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Now that we’re going full speed ahead into spring, Earth Day is coming up — aka, a yearly reminder that our time is ticking, and we need to save our planet. If that isn’t enough, we’ve also got statistics like the Climate Clock to warn us that we don’t have much time — according to their website, there’s less than eight years left for us to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Especially for us college students, who have our whole lives ahead of us, climate change can cause some worries. These facts lead many of us to wonder: What can we, as students, do? How can we make changes to our everyday lives and start living sustainably? In efforts to prevent climate change from worsening — and to pick up slack from those who don’t believe it exists — we must begin to limit our plastic, save on gas, recycle correctly, and do anything else we can to reduce our ecological footprint.

But unfortunately, this path doesn’t necessarily guarantee a fairytale ending. We can’t just magically change all of our actions to fit the needs of our environment, and suddenly stop climate change in its tracks. Unfortunately, it can be difficult for us to adjust our actions — which can cause guilt whenever we do, say, use toilet paper or paper towels. And with the privilege in the sustainability movement making certain lifestyle changes harder, figuring out where the balance lies between what’s feasible and what’s morally right can be tough.

It can be scary, and sometimes a bit unpractical, to do a complete 180 on some habits we’ve been engaging in for decades. Take me, for example: I know I should focus on it more, but I really can’t see myself giving up tampons. Diva Cups are an amazing alternative, but they just seem too daunting to me. And we’ve all been using paper towels and toilet paper since before we could speak — it’s not an easy switch to get rid of these everyday items.

Changing our habits can also be pricier. Fast fashion tends to be cheaper, and electric cars are expensive upfront and not as practical for a student living in a university town. Don’t get me wrong; they’re still important investments to make — just tough ones at that. (Try encouraging your family to buy an electric car! As someone whose parents have one, it’s definitely worth it.) 

So what’s the answer here? Well, it may be time for us to open our minds to the idea of imperfect environmentalism.

In case you’ve never heard it before, imperfect environmentalism is a term originally created by Sara Gilbert in her 2013 book, The Imperfect Environmentalist: A Practical Guide to Clearing Your Body, Detoxing Your Home, and Saving the Earth (Without Losing Your Mind). It’s all about focusing on what’s practical in your lifestyle, accepting your weaknesses, and acknowledging that it’s okay to not be perfect — particularly when it comes to sustainability.

If you’re struggling to give up paper towels, tampons, or another product that’s notoriously bad for the environment, know that you’re not alone! It’s fine if you’re not a zero-waste, 100% sustainable person committing their life to saving the Earth. You can be an imperfect environmentalist, and still make contributions to saving the planet. For example, in today’s world, it’s nearly impossible not to use plastic — but, for your next clothing purchase, try a sustainable brand instead of a place notorious for its fast fashion practices (I’m looking at you, SHEIN). Try to eat local for your next meal. When elections come around, vote for candidates that promise to put resources toward sustainability.

Be sure to appreciate the steps you’ve already taken, even if they’re not drastic. And if you do make a mistake, don’t beat yourself up about it — just keep moving toward more sustainable practices. The best thing we can do is educate others, and transition our lives — even if it’s slowly but surely.

Abby is a National Writer for Her Campus and the Editor-in-Chief of Her Campus at Waterloo. As part of the Wellness team, she covers topics related to mental health and relationships, but also frequently writes about digital trends, career advice, current events, and more. In her articles, she loves solving online debates, connecting with experts, and reflecting on her own experiences. She is also passionate about spreading the word about important cultural issues such as climate change and women’s rights; these are topics she frequently discusses in her articles. Abby began producing digital content at BuzzFeed, where she now has over 300 posts and 60 million overall views. Since then, she has also written for various online publications such as Thought Catalog, Collective World, and Unpacked. In addition to writing, Abby is also a UX and content designer; she most frequently spends her days building innovative, creative digital experiences. She has other professional experiences ranging from marketing to graphic design. When she’s not writing, Abby can be found reading the newest Taylor Jenkins Reid book, watching The Office, or eating pizza. She’s also been a dancer since she was four years old, and has most recently become obsessed with taking spin classes.