How I Keep a Sustainable Mindset in Hectic Times

How I Keep a Sustainable Mindset in Hectic Times

The results of the US Election highlighted, for me, how far we are from making meaningful change that will reverse the damage we’ve done to our environment. Even if my preferred candidates had won, the fact is, climate change and environmental concerns are still an afterthought for most mainstream politicians and leaders – incredibly few politicians talk about it in earnest, and only one question on climate was raised in the presidential debate.

I’ll be honest with you all, mentally I’ve had a really tough time since the election. Hopeless, powerless, frustrated – those feelings don’t begin to cover it. I’ve read blogs and listened to podcasts about how to stay hopeful. But sentiments such as “doubling down our efforts” , “keep fighting the good fight” and “we don’t have another option” have started to feel somewhat empty to me. I’ve found myself asking: Why do I keep doing what I do? Whether it’s reducing plastic waste or thrifting instead of buying new, what’s the point?

After talking things over with my girlfriend - sulking, complaining, venting, and yes, feeling angry and sad - I had a realization. I don’t have to keep living sustainably. I choose to. I choose it because it aligns with my values, and living in a way that contradicts those values would leave me feeling miserable and hollow.

So, even when it feels like so much of the world is shouting “damn you, planet!” – I will continue with my personal sustainable practices because they bring me contentment and peace. I’m not saying everything I do is sustainable, clearly I can’t exist in this modern world without creating waste or emitting carbon. But I’ve found that over the years of forming ecofriendly habits one at a time, my mindset has shifted on what I value, what I need, and what gives me pleasure. For instance, I now find genuine joy in hunting for treasures at thrift stores instead of buying a dozen items on sale that I might not even need. I feel a sense of satisfaction when I find something without plastic packaging, or when I tell a cashier I’ve brought my own bags. These small choices have added up to bring positive change in my daily life, and yes, even a small, tiny change for the environment.  

During this hectic time, between holiday planning, gifting, school events and yearend preparations, I encourage you to stay grounded in your own moral compass and not be sidetracked by what the world says you have to feel or do. Find the things that bring you peace and contentment, even in seemingly small ways. And on the flip side, try to minimize or distance yourself from things that case anxiety and unhappiness. For me, it was staying away from the news. Instead, I picked up a new book and downloaded a new mobile game (ok, a few new games!).

Ultimately, living in line with my beliefs and finding the little, even mundane joys is what keeps me going – and hopefully will renew my strength to continue “fighting the good fight.”