sustainable living made easy

Table of Contents

• change works in systems

• some examples from my life

• do it b/c it feels good!

• a missed opportunity :’)

hi hi!

i’m taking a turn from our usual format this week to tell you about some of the easy sustainability changes I’ve made in my own life over the past six months, and what I’ve learned along the way about making changes stick.

change works in systems

effective lifestyle changes don’t try and target individual behaviors, they target the systems we operate in.

to make changes that stick:

• make them easy

• make them automatic

• make them systematic

• make them fun

here’s an example. you’ve been trying for years to switch over to reusable grocery bags. and hey, maybe you’ve gotten pretty good about it! each time you go out shopping, you try to remember to bring the reusable bags. but of course, you forget sometimes.

scenario two: instead of trying to remind yourself to bring reusable bags each time you go grocery shopping, put them where you can’t help but see them. stash some in the trunk of your car, in the passenger seat, in the pocket of your winter coat. you can get reusable bags that fold up tiny and put them on your keychain!

the key is that the easier you make it for yourself, the more likely the habit will stick. 

some of the changes I’ve made have been big or small, but with each, i’ve tried to introduce them systematically into my routine, so the change becomes effortless

some examples from my life

1. switched to plastic-free bar soap

   1. MAKE IT EASY: once I replaced my used-up soap bottle with bar soap, it’s now the default (and only) option once I’m in the shower, and the bar will last for months

2. repaired a leaky tap

   1. MAKE IT AUTOMATIC: a one-time fix! no more leaky faucet

3. hosted (and attended) clothing swaps

   1. MAKE IT FUN: clothing swaps are a super popular gathering idea here! everyone brings clothes that are in good condition, but they’re just not that excited about anymore, and exchanges with friends. everyone leaves with something new & exciting, without the waste

4. switched to handmade gifts (for holidays and birthdays)

   1. MAKE IT FUN: i’ve always enjoyed crafting, but ever since my concussions, popping on a podcast and doing some knitting is my go-to way to relax

5. joined a community supported agriculture (CSA) produce delivery service from local farms

   1. MAKE IT SYSTEMATIC: We get fresh, local produce delivered to our house every Monday night! And since it’s technically bought in bulk, we get them for lower than supermarket costs. No effort needed.

6. switched to bulk-buy teas

   1. MAKE IT FUN: Every time I refill our teas, I grab myself a sweet treat from the store’s bakery :)

do it b/c it feels good!

little lifestyle changes on the individual scale might not be enough to save the planet. but they sure can make you feel better about yourself, your life, and your health. soothe some of your climate guilt and boost your self esteem!

a missed opportunity :’)

all is well here. we’re fighting off cold and flu season!

just as i finished writing this, i realized that i have made a terrible mistake in missing out on an incredible opportunity. it just clicked that i could have made an april fool’s day issue!

oh well… maybe the april fool’s prank was the friends we made along the way.

much love,

jasper