CHALLENGE 22 – Eco-Lifestyle Reflection
2/3 of the way through - Review
The goal of challenge #22:
- Reflect on how my thinking and behaviour has changed
- General support of several Sustainable Development Goals
Make time to assess and refocus on the big picture
Throughout life we take on new projects, roles and responsibilities. The beginning can be so exhilarating when seeing the bright vision we are about to embark on. Often though, once we get in the swing of things, we quickly get lost in the details and forget to consider the progress we have made and refocus on where we are going. Back in week 11, I reflected on the first third of my 33 week challenge, so now in week 22, I am going to do the same.
Of the task I have set myself over the weeks, writing this post has to be one of the hardest, because the truth is my thoughts on where I sit and how much I can positively impact change dramatically. Depending on the things I read or conversations I have, I swing from waves of hope and almost euphoria when constantly discovering so many people and organisations who are doing amazing things, to frustration and sadness when realising just how deeply ingrained so many of the issues we face are in political structures and global industries that seem almost untouchable.
It is going to be difficult to write this whilst avoiding clichés. Better Me Green is not about passing judgement or claiming to know more on the subject of sustainable living. It is simply a personal endeavour to educate myself and gather my thoughts on things close to my heart, so that is where I will write from. ♥️
The last 22 weeks have lead me on a far more eye opening journey than I expected. There were several reasons why I decided to overcome my reservations and start writing online. One of the main factors was wanting to openly commit to something I have felt passionate about for a long time, but didn’t have the bravery to do. We humans are typically complacent, and whether we openly acknowledge it or not, so many of us worry about the judgements of others. I will admit to being one of these people, yet recently I have taken inspiration from an ever-growing tribe of people across the globe who are stepping away from the status-quo to put a sustainable and fair future at the very centre of what they do – in the products they make, the services they provide and the communities or businesses they are building.
Joining the party is a question of when, not if
Like most of us, I have been surrounded by a lot of pessimistic views regarding sustainability and environmentalism. However, given the overwhelming evidence showing our need to change in order to create a better future, there is no doubt that all of us, will need to adapt new habits going forward – the question of ‘if’ does not come into the equation – simply when. We can each chose whether this will be a voluntary step or wait to be forced through new laws and regulations that are far too slow in the making.
Personally, it took me a long time to pluck up the courage to get proactive and openly join the discussion. Never the less here I am, Better Me Green has lead me to do just that and has opened doors that I previously never acknowledged and most importantly brought me in contact with people who fill me with motivation and hope!
I have finally arrived at the party – and have to say it is heart-thumpingly, addictively awesome – if you aren’t here already – get on your way now!
I continue to be blown away by the amount of incredibly inspiring people and groups who are successfully committing their energy and expertise to creating a more considerate world. Step-by-step in each of their fields they are building elements for a brighter future, and I plan to support their vision in any way I can. This party subscribes to the motto ‘the more the merrier’. As more people join, an inevitable snow-ball effect of positive impact will emerge, and importantly nudge those lagging behind into changing their ways too. It’s always nicer to start something of your own accord, so why wait to be forced?
High five to the ‘Neo-Ecos’
I have recently started a really interesting work project concerning renewable energy, through which I was introduced to the term ‘neo-eco’s’. This refers to people for which the topic of ecological thinking has become more important within the last two years, and has lead them to think and behave differently. This is something I can identify with, as whilst I have been concerned from many years, only more recently have I started actively using sustainable consideration to steer my actions and decision-making.
If you, like me, are in this earlier stage you are likely to be familiar with two things:
– A slight feeling of guilt in doing certain things, but not managing many others.
– The sense of judgemental eye-rolling from those around you, or even yourself, along the lines of ‘oh here we go – they are jumping on that bandwagon now too’
Instead of this ‘neo-eco’ phase feeling heavy at times, we should feel proud that we are finally getting our arses into gear on the matter. Changing habits is no walk in the park and what works for others, may not work for you yet. The main thing is we each start taking steps. However small our efforts may feel now, they are sure to lead to bigger and better things as we educate ourselves and adapt accordingly.
If you feel the people you are around are holding you back in this sense, make the effort to find and spend time with other like-minded people. Search for groups in your local community and online, speak openly with friend and subscribe to newsletters from websites you find inspiring.
Finding & using our voices
The last 22 weeks have presented varying levels of frustration when considering how much I can positively impact as an individual, and realising the extent of systematic change that is necessary at a political, societal and multi-corporation level. One of the things I have started to pursue more is using my individual voice or vote to support programs with more scope. Connecting my activities in this blog, as well as the work projects I take on as a Freelancer, to supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals is one example. Additionally you may have noticed I have started to engage more with petitions, which challenge #23 will address in more detail.
What is important to keep in mind, is big achievements are rarely established through the work of one person alone. It takes a combined effort. So let’s shake off any self-criticism or external judgements and focus on joining a movement that focuses on positive social, cultural and environmental outcomes. And importantly … have fun whilst doing so!
If you are missing some practical tips from this weeks post, here is a link to a great article from The Guardian titled ’50 simple ways to make your life greener’
Thanks for reading
Your Better Me Greener
Charlotte
March 22, 2020 @ 12:26 pm
I think you are doing a great job here, Mrs Better Me Green! Even if it’s just you, even if there are still a lot of people sceptical or negative about these topics. Even if you can just influence one person – check! – keep writing!
March 25, 2020 @ 5:21 pm
Thank you so much for the lovely and very encouraging note!