What sustainable practices we can learn from astronauts, space

Some of the lessons astronauts need to learn before heading to space, where items like food and water are of the utmost importance, can also apply here on Earth, as people look for ways to conserve, reduce and reuse.

Life in space is very different from life on Earth.

The daily activities needed to keep the spaceship functioning and astronauts healthy – even simple things like dental hygiene – need specialized training in order for astronauts to stay safe.

When Dave Williams, a Canadian astronaut and physician, was told he would head to space in 1998, he underwent rigorous preparations.

Williams, like every astronaut, completed the usual basic training, which, in addition to the more technical aspects, also involved how to do daily activities in space, including something called "toilet training."

Also part of that training are conservation measures, some of which can be applied on Earth as well.

Items like food and water are treated with utmost importance due to a lack of running water or fresh fruits and vegetables, and it's a shift in mindset astronauts need to make before going into space.

When in space, people learn to appreciate many things taken for granted on Earth, like a hot shower or a juicy orange.