The High Cost of Living

Everything has a cost – be it environmental, social or governance-related. No action exists in isolation; even with the best of intentions, we often find ourselves somewhat a part of the challenges we aim to solve, rather than standing apart from them.

We live in a modern world, and by default, we are a part of the problem. To think of myself as anything different is ignorance on my behalf.

• When I drive my car and find myself stuck in traffic, I am part of the problem.
• When I buy clothes from a high street retailer, I am part of the problem.
• When I purchase a bottle of water at the gym, I am part of the problem.
• On the odd occasion when I buy garlic shipped from Peru, I am undeniably part of the problem.

Living in today’s modern world means contributing, knowingly or unknowingly, to a larger web of challenges. No matter how much we reduce, recycle, or reuse, our actions inevitably add to the complexities of environmental and social issues.

Transport

Does driving an electric vehicle (EV) make you guilt-free? Manufacturers might lead you to believe so, but the reality is far from simple. Producing an EV battery involves significant environmental costs. For instance, extracting one tonne of lithium—sufficient for around 100 car batteries—requires approximately 2 million tonnes of water. Add to this the ecological footprint of mining nickel and cobalt, and it becomes clear that EVs are not as clean as they seem. Whether powered by petrol or electricity, all vehicles leave a mark on the environment.

Fashion

The term “fast fashion” refers to inexpensive, quickly produced clothing designed to keep up with ever-changing trends. This industry is the third-largest polluter globally, driven by low-quality materials, outsourced manufacturing, excessive water usage, transportation emissions, and mounting textile waste.

The allure of a $10 outfit for a one-time occasion mask its real cost. The next time you reach for that bargain purchase, ask yourself: What is the true price of being “on-trend”?

Food

Australians waste about 7.6 million tonnes of food every year, costing the economy around $36.6 billion each year and contributing to roughly 3 % of Australia’s annual greenhouse gas emissions.  Globally 30-40% of food produced is wasted. This is alarming especially when so many go hungry.

There are numerous reasons as to why we have such a high percentage of food wastage: infrastructure, lack of cold storage and inefficient food distribution systems. When you look at agriculture, we need to look at developing resilient and sustainable farming systems which include diversifying and decentralising agriculture.

Urban agriculture could be a game-changer, integrating food production into local environments and ensuring stable access to fresh, locally grown produce.

5 tips on how to reduce your high cost of living; environmentally & socially

1. Travel – Use public or shared transport, or even better run, walk or ride a bike
2. Food – Choose local, plant-based options and support local farmers markets
3. Home – Use natural light, change clothing instead of relying on heating or cooling, look at using energy-efficient appliances
4. Travel – Stay local and support local businesses
5. Shop – Consider what you really need, ditch fast fashion and choose experiences over items

Be a mindful consumer

As you go about your day, begin cultivating a greater sense of awareness. Reflect and observe everything around you and consider what you consume and ask yourself: How can I reduce, recycle, and reuse?

Every decision you make, no matter how small, carries consequences. Recognising this is the first step toward creating meaningful change. Never underestimate the power of small changes to create a significant impact.

Welcome to your 2025.