How to be an imperfect environmentalist

An easy approach to sustainable living!

As someone concerned about climate change, you might be wondering how you can contribute to the solution. Well, there are a lot of unknowns when it comes to understanding the climate, but one thing is clear, it is that our Earth cannot keep up with our current lifestyles and rate of consumption. After realizing this, there’s a real urge to stop every ‘unsustainable’ habit we’ve got. However, this is exactly what you shouldn't do. The pressure of being a perfect environmentalist can intimidate many people from taking any actions at all.

No one expects you to be perfect, in fact, you don’t even need to strive for perfection at all. Just like anything in life — big change starts small. So take that weight off your shoulders and stop thinking of your path to zero waste, or plant-based or whatever your sustainability goals are - as a sprint when really it’s a marathon. In this blog post, we'll show you how small changes will translate into large impact, down the road.

Big change starts small

Lauren Singer didn’t go zero-waste overnight, and you probably won’t either. But consistent small changes over time will get you there! This goes for anything in life, but today let's talk specifically about environmentalism and why small changes are so important.

Imagine you are committed to becoming 1% more sustainable every day. That could look like putting one piece of food waste you usually put into the garbage into compost. Or saying no to plastic cutlery at a cafe. The point is, it’s something small. This is pretty achievable, right? This is a concept described in one of our favourite books, Atomic Habits by James Clear. Small and consistent actions actually lead to monumental impact. Check this out:

This graphic essentially shows that “if you get one percent better each day for one year, you'll end up 37x times better by the time you’re done”. The compounding effect and momentum you gain by staying consistent will pay off in the long run.

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So for those of you reading who are just curious about climate action and living more sustainably, this is your sign to take small steps. After all, sustainable habits are only useful if you yourself are able to sustain them.

In application, these small changes could look something like this:

• Grabbing bulk apples instead of the apples in a plastic bag
• Choosing to watch a nature documentary instead of reality TV for one night
• Turning the sink faucet off while you're brushing your teeth
• Taking the streetcar instead of taking an Uber
• Say no to the single-use cutlery when you order-in
• Bring a reusable mug to the cafe

The more comfortable you get making these small decisions, the easier it will get to do them automatically. After a few months, you won’t even need to try anymore, these habits will be wired in you!

Finding what you can change

There are so many different ways you can approach green living, so why not choose an angle that is the most fun and interesting way for you?! If you actually enjoy what you’re doing, you’re more likely to keep it up.

It’s also important to keep in mind that sustainable living isn’t a one size fits all lifestyle. Depending on where you live, your budget, and what is available to you, certain things may be easier to change than others. Think about the areas you can change, what is accessible to you, and accept that there might be some things you can’t change at the moment. And that’s OK! This is also why you should never judge someone for where they are at, and the things they are or aren’t doing. You never know what someone else’s limitations may look like.

Use this illustration to help you find the sweet spot of where to start to make it an enjoyable journey. Here are some examples to get the gears turning and help you find what could work for you!

Love cooking? → You could start exploring composting, zero waste recipes, buying regeneratively farmed food, try plant-based recipes or shop without the plastic.

Love fashion? → You could donate old clothes, learn how to repair clothing, buy second hand more often, swap clothes with friends, learn how to crochet and make your own clothes (a little ambitious but hella cute)

Love coffee? → Learn about the coffee industry, purchase sustainably sourced coffee beans, compost your coffee grounds, use zero-waste equipment, or bring a reusable mug out with you.

Love watching movies & shows? → Watch more nature documentaries, support small sustainable film artists, make zero waste snacks for viewing parties, and unplug your TV when you’re not using it.

Love your pets? → You could buy sustainably made pet food, compost their poop, make or buy natural pet toys, support sustainable businesses when buying a leash, bed, etc.

Love cleaning? → Make DIY cleaners from natural ingredients, ditch paper towels, use biodegradable soap, use natural cleaners, and opt for refills instead of buying new bottles every time!

You get the point, you can choose any area of your life and I can guarantee there’s a way you can put a sustainable twist on it! Something you can do right now is to get out a pen and paper and brainstorm what your interests are and how you can incorporate sustainability into them!

For more ideas check out: 8 ways to reduce your carbon footprint.

Easy sustainable swaps

The most sustainable items are the ones that you already have, and the next best option is to source secondhand. However, there are instances where a one-time purchase can help you reduce the amount of waste you’re creating immensely! Here’s a list of one-time eco-friendly swaps that can help you reduce your environmental impact on your climate journey!

1. Produce bags → The Market Bags (CNC members save 20%)

2. Beeswax wraps → Goldilocks Goods (CNC members save 20%)

3. Reusable water bottle + coffee mug → Hitch (CNC members save 20%)

4. Zero-waste kitchen supplies → Better Basics (CNC members save 20%)

5. Zero waste cleaning → Guests on Earth (CNC members save 20%)

6. Zero-waste cosmetics → Elate Beauty CNC members save 15%)

7. Menstrual cup or disc → nixit (CNC members save 15%), Saalt (CNC members save 15%)

8. Pet food with recyclable packaging → Open Farm (CNC members save 10%)

9. Zero-waste shampoo & conditioner → everist (CNC members save 10%)

10. Other zero-waste accessories → The Bare Home (CNC members save 15%)