Let go
We have come to perhaps the hardest but potentially most cost-effective option when trying to make more sustainable choices. Letting go of unsustainable products and practices.
The truth is that for certain things eco-friendly alternatives just don’t exist. Either they haven’t been invented yet or the standards and expectations we have for conventional products are just unnatural.
Manufacturing a substance that is sticky yet hardens, is smudge proof and doesn’t wash off when exposed to water, like mascara for example, was always unlikely to be sustainable.
The same goes for cling film. Such a convenient multiuse product but it is made up of toxins that pollute the environment and our own bodies.
A balance of letting go and compromising
It’s not easy but my advice would be to first choose the things you are happy to go without. What unsustainable products and practices do you think you could let go of?
Maybe try one at a time and see how it goes. When you next run out of cling film don’t buy more and see if you can manage with old school practices like wax wraps, jam jars, containers, plates on top of bowls, towels or bags.
Then think about the things that you are going to compromise on. This may sound like terrible advice, but we all choose comfort, convenience and compromise at some point. So don’t try fool yourself. Be straight up and honest. List the things that you already know you would struggle to let go of or that would cause too much disruption to your lifestyle.
Keep this list and revisit it when you feel you have made changes in other areas, either where you found alternatives, or were able to let go all together.
Here are some practices and products to consider. Are you up for letting go or do you want to keep them as a compromise?
Fast fashion
Single use plastic
Eat less meat and/or dairy
Supporting bad businesses
Fossil fuel-based transportation
Remember, just do your best. Don’t beat yourself up but also don’t give up. One change at a time can make a huge difference in the long run. Nature is resilient and can recover if we give it a chance. You too have great resilience and potential!