Slow style is the new black! How and why to live more consciously?

Many of us have probably been waiting for something groundbreaking since 2020. New opportunities, dreams fulfilled, fundamental decisions, moments that will change our lives. But few expected what this year really brought to the world. A pandemic that sat us on our asses. Literally. For weeks, we have had to limit or change everything we are used to. The way we shop, work, socialize, spend our free time. But beyond these temporary changes, perhaps it is finally time for a permanent change. A change towards a more fulfilling and sustainable life. What is it and how can we achieve it?

The lifestyle of our grandparents

The term slow style may sound very modern and complicated at first, but in reality it is completely simple. It is a lifestyle built on conscious decisions with the aim of living fully, responsibly, locally and with consideration for others and the environment . When we think about it, generations before us lived exactly like this. They lived communally, connected to nature, used local resources and provided many services and products themselves or from each other. However, over the years, we have become comfortable and the charm of community has been replaced by the charm of consumerism. We have become accustomed to taking a lot and giving little. We needed to get everything immediately and cheaply. Quality has been replaced by quantity, sometimes not only in things, but also in relationships. We have put ourselves and our comfort first, regardless of other variables. We have pushed aside whether our actions benefit others and the world. But the planet has given us a bill. For a world flooded with cheap clothes inhumanely made in Asia, for the tons of waste we produce, for the greenhouse gases we turn a blind eye to, we will pay for everything if we do not change our habits. Why not start doing it right now, when the world needs it most?

How to live more consciously

It's enough to start with small changes. Let's buy only as much food as we can consume and prevent food waste, which is alarming nowadays. Instead of five new T-shirts made in poor conditions in Asia , let's buy one quality one from a Slovak manufacturer . Let's limit the use of single-use plastics. Let's not be ashamed to ride public transport to work. Let's save energy at home. Let's learn to repair, recycle, upcycle - let's not throw things away, let's breathe new life into them or move them somewhere where they can still be used. And did you know that you can travel consciously? In this regard, too, in recent years we have been doing more harm than good. One-day air trips, unethical animal attractions, devastation of nature and local property, ignoring culture and traditions, this is also the dark side of cheap travel. Let's also prioritize services that are honest on the road. Let's support local entrepreneurs, take nature and animals into account, let's respect local communities and their customs. Let's travel more at home and choose regional services. If we invest in our country, it will pay us back sooner or later.

10 tips for traveling sustainably in Slovakia

1. Take a trip by bus or train.

You can choose this route to minimize your negative impact on the environment - instead of individual transportation by your own car, take a trip by bus or train. Another bonus is that this way you can also enjoy the landscape you are passing through more, since you do not have to concentrate on driving.

2. Choose private accommodation with locals.

When traveling, choose private accommodation with locals instead of large (and often foreign) hotel chains. Whether it's accommodation in a small family guesthouse, renting a private property, or sharing a room in a household, for example through Airbnb.

3. Buy local products.

When you want to take a souvenir from your trip, buy something typical of the town or region you're in. A product from a local craftsman, artist, or farmer is always a great choice.

4. Use the services of local entrepreneurs.

As with accommodation, when it comes to other services, prioritize those operated by local entrepreneurs. These can be restaurants, cafes, or various attractions.

5. Try agritourism.

Would you like to experience real farm life? Milk a cow and make cheese or cottage cheese? Look around for the agritourism opportunities, of which there are more and more in Slovakia.

6. Have a picnic in nature.

One of the arguments against responsible travel is that it is much more expensive. This may or may not be true. Pack a picnic basket and go on a trip. Leave your mobile phones at home and enjoy the beauty of the landscape and the exceptional company.

7. Follow the rules when visiting cultural monuments.

Whatever monument you decide to visit, follow the rules and regulations you see written or that you are asked to follow. Many of them are not only for the protection of the monuments themselves, but also for your safety.

8. Protect nature and take care of the animals in it.

When visiting nature, be considerate, don't disturb wildlife, don't stray from official trails, don't make a mess in nature. Plus, if you clean up after someone else, you'll feel great as a reward.

9. Don't rush, take your time exploring.

Responsible travel is also about savoring the moments, deepening the experiences. Give yourself time to experience, to live, to learn. Take your time and try to relax during your wanderings through Slovakia.

10. Travel in a larger group and share the costs.

If the first point didn't interest you and you don't want to go on a trip by public transport, at least try to get several people to agree and share a car or other means of transport. This way you will also save money, as you will reduce your costs.

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