Common Mistakes & Misconceptions About Sustainability

What I Was Doing Wrong- You Can Learn From This

Today I am going to be talking about misconceptions and mistakes related to sustainability and eco-minimalism. You may be wondering, “why would you focus on mistakes rather than actions that make an impact?” For me, it can be overwhelming to try and implement hundreds of sustainable habits in my life and I often have no idea where to start. By knowing what NOT to do, one can make sure that they are not harming the environment while attempting to establish positive actions. I think it is best to be honest and transparent, and mistakes should be learned from. I don’t want to try and hide common mistakes that I make, I want to make them known so that improvements can be made! My hope is that you will learn something from my mistakes…

1) Quantity>Quality

I am totally guilty of searching for the lowest price on amazon, going to the sale racks of the cheapest stores first… because that is what society has taught me to do. However, cheaper doesn’t mean better. I am finally starting to understand and appreciate good quality. Here’s how you can too: instead immediately jumping on the web in search of the lowest price, think about what you want, how long you expect it to last, and how much you are willing to pay. Even if you end up having to adjust your price range, I think it is better to go into a purchase with intention rather than reacting to products and their prices. Let this feeling of desire sit for a bit, because in some cases, it will go away.

2) Avoid Fast Fashion

The fashion industry alone is responsible for dumping 92 million tons of waste in landfills a year, (roughly 80 lbs. of waste per person). If you are not familiar with the term “fast fashion,” it basically means styles that are always changing. New styles are created that leave you feeling behind, which results in you purchasing more clothes. Instead of having summer clothes and winter clothes that are based on weather and common sense, brands design and launch new styles for nearly every week of the year. Fast fashion results in cheaper materials and threats that usually contain micro plastics. Besides, cheaper clothing means low wages (not made in the US) and clothing that will only sustain a couple of washes. If you haven’t seen the documentary “Minimalism,” I highly recommend it, they go into detail about fast fashion and its effects on environment.

3) Worn clothes don’t mean dirty clothes

This can be made short and sweet: did you know that you can wear a shirt for a couple of hours and not need to wash it? What a concept!

4) Single Use (cringe)

Single use is ultimately the opposite of sustainable. Makeup wipes, paper towels, disposable ANYTHING (masks, toothbrushes, cameras, you name it). Although it may be convenient, single use items are such a waste. Speaking monetarily, single use items appear cheaper but do not be fooled. By entering the single use cycle, you are never going to stop purchasing, costing you infinitely many dollars (if you live forever).

5) Chemical Cleaning Products

These are a double whammy. Chemical cleaners are dangerous when they enter the water supply, oh and they also come in plastic bottles, with plastic lids, and plastic nozzles. Hmmmm, doesn’t seem like a good idea. Look no further… vinegar, water, and a variety of essential oils can do just the trick. More on that next week when I tell you what you SHOULD be doing.

Now, don’t get discouraged about me telling you what not to do. As one of the first videos in this series, I am laying down the ground rules and setting some do-able do NOTS. Next week I will be inspiring you with a variety ways you CAN contribute to sustainability.