Living sustainably is hard enough all on it’s own but it’s even harder when those around you don’t understand, judge you or completely disregard any attempt to help the planet.
Maybe you’re still living at home and don’t do the grocery shopping or your friends give you funny looks when you whip out your reusable straw. It can feel really isolating fighting for something when everyone around you doesn’t quite get it.
I’ve been in all of these situations and some times find myself in them still. There is hope. I hope that this post encourages you to keep going and gives you some tips to feel confident doing what you’re doing.
How to live sustainably when those around you do not:
1. Educate them – Perhaps their disdain for the topic comes from lack of knowledge. When I first learned about ethical fashion and sustainable living I couldn’t assume my family automatically knew the same things.
Kindly let them know why you’re passionate about it and some easy ways they could help you in your journey or even start their own. The last thing you want to do is talk about it harshly and make them feel like terrible people for not living the same way you do.
2. Find an online community – If you’re feeling lonely on your journey to sustainability, I urge you to find an online community of people who are on the same journey. There are Facebook groups specifically for people who want to and are learning to live more sustainably.
Having like minded people that you can talk to and gain tips and ideas from is crucial is gaining momentum for keeping this journey up.
3. Buy what you can for yourself – If you’re still living at home you might not have a say in whether your parents or owners of the house consume a lot of plastic or waste when grocery shopping.
But if you can buy yourself a reusable straw, some bags for when you shop, a bamboo toothbrush, a shampoo bar etc. etc.
You can’t control what those around you do but you can control what you do and what you use.
Helpful posts:
4. Keep going – I’m no stranger to the looks,the comments or even the downright criticism from those around me when trying to take care of the planet. I know that it can be hard especially when you feel all alone and people make it out to seem as though you think you’re better than them for helping the planet.
When you come across these moments and these people you have to remember why you’re doing what you’re doing. And then just keep doing it. Know that while your acts may be small you’re apart of something much better that will benefit those around you. Even the ones who think what you’re doing is weird.
Those are my tips on how to live sustainably when those around you do not! If you have any more please share thm down below! So don’t be discouraged.
Please don’t forget to share this post and follow me on Instagram for daily ethical fashion and low waste living inspiration!
Leave a Reply