Sustainable living isn’t about doing everything at once – it’s about making thoughtful choices, one step at a time. And in the Philippines, where both natural beauty and environmental challenges are part of daily life, every small lifestyle shift counts. While the concept of eco-living can often feel overwhelming, it doesn’t have to mean overhauling your entire routine or home. Sometimes, all it takes is a thoughtful adjustment in the way we shop, eat, move, and live.
At La Marchea, we embrace a way of life rooted in harmony with the earth. As an agrihood – a master-planned community built around farming and green spaces, our purpose is to show that sustainability and modern comfort can coexist beautifully. Whether you’re exploring new ways to live more consciously or looking to invest in real estate in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, this guide offers gentle but impactful ways to begin your journey into eco-living.
1. Support Local and Seasonal Produce
In the Philippines, we’re fortunate to have access to a wealth of locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs year-round! Prioritizing local produce not only supports farmers and strengthens local food systems, but also cuts down on the carbon emissions tied to importing food from other regions or countries.
The more we buy from nearby markets, whether in your barangay’s palengke or from weekend farmer’s stalls, the more we reduce the need for plastic packaging and long-haul transportation. This simple shift helps promote a more sustainable food culture, and the bonus? You get fresher, more nutritious food on your table!
2. Shift to Reusable and Low-Waste Essentials
Many of our daily habits are built on convenience, and it’s easy to rely on single-use plastics without thinking twice. But replacing a few disposable items with reusable alternatives can make a real difference over time.
Invest in long-lasting water bottles, cloth shopping bags, stainless steel straws, or beeswax wraps. Not only are these alternatives more sustainable, but they also lend a quiet elegance to your routine. At La Marchea, we encourage residents to live with intention – choosing tools and materials that support the planet while fitting seamlessly into everyday life.
3. Be Mindful of Energy Consumption
Based on the Philippine Department of Energy (DOE) recommendations and related energy efficiency guidance, you can adopt the following energy-saving habits:
Air Conditioning and Cooling
- Set air conditioners to 24-26°C to balance comfort and energy savings.
- Keep windows and doors closed when using air conditioning to prevent cool air loss.
- Use ceiling fans as a more energy-efficient alternative to air conditioning when possible.
Lighting
- Replace incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs, which use significantly less energy and last longer.
- Turn off lights when not in use to save energy.
- Use natural daylight during the day to reduce the need for artificial lighting.
Appliances and Electronics
- Unplug devices when not in use to avoid phantom energy loads.
- Use smart power strips to easily turn off multiple devices at once.
- Choose energy-efficient appliances certified by energy labeling programs.
- Run appliances like dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads.
Behavioral and Household Practices
- Turn off monitors and computers when leaving your desk for extended periods or at the end of the day.
- Close blinds or curtains to block direct sunlight during hot days and reduce cooling needs.
- Avoid using individual space heaters or multiple small appliances; consolidate use in common areas if possible.
By consistently applying these habits, you can reduce your energy consumption, lower your utility bills, and contribute to the country’s energy conservation goals promoted by the DOE.
Homes in sustainable communities like La Marchea are designed to invite in natural airflow and minimize the need for artificial cooling. It’s design that respects the land and your lifestyle.
4. Start a Simple Home Garden
Gardening should be more than just a hobby because it’s an act of self-sufficiency! Whether you have a backyard or just a small balcony, you can start growing your herbs, vegetables, or ornamentals. Basil, pechay, calamansi, and even tomatoes thrive in containers and require very little space.
In an agrihood setting like La Marchea, you’ll find communal gardens and green spaces designed to encourage this very practice. Residents are invited to engage with the land, grow their own food, and live in closer rhythm with nature. It’s this grounded, sustainable approach that sets agrihood living apart from traditional subdivisions.
5. Choose Where You Live with Purpose
One of the most transformative shifts in sustainable living comes from choosing a community that shares your values. At La Marchea, we’re redefining what modern living in Palawan looks like by building around nature, not over it. Our farm-to-table approach, green open spaces, and walkable design all contribute to a life that feels both peaceful and purposeful.
For those exploring real estate in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, La Marchea offers more than just land or units – it offers a lifestyle. A chance to live in a thriving agrihood that nurtures both people and the planet.
A Quick Update: Townhouse 67 Is Almost Sold Out
We’ve seen a growing number of families, retirees, and remote professionals looking to make the switch to greener, more intentional living. Our Townhouse 67 cluster – designed for those who want to enjoy both privacy and access to communal spaces is nearly sold out. If you’re considering a long-term investment in sustainable living, this may be your moment.
Begin Where You Are
There is no single path to sustainable living. It’s a gradual journey made up of small, everyday decisions; each one bringing you closer to a more grounded, responsible, and rewarding lifestyle. Whether that shift starts with growing your own food, reducing your plastic use, or simply choosing to live in a community that honors the land, the important thing is to begin.
At La Marchea, we believe that eco-living in the Philippines doesn’t have to feel complicated or out of reach. With the right environment, thoughtful design, and a shared purpose, a greener life is not only possible because it’s already within reach.