism in recent times. What used to be a display of excess and extravagance has suddenly mellowed and become more practical this time around.
Whether it’s a ripple effect that stemmed from a passing trend, or the fruits of years and years of advocating for a more sustainable lifestyle, there is an advent of sincere consciousness and concern for the environment cropping up around today’s consumers.
The younger generation especially is starting to see that real luxuries – something so extravagant it cannot possibly be attained by just anyone – are not the things that money can buy, but are the things that not just money can acquire. We’re talking of a healthy environment, a healthy way of life, and the happiness that comes with it — all those borderline-philosophical ideals that most young people with buying power swear they want to achieve.
This is likely why today’s consumers are more willing to pay a higher premium for attaining a sense of these ‘luxuries’, like trading the overwhelming city life for a slice of peace and quiet. They are seen as worthy investments beneficial to both the buyer and the environment. Majority of today’s upper class, even, are looking to live ‘green’- that is, in a way that makes as little impact as possible on the planet without sacrificing the comforts of luxurious living.
Why are they going green like that, you ask? Here’s 7 reasons:
- Green living is great for your physical health.
One of life’s little luxuries is living a long and peaceful life completely healthy. A healthy diet and a healthy environment are big factors. Living green means being surrounded by open spaces and fresh air, which is a luxury considering today’s urban jungle set-up. The benefits of living green can also start small at home. Take a cue from Human Nature owner and CEO Anne Meloto-Wilk, and switch from synthetic and toxic household products to natural and sustainable ones. - Green living is great for your mental health, too.
Did you know that looking at greenery after hours of straining your eyes (to focus on your laptop or phone) can relax it significantly? Looking away from your phone can relax your brain, too. Living green in a time where technology shows no signs of stopping means you get to go on a ‘gadget break’ and ‘social media detox’ as often as you please, to take a breather from the day’s all-too-toxic culture of living in the now. That time away for meditation and mindfully getting back in touch with oneself is a luxury in and of itself! Host and artist Joey Mead-King, for example, practices mindful living, and she’s all the more beautiful (inside and out) for it! - Green living is a suitable way to raise a family.
Today’s younger generation have heard their elders wax poetic time and again of literal greener pastures of the past. This has likely influenced the youth to aspire for a greener way of life not only for themselves but for their future families, too! Global girl Sandra Soriano has been around the world but has remarked that nowhere is better than living on a farm with her family and loved ones. Not only is it a great holistic learning experience to work hands-on in a farm, but it is also an excellent opportunity to bond, as a family, over nature and the literal greener future ahead. - Green living can help foster better relationships.
Because living green can make you feel good, it can make everyone around you feel good, too. Bea Misa-Crisostomo, co-owner of eco-friendly establishment Ritual, has adopted the green life for years and has since shared her passion for it with people by way of her refill station and store. Many green living enthusiasts and advocates have flocked to her store and have sung praises for such a unique concept, proving in this small way that you can get back the luxury of good vibes when you spread good vibes to the environment, too. - Green living is very future forward.
If you’re the type of person who loves living state-of-the-art, you can do that while being eco-friendly, too. Many local and international brands have also realized that the future is green, and they’ve been making it much easier for people to get their hands on luxuriously ‘green’ furniture and fixtures without too much added cost or too much-sacrificed convenience. Today’s latest air-conditioning units, refrigerators, and even sink faucets boast the latest in ‘green-ovation’, so you’re getting the best technology with your environment’s welfare in mind. - Green living is actually extremely stylish, too.
Architectural Designer Kevin Wickham, along with wife Sherry Apostol, built their green abode in Subic specifically with sustainability in mind. The functional, sustainable, and minimalist-zen theme of their home, which has been featured for many years in many a publication, proves that sustainability goes with style goes with luxury goes with timelessness. It’s the perfect formula for a perfect home. - Green living is excellent for keeping you grounded.
Finally, green living can allow you to stay grounded — literally. Living in an eco-friendly environment practically forces you to get in touch with nature and explore sides of yourself you never knew existed. Living green fosters extra creativity, allows you to practice patience, gives you the satisfaction of hand-made things, and offers you the opportunity of relaxation crafted the way you want. In Paula Peralejo-Fernandez’s case, her own self-made garden nook in her home is her favorite luxurious respite to get back in touch with herself after a hard day’s work.
Green living and luxurious living don’t have to be mutually exclusive. In fact, you can live in harmony with both luxury and eco-friendliness in mind. You just have to know where to look for the perfect set-up and all these luxurious benefits could be yours in no time.
