Sustainable Living Facts You Should Know
The sustainability crisis isn’t just about melting glaciers and carbon footprints. It’s embedded in the food we eat, the clothes we wear, the products we buy, and the waste we create. Here are powerful facts across agriculture, plastic, fashion, wildlife, and gardening that shed light on the hidden truths of environmental impact — and why sustainable living matters more than ever.
Agriculture: The Backbone of Global Employment
Agriculture is the world’s largest employer, engaging over 40% of the global population. It spans a wide range of careers—from office-based roles to hands-on farming and cultivation. Yet, it’s a field often misunderstood when it comes to sustainability.
1) Women in Agriculture
Women contribute 43% of the global agricultural workforce. In developing countries, they are responsible for up to 80% of food production, often serving as crop specialists and sustainability leaders in farming communities.
2) Pesticide Residues
Pesticides protect crops but leave invisible residues that pose health risks to both humans and animals. Sustainable agriculture practices are essential to reduce toxic exposure and promote safer food systems.
3) Global Food Insecurity
Although global food production is sufficient, over 829 million people experience hunger, and 9.2% of the population suffers from food insecurity. Food distribution and waste remain critical issues.
Plastic Waste: The Global Pollution Crisis
Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time.
Over 3 million Coca-Cola bottles are produced annually — enough to wrap around the Earth more than 150 times.
Human-made materials, including plastics, now outweigh all animals on Earth, both on land and in the sea.
A solution lies in innovation: university students have created bioplastics from seafood waste, such as lobster shells, which decompose naturally and fertilise the soil.
UK-based company Shellworks has developed Vivomer, a plastic alternative made from bacteria that biodegrades within weeks.
These breakthroughs in bioplastic innovation signal a shift toward more sustainable packaging and consumer responsibility.