Why the Individual Matters in Sustainability

Environmental Sustainability has the horrible connotation of a world radically different from the one in which we've already created. This idea creates a mix of excitement and fear depending on the individual who thinks about it. Even more so, sustainability seems to imply to many the destruction of their own personal system and rhythm thus preventing them to continue in their life in a way to which they understand. There is good and bad news to anyone hesitant to this movement, a lot needs to be done to achieve this goal. It’s a daunting task for many to even think about beginning, especially when the current notion is that of only macroscale changes. These grand changes are where that fear truly originates.

In contrast, let me present a different idea. A world of small changes by individuals that when put together amounts to what our environment so desperately needs. There are over six billion humans on the planet, so how is it that we have been disillusioned to believe that our cumulative efforts have no effect? It’s partial because we are led by a government that relies upon our own misunderstanding of our power. It is what enables them to be able to have mass influence. This is the system we set up and as such needs to be the system in which we use in order to create lasting change.

We as individuals are enabled with one single vote. In any action we take, we are using that vote to influence our lives, the people around us, or even the world around us. More typically in these times, you’ve potentially heard of “buy power”. These concepts go hand in hand. Both revolve around the idea of everyday choices being used to give a message of change to those above us, whether that be political figures, business leaders, or even just our communities. These moments of “voting” are what allows us as individuals to send a clear message of what we want. There is always the challenge of being isolated because of differences in votes, however, this world is rapidly changing. Should individuals not stand for what they truly want then we are signing up for a roulette of the outcomes of our reality. We must take an active stance towards what we want out in order to see changes to which we are proud. Microscopic change is often the catalyst needed for prominent, lasting change.

So, do what you care about! Put the dollars you can towards business, services, or products you support. Join groups and clubs that work for change in your area that you also want to see. Be an active member of your community that takes part where you can. Even if all you can do is like a social media post or unfollow something you no longer support, you're sending a message loud and clear. That one action combined with those around becomes a community of change, all in pursuit of your beliefs. So, I’ll see you out there, making changes one step at a time.