Green living means different things to different people. For those with broad eco awareness and who are well versed in environmental concepts, living sustainably may be very different than someone just beginning to make those first eco life changes. By viewing eco change from a personal perspective, a sustainable lifestyle becomes a more manageable pursuit.
A primary aspect of pursuing a sustainable lifestyle is the recognition that every action is part of a larger whole and even the smallest change can make a difference. Getting started and gaining momentum in green living is what it’s all about.
Start by setting personal goals that have impact and are easily achievable. Set yourself up to succeed. Feelings of joy from achievement will provide reinforcement and a stepping stone to something new.
• Build action plans that support success.
• Define and focus on sustainability concepts that are uniquely inspiring to you.
• Be mindful of unfair comparisons.
• Incorporate sustainable actions that easily fit into your current lifestyle.
• Place actions that become difficult on the shelf until they match your lifestyle.
• Focus more on the process and less on the results of sustainable living.
• Remember that it will never all be done; it’s a journey.
• Find the joy in making sustainable changes.
Just thinking about sustainability or even a sustainable lifestyle can be daunting subject to anyone when viewed in its entirety. By making incremental changes that are inspiring and manageable relative your current life, the process of incorporating sustainability becomes much easier.
VividLife.me Contributor
Julie Urlaub: Founder and Managing Partner of Taiga Company, Julie began her career campaigning for clean air legislation with Citizen Action in Washington, D.C. Expanding into Energy Management Services and later, a small business owner in the Oil and Gas Industry, Julie leverages over 15 years of Consulting and Business Development experience in the Energy, Medical, and Information Technology industries.
Today, as a sustainability consultant, Julie speaks, writes, and advises clients on a variety of issues related to the intersection between environmental stewardship, sustainable business practices, and sustainable living.
