Things I would have liked to know before the start of my sustainability trip-Part 2

When I first started exploring topics like veganism, zero waste, or a sustainable lifestyle, I think I would have loved to have stumbled across a post like this one. Because there are a lot of things no one told me beforehand. And when the time came, I was overcome with feelings of guilt, shame, failure, or fear. So, whether you're just beginning your sustainability journey or already in the middle of it—I have something to say to you! 🧡

This is the second part of the article. You can find the first part here.

1. At the end of the day, concepts are just words

Expressions and terms like "minimalist," "zero-waster," or "vegan" often seem definitive, vast, and unattainable. Remember that the meanings of these words are more of a guide than an absolute rule. If you make a mistake or don't behave "perfectly," it doesn't necessarily mean you've failed or can no longer identify with one of these terms.

Labels and "categories" can be helpful. They give an idea of what you stand for or what's important to you. But they can also be distracting. For example, if you resonate with some of the things the term represents, but not all of them. Therefore, you can, of course, decide for yourself whether you want to "label" yourself with one of the aforementioned terms or not.

Please don't view these terms as absolutes. Otherwise, you might end up chasing a "perfectionism" that's impossible to achieve. It's better to view the content of these labels more as goals. Then you have something to work toward, but you don't demand that you do everything 100% perfectly from now on.

2. You don't have to give up everything you love

No more pizza with cheese? Get rid of all those cute plastic desk accessories? No more overseas vacations? These and similar questions quickly pop into your head when you first hear terms like veganism, plastic-free, or sustainability.

I have good news: You don't HAVE to give up anything. Changing your lifestyle toward greater sustainability should feel good to you, not like a sacrifice. You can approach everything step by step, or deliberately make some things "unsustainable" because they're simply not feasible for you. That doesn't mean you shouldn't reexamine yourself and your habits from time to time. It simply means that you can decide for yourself what you want to do and what you don't want to do. That brings us back to point 3. of the first part this article: Your journey is all alone your Trip.

Especially in the area of "zero waste," you quickly get the feeling that you're not allowed to consume anything anymore. But hey, if you love books and an e-reader just isn't for you, then you can naturally Feel free to continue buying books. And please do so without feeling guilty about it. You can look into other areas of your life where you might be able to reduce or change something.

The same applies if, for example, you're an artist and therefore own a lot of different materials. Or let's say you love music and couldn't possibly give up your record collection.All of that is perfectly fine! It's actually better for you to continue pursuing the things that bring you joy. Because if you give up all those things "for the sake of the environment," but then become an unhappy and unmotivated person because you miss out on those activities and things, then that doesn't help anyone in the long run.

Power & possibilities

Another thing I have to remind myself of again and again is this: Of course, each of us bears a certain responsibility, and everyone can make their own contribution to the health of our planet. But not everything is in our hands: Companies and politicians also bear responsibility. It's also up to them to offer us more environmentally friendly alternatives and sustainable options. Because in many things, we as end consumers unfortunately still have the short end of the stick.

Long story short: Keep the things you love and that are important to you close to you. Only give up those things that feel manageable for you or that you could also be comfortable with (more sustainable) alternatives.

If you do it, you do it well! :)

If you would like to learn more about sustainability, healthy eating, mindfulness or family and pregnancy, Check out more exciting blog articles on these topics here.