I am constantly told “I would go vegan, but…” or “I would go vegetarian, but…” Followed with some version of “I love bacon,” “I can’t afford vegan food,” “I eat what my family cooks,” “I have a health issue, which means I need to eat XYZ.” And my response is always the same: not being completely vegan or vegetarian is OKAY.
Photo Credit: independent.co.uk
Our society has a radical view on sustainability, where if you are not doing it all, you might as well be doing nothing. This is not only unfair but is also a damaging view on sustainability. It is not physically possible to be 100% sustainable in all parts of your life… unless you’re willing to go off the grid, build your own home, make your own clothes, and grow your own food. And even then, I’m sure there would be some small action that is still not considered sustainable. This is also not a very inclusive view of sustainability. Some people cannot financially afford to eat a certain way or shop a certain way. Maybe you don’t live near a place that sells ethically made clothing, and that is OKAY. There are so many ways to be sustainable and help yourself and the environment.
Photo Credit: roadrunnerwm.com
So then what should you do? Do what you can! Take part in acts of sustainability that are financially, physically, and mentally possible for you.
You want to be vegetarian but can’t commit? Start with a Meatless Monday. Want to use less plastic but can’t give up one type of single-use plastic? Replace the other forms of single-use plastic with a reusable option. Educate yourself, learn what you can do, and then start small— eventually, you will contribute more and more.
Photo Credit: raconteur.net
Don’t know where to start? Here are some easy options to help the world and your health:
-
Buy reusable products— whether this is water bottles, shopping bags, zip lock bags, or utensils!
-
Lessen your consumption of animal products. Maybe start with reducing your red meat intake or taking out some dairy products!
-
Use public transportation when you can, which can also be a cheaper and more accessible option for many!
-
Support local businesses! Shop at your hometown small businesses rather than purchasing name brand products from big corporations! If you can’t afford to purchase anything, you can support them by spreading the word or promoting them!
-
Participate in slow fashion! Buy ethically made or secondhand items. Although sustainable brands can be expensive, buying from local thrift stores is both trendy and cheap!
-
Save water in whatever way you can. Take shorter showers! Drink from the tap rather than buying bottled water!
Sustainability is not supposed to be a chore that depletes your money or happiness. It is supposed to be a push forward in our society to be more conscious of our actions and how they affect our health and the planet we live on.
Do your part to preserve the health of the Earth, but do it in a way that makes sense for you and that gets you excited. For more ways to be sustainable, check out this article from Minimalist Vegan!
Want to keep up with HCBU? Make sure to like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, check out our Pinterest board, and read our latest Tweets!