If I could go back and talk to myself at the very beginning of my eco-journey, I’d probably start with this:
“Breathe. You don’t have to do everything today.”
In the beginning, I was full of energy and determination — and just as full of confusion.
I wanted to be perfectly sustainable. I watched videos, read blogs, saved guides. I swapped plastic for glass, tried to compost in a tiny apartment, bought things I didn’t need just because they were “eco.”
But over time, I realized: sustainability is a mindset, not a shopping list.
So here’s what I wish I knew back then:
1. Use What You Have First
I thought I had to throw out all the “non-eco” things and start over. But the most sustainable thing? Using what already exists. Finish the shampoo. Wear the old t-shirt. Don’t waste what’s already here.
2. Start Small — and Keep It Real
One switch at a time. Carry a reusable bag. Say no to things you don’t need. Real change doesn’t come from doing everything — it comes from doing something, consistently.
3. You Don’t Have to Know Everything
I spent so much time researching, afraid to make the “wrong” choice. But you learn by doing. You grow by trying. And sometimes, you mess up — and that’s okay.
4. Perfection Isn’t the Goal
I thought being eco-friendly meant being flawless. But the truth is, there’s no such thing as a perfect environmentalist. Every step counts — even imperfect ones.
5. You’ll Feel So Much Lighter
This journey is not about pressure — it’s about intention. It’s about reconnecting with what matters. And when you stop trying to do it all, and start doing what feels right — it becomes joyful.
So if you’re just starting out, here’s my advice:
✨ Don’t rush.
???? Start where you are.
???? Keep going, even if it’s messy.
And remember — you're not alone. We’re all shifting, learning, and growing — together.