Sustainable revolution: more imperfection, less judgment
The numbers are clear and we can feel the impact. Global warming is no longer something that can happen, but something that is already affecting our daily lives. It’s up to us, as a global community, to do our part and lower the damage. How can we start a sustainable revolution?
As a journalist and sustainable living advocate, I am constantly reading new studies on the matter and paying attention to what other enthusiasts share on social media, especially on groups dedicated to this matter. I end up feeling overwhelmed more often than I wish I would.
Yes, I know that this is a serious matter and that the predictions are really bad. However, what happens to cause me this feeling is that predominant “all or nothing” mentality. Even though not everyone behaves like this and we are all entitled to be the way we are (with all our quirks), this patronizing attitude can prevent many from getting started on their eco-friendly journey.
I believe that balance is key for anything in life. From work-life balance to what you eat or how you workout. It’s all about balance. Even noble and important causes like saving the home we all live in. Unfortunately, balance is something I don’t find so often while navigating papers and sustainable living support groups.
If every single one of us made a single swap, we could see an impact. It could be a small one, but it would be something to get started with. Like when the pollution levels went down last year after we’ve spent several weeks under a strict lockdown.
Joined effort and commitment are two things that can help us go a long way. If there’s something that this whole world pandemic taught us, is exactly that. We are all in this together and if we work as a team, we’ll be able to get better results than if we all decide to do our thing.
It’s time to stop patronizing others
The first time I felt the impact of a patronizing comment was when I was getting started on my healthy living path. For someone that is further down the road, is easy to signal the weak points of someone who is just getting started or not a professional in this whole thing.
Even though that person might do it with the best intention (helping you and inspiring you), it can easily have the opposite effect. Making you feel bad about your whole progress, no matter how proud you were feeling about yourself.
I have been feeling the same about my sustainable journey ever since I’ve got started. Even though I am far from being the perfect eco-friendly enthusiast, and still have a long road ahead, I am proud of what I have achieved this far. I am also proud of the small community I’ve brought together with this project, and that I hope to inspire with my simple tips.
That’s why I often feel tired and frustrated when I come across judgmental and patronizing comments on social media. Suddenly, whatever you’re doing is not enough, and upcycling is worse than creating things out of brand new sources.
I am not saying that greenwashing isn’t real. Unfortunately, it is. Now that “sustainable” is becoming a trendy expression, it can be found pretty much everywhere. From supermarket brands to big chains. Suddenly, everyone cares. But not enough to pay their employees a proper wage, but that’s a whole different topic.
Do what you can to inspire others
If there’s something that my previous healthy journey taught me, was not to tell (all the time) what people were failing to do to improve their health.
After telling my parents zillions of times that they should reduce their sugar intake or eat more greens, and being ignored an equal number of times, I realized that people often change by following what others do. Not by doing what other people say.
Inspire by example. By doing whatever you do on a daily basis, instead of pushing others to do the same. This way, whoever wants to do some changes in their lives (whatever these are) will more likely follow your example (especially if they see the positive impact) and ask you for recommendations or what should be their next step.
Eunice Maia, the founder of Maria Granel (the very first zero waste store in Lisbon), is a source of daily source of inspiration. In terms of sustainable living and kindness. Her book was one of the very best I’ve read on the subject. Besides sharing her personal experience and really useful tips, her balanced attitude is a breath of fresh air in the field. The same applies to Marieke Eyskoot’s book.
Do what resonates with you
Even though there’s a lot you can do to have a more sustainable living, not all these eco-friendly practices might fit into your daily life. Instead of feeling frustrated or demotivated, by not being able to do everything perfectly, feel free to put just a couple of ones into practice and build from there - if you’re comfortable with it.
Embrace the imperfection and feel proud of your accomplishments.
Buy things that were built to last
Having a sustainable living project means that friends often ask me for eco-friendly alternatives to a certain problem. Just the other day, a dear friend of mine asked me where could she find a sustainable swimsuit that didn’t cost a fortune and that wasn’t a size zero.
My answer was: instead of buying a sustainable product, opt for something that was quality-built and that you’ll be able to wear for years to come. Helping you save the environment, while saving money at the same time (less discarded clothes, less new clothes needed, and fewer resources used).
I’ve been there myself countless times. While some of the eco-friendly things I bought are high-quality, unfortunately, can’t say the same about all the sustainable products I’ve purchased so far. No matter how respectful I want to be with the environment, I also need to be realistic about how far I can go and what I can afford.
For example, I might spend 125 euros on a pair of VEJA sneakers that were sustainably made and that I expect to wear for a few years, but I have a hard time spending 30 euros on a sustainable hair care set that will disappear in less than a month.
I am not saying that nobody should spend 30 euros on a shampoo and conditioner, I am just saying that for me (at the moment) it would make a dent in my budget.
Long story short, surround yourself with people who share the same vision as you and that can support you on your path. Make choices that you feel comfortable with, not just because someone told you to. Allow yourself to feel proud of what you’ve accomplished so far. At last but not least, inspire others with your everyday actions. Show them how easy and effortless it can be, without driving them nuts.
If you feel like talking about your experience or just need to vent, feel free to drop me a line.
