John B. Marek is a writer, farmer, outdoorsman and recovering economic developer. You can find his books at johnbmarek.com.
Living sustainably often gets painted as an exclusive club reserved for the left-leaning, granola-toting, Birkenstock-wearing elite. But the truth is that sustainability is for everyone and doesn’t have to involve drastic lifestyle changes or breaking the bank. It is also not something that needs to be done “for the environment” or in the service of some greater social cause. However, most measures that increase self-reliance and personal responsibility have those impacts. In many cases, sustainability is simply a matter of living more intentionally.
While some sustainable options carry a premium, many are surprisingly affordable. Thrifting clothes, buying local produce in season and using reusable alternatives like water bottles and shopping bags will save you money in the long run. And for those things that do carry a significant cost, such as solar panels, many government incentives and energy-saving programs can offset the initial cost of these upgrades.
It is also essential to embrace sustainability as a journey, not a destination. Start small, celebrate your wins and don’t get discouraged by setbacks. Every little bit counts, and even small changes can add up to big impacts. This is especially true when it comes to high-effort projects like growing more of your own food. It is the rare individual who can go from securing all their needs from the grocery store to producing a meaningful percentage from a quarter-acre garden in one or two seasons. Just a couple of large planters with patio tomatoes and beans are a start, and a raised bed or two is significant progress.
Sustainability is not about deprivation; it’s about conscious choices. Find sustainable alternatives that fit your lifestyle and values. You can still enjoy the things you love; just do it in a way that minimizes your impact and allows you to be more independent.
Collectively, individual actions have the power to create a ripple effect, for both good and bad. Imagine the impact of everyone simply picking up litter. I am always shocked to drive along a country road and see fast-food bags, beer and soda bottles and even dirty diapers discarded along the shoulder. What are those people thinking? How is it okay in their minds to use public spaces as their trash can? It takes little to no effort to properly dispose of litter. Small action. Big collective impact.
A more sustainable way of living doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with simple swaps like reusable bags, choose local and seasonal produce or participate in community events like clean-ups or farmers’ markets. There are countless resources available online and in your community to help you navigate your journey to self-reliance.
By clearing up misconceptions and making sustainability accessible, we can create a more inclusive movement that empowers everyone to be part of the solution. Remember, sustainability is not about burdening ourselves or accepting some political ideology; it’s about taking personal responsibility for our future and future generations. Let’s start small, dream big, and work together to create a brighter, more self-sustaining tomorrow.