Even though the sustainable community continues to grow, it still faces resistance from people who believe that climate change may not be as serious as we pose it to be or that indulging in sustainable habits is not quite affordable and accessible to all. Sustainability is all about meeting your own needs without compromising the ability for future generations to meet their needs. To achieve sustainability, it is about more than just individual efforts, what we require is collective effort.
If you’re looking forward to involving your friends and family in living sustainably, here are a few ways that would help:
TALK ABOUT HOW IT HELPS
Encourage them by sharing about the impact of every little change that we make as individuals. Just by turning off the tap while brushing for instance, we can each save upto 8 gallons of water a day, totalling up to 200 gallons a month. Another idea would be talking about fast fashion and its impact on the environment and wage workers. Sustainable practices that help reduce carbon footprint promises cleaner air for better health.
TELL THEM WHY YOU DO IT
They’re looking for more than just statistics. First-person stories really help inspire others to do what you’re doing. So don’t forget to tell them why and how you’re transitioning into sustainable living and why you continue to believe in it. Get personal. Share about what inspired you and how you took your first steps and that may be a great way to get them thinking about it.
GIFT THEM SOMETHING SUSTAINABLE
There’s no better way to inspire your loved ones than by giving them something sustainable and letting them explore how they feel about using it. This will also spark a discussion on certain pre-conceived notions such as the question of hygiene when it comes to thrifting pre-loved clothes.
SHARE INFORMATIVE PAGES THAT YOU DISCOVER
There are tons of pages on social media that believe in conscious living and provide guides and content in the form of memes, reels and more. Have you ever seen low-waste cooking ideas for your favourite tacos and pizza? You could also take a look at this DIY multi-purpose cleaner that your friend would love to try along with you. What interests you may interest your loved ones too. So start sharing!
EXPLAIN HOW IT HELPS YOU SAVE
Is sustainable lifestyle as expensive as everyone thinks it is? Take a bamboo toothbrush as an alternative for example; it will last you longer than a single plastic toothbrush + it has a lower environmental impact. Buying sustainable products is an investment, so it may not be as expensive as it seems. Low energy bills, less expenses with more home-based alternatives for everyday items: sustainability = savings. So sustainable habits can actually save you money!
AND LASTLY, APPRECIATE THEIR EFFORT
Switching to green living is easy but not always convenient to everyone. So appreciate them for every little step that they take!
So does saving the planet really come at a cost? We think it only helps you save more. Sustainable alternatives can often be a bit expensive but it is a great long-term investment with an added benefit of feeling satisfied with the right choices!
The Good Route can help you discover more about conscious living. Start your sustainable journey today.
