By Hasan | ferdousdiary.com
From Dhaka to Douglas: My Journey Into Sustainable Living
When I first arrived on the Isle of Man back in 2021, I was struck by the beauty. The fresh coastal air, the rolling green hills, and the way people actually paused to chat at the shops — it felt like a world away from the bustle of Dhaka.
But as I settled in, I noticed something else too — the bin bags. Overflowing with packaging, food waste, plastic bottles. It wasn’t just here; it was everywhere. And it made me wonder:
“If life is this peaceful and green on the outside… shouldn’t our way of living reflect that too?”
That’s when I first stumbled into the world of sustainable living — not through a textbook, but through small, curious choices. Swapping out plastic, questioning my shopping habits, learning about local food.
If you’re just starting out like I was, this post is for you.
💡 So, What Is Sustainable Living?
In simple terms, sustainable living means making choices that reduce your impact on the planet, so we leave a better, healthier world for future generations.
It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being aware — and doing the best you can with what you’ve got.
Sustainable living focuses on:
- 🌱 Reducing waste
- ⚡ Saving energy
- 🚫 Avoiding unnecessary plastic
- 🛍 Supporting ethical and local businesses
- 🚶♂️ Choosing transport that pollutes less
- 🥦 Eating food that’s good for you and the planet
In other words: live lightly, live mindfully.
🌿 Why It Matters — Especially on an Island
Living on the Isle of Man, we’re surrounded by nature. But that means we’re also more aware of how fragile it all is.
- Our coastlines are vulnerable to rising tides.
- Plastic pollution affects marine life right here.
- Waste has to be transported off-island — it doesn’t just vanish.
Choosing a sustainable lifestyle isn’t just good for the planet — it’s essential for small communities like ours.
🔄 Easy Ways to Start Living Sustainably Today
You don’t need to change everything at once. Just start where you are. Here’s how:
1. Start With One Eco Swap
➡ Replace plastic bags with a reusable tote
➡ Use a shampoo bar instead of bottled
➡ Switch to recycled toilet roll
Check out my full list of simple swaps here →
2. Buy Less, Choose Better
Think before you buy — do you really need it? Can you get it secondhand? Is it made to last?
3. Support Local
Shop at farmers’ markets, buy from Manx makers, and reduce the need for long shipping routes.
4. Eat Seasonally
Not only is it better for the planet, it supports local growers and tastes better too!
5. Rethink Transport
Walk or cycle when you can. If you’re heading to work in Douglas or Peel, consider carpooling or public transport.
🛑 But What If I’m Not Perfect?
You won’t be — and that’s okay.
Even now, I still forget my reusable bags sometimes. I still grab takeaway. But I’m trying. And every small step makes a difference.
“Sustainability is a journey, not a destination.”
If we each do a little, it adds up to a lot.
📦 Want to Take It Further?
Check out these posts next:
- Top 10 Eco-Friendly Subscription Boxes in 2025 →
- How to Start a Zero Waste Lifestyle →
- The Truth About Greenwashing (and How to Spot It) →
🤝 A Personal Note from Me
If you’re reading this and you’re just starting your journey — welcome. You don’t need to know all the answers. Just be curious, be kind, and keep going.
I’m Hasan, and I started Ferdous Diary as a place to share what I learn along the way. If you ever feel like reaching out, or want to share your own story, just contact me here →.
And if you found this guide helpful, feel free to use my referral links — they help keep this blog running 💚