The Best Mindset For A Sustainable Lifestyle
Online I’ve found two main mindsets when it comes to sustainability. The first is a guilt mentality shaming everyone who doesn’t immediately switch to a plastic-free, environmentally friendly lifestyle. The next is people defending and explaining how many people particularly low-income people don’t have the time and money. While I think the second argument is incredibly valid and important, I think neither of these narratives should be the loudest when it comes to living a sustainable life.
I argue that the most effective way to support sustainable lifestyles and long-term changes is to bring attention to how good it makes one feel. This isn’t a perpetuation of a hero complex. We all contribute to climate change. We all are guilty to some level of hurting the earth. But there is a lot of mental wellness created by participating in a reciprocal relationship with the earth. This should be celebrated as an act of gratitude.
The Focus Should Be On Strengthening Our Relationship With The Earth
So, let’s think about how much mental energy relationships in our lives take up. We try to be good and show up for people. When we don’t, we feel bad. Well, we all have a relationship with the earth. So, when we are able to do something that’s better environmentally, it makes us feel better because we are honoring our relationship with the earth. By making our relationship with the earth the focus, it gives people hope and flexibility to create a beautiful relationship with the earth that fits their lifestyle.
A Sustainable Lifestyle Looks Different For Everyone
No one should feel guilty for not being able to shop sustainably because they can’t afford it. First and foremost, sustainability is a practice. It’s been shown that low-income people and communities bear the brunt of climate change while having contributed the least to the harm of the planet. While not everyone has the ability to buy more sustainable products because of cost, a lot of low-income communities already are much better at finding more environmentally-friendly alternatives than middle and upper-class communities.
The best way to live a sustainable lifestyle is to reuse what we already have. Therefore, low-income communities should be celebrated just as much if not more for their sustainable choices. Every time someone chooses to reuse something they should smile and feel proud. That is what we are missing from sustainability discussions, gratitude for ways we are trying to care for the earth.
Don’t Emphasize Guilt, Transform It
The guilt of the climate crisis doesn’t belong to one individual. It belongs to lifestyles that we have perpetuated through the economy, government, and media. But focusing solely on blame will not create action. As individuals, the guilt of climate change is too much for people to sit with by themselves. By practicing love and respect for our relationship with the earth, we will do better by the earth and feel more at peace in ourselves. This is why we should switch from a guilt mentality to promote sustainable living to one that comes from reciprocity. By focusing on reciprocity, we will create a long-term investment.
Why Is Sustainable Consumption Is Better For One’s Mental Health?
I think there are a lot of reasons. Most importantly, you know that you’re being respectful to the planet. Therefore, you’re respecting yourself further because you know that the planet takes care of you. When we don’t value the people and the things around us, we value ourselves less. Consequently, shopping sustainably can create a process of slowing down and learning to appreciate ourselves and our lives.
In addition, shopping sustainably makes us feel better because we know we’re putting better things into our bodies. Environmentally friendly products are a lot safer and healthier for us. There is a placebo effect that comes with consciously taking care of our physical form. Furthermore, there is a long-term physical effect on our bodies making them healthier and stronger through taking better care of them.
Why Is The Act Of Celebration Important?
Unfortunately, a narrative not given enough space in climate crisis conversations is the celebration for all the changes individuals are making to try and save the planet. We focus too much on what we are doing wrong and all of the negative outcomes. It causes crippling despair and hopelessness. People begin to believe there’s nothing they can do and so they don’t do anything. But when we celebrate little changes and little impacts, they make us feel like we can accomplish a lot more. We see the strength and power each person possess. Reciprocity and celebration are what will motivate us to actually help the planet and save the human race because positive emotions inspire.
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Nicole Asherah is an artist who connects people to intimate moments, feelings, and relationships experienced throughout life through her poetry, paintings, and photography. Her upcoming book, A Life Cycle: A Guide to Healing and Rediscovering Yourself, is available for preorder now here. It is out all places books are sold on March 14th! Please see more of her work at nicoleasherah.com
Check out my quiz Where are you in your life cycle? to better understand what you need right now to grow and become the best version of yourself.
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