site.btaOnline Guide Provides Tips for Sustainable Living

The European Youth Movement – Bulgaria developed an online handbook, containing 18 tips on environmental sustainability for young people to apply in their daily lives. Preservation of the Earth's precious resources such as water, trees, and fossil fuels is at the heart of sustainability, the youth movement said. Refusing the use of plastic products, using LED light bulbs, extending the life of products, reducing meat consumption and more are among the tips in the online guide.

The aim of this guide is to inform young people in Bulgaria about sustainable lifestyles, to strengthen their attitudes on issues such as climate change and environmental protection, Dimitar Uzunov, chairman of the movement, who is a fourth-year student in European studies, told BTA. He believes that young people can be the change by spreading good practices.

Each tip includes a short explanation. Buying only the necessary food is important to reduce food waste, the guide advises. Leaving electrical appliances on standby uses an unnecessary amount of energy, says another tip. Separate waste collection is also highlighted. "Plant a tree" is the last piece of advice given by the youth movement.

Small habits determine the whole environment around us, Uzunov said. He believes that leading an eco-friendly lifestyle may be difficult at first, but it is healthier and even cheaper.

"By living according to the four classical principles of environmental consciousness or the 4Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Recycle), we can protect the environment," the Youth Movement explains.

The handbook has been prepared under the "Youth for Environment" programme of the Environment Ministry through the Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water- Sofia. The guide also features short videos on environmental protection and achieving an environmentally friendly lifestyle.