Your best is enough in eco-efforts.
The sustainable consumption debate is a spectrum. There are extreme zero-waste advocates who almost never use plastic and live off-grid. On the other end of the scale, there are mainstream consumers who toss anything in any garbage bin and buy the cheapest bulk products from anywhere. The middle is a broad array of views and choices based on people’s circumstances and duties. We can be compassionate for anyone who feels overwhelmed when they see versions of consumption that will differ from their own. In our responses, we can reevaluate our lifestyles and become open-minded. There are ways to add more sustainability when living life.
Encourage your social circles and accept their choices
People will have their own values. We can’t convince everyone to change their lives. We can influence our surroundings by setting an example and asking questions when people ask.
I always feel a bit awkward about tea bags. I sometimes visit people who use them, and I know there could be microplastic floating in the hot beverage. However, it’s not always the time and place to preach about the importance of looseleaf tea. I bring it up when I find a way. At other times, it’s better to let it be.
Choose the most sustainable options within your budget and accessibility.
Sometimes, we need to select from limited options. It’s just how life happens. You could be travelling to locations that do not have bulk stores. Maybe a supermarket doesn’t have a facial cleansing bar, and the plastic container of natural product is the next best option. We do what we can.
Some healthy things usually come in plastic.
I don’t like having too much plastic packaging. It feels unnecessary, cluttered and obviously unsustainable. I use this reassurance to anyone who worries about black-and-white strictness. Tofu and tempeh are usually wrapped in plastic. I often can’t find plastic-free organic spinach.
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Keep it simple and do what you can. Image: Unsplash
