THE IMPERFECT ENVIRONMENTALIST: DOING WHAT YOU CAN IS ENOUGH

Trying to live sustainably can be a bit of an unattainable dream sometimes and to be honest, I don’t think it’s ever possible to be the perfect environmentalist. There’s always something you can do better or greener and it’s important not to beat yourself up about it. As long as you’re doing what you can, then that’s all that matters.

When it comes to topics like recycling, air travel and make up, I wholeheartedly agree you should find more conscious or sustainable options first, however, I don’t believe it is necessary to completely discount them all together. There’s often a lot of offset impacts that’s out of our control, but that doesn’t mean our efforts or lifestyle choices are no longer making a difference.

I believe that it is both appropriate and possible to make the most of what you have around you and do the best you can. Just being aware of your environmental impact is enough. I think sustainability has come a long way over the last few years and it’s no longer expected that you have to pack up your life, live off  grid and grow all your own fruit and veggies. That’s great if that works for you, however, it’s not always practical or affordable, especially not for a full time uni student like myself. 

But I do think it’s still possible to follow all the latest trends, travel overseas and do the things you love, but just without harming the environment or at least minimising your impact - there’s always a more sustainable alternative to choose.

Sustainability should not be about sacrificing, but about making small positive changes and thinking a little differently. It’s about making the best decisions you possibly can with the things, places and people you have access to and the tools you already have.

So, I prefer to say I’m on a sustainable living “journey” or that I’m an imperfect environmentalist trying to live as consciously as I possibly can. I fully admit my decisions are not always the most eco friendly, however, they’re always the best I can do in my current situation and resources.