Does Sustainability Even Matter?
Why care about sustainability?
If everyone around you is shopping fast fashion, taking 20-minute showers, leaving the lights on, etc., does it really matter whether or not you do the same? Does one individual’s choices really make that big of a difference?
That’s the question we’re trying to answer today.
Growing up, my family had what felt like normalized practices - storing dinner leftovers in glass containers for the next day, reusing grocery bags for trash cans, ripping stained or holey clothes into rags, turning off the light when you left a room… the list goes on and on.
But I still remember, when I was about seven or eight, the first time I went to my friend’s house. We were eating a classic elementary school meal - dino nuggets. And I still have a vivid memory of feeling absolutely traumatized when the unfinished nuggets were promptly dumped into the snapping jaws of her kitchen garbage can.
As the years rolled by, the initial shock gradually transformed into a sense of normalcy, but a nagging question lingered: Why did we do things differently at home?
The Turning Point: Carbon Footprint Test
This curiosity reached its turning point during seventh grade when my class embarked on a peculiar journey – carbon footprint tests. Suddenly, the obscure term "carbon footprint" was thrust into our vocabulary. I was captivated by the idea that our daily actions could influence the health of our planet, and it dawned on me that those seemingly mundane practices at home had a deeper significance.
A ray of understanding began to shine upon sustainable living, revealing a path I wanted to tread.
The Reality Check: Sustainable Living Isn't Easy
But sustainable living isn’t as easy as it sounds and a lack thereof shouldn’t necessarily be a reason to harbor guilt, or perhaps even shame. It’s not easy to live sustainably- and most of the world doesn’t. The hard reality is that sustainability is difficult and it takes quite a bit of effort on each individual. It’s expensive, time-consuming, and quite often- not even accessible.
But that's part of the reason why this blog and the Sleeve community exists! From sharing personal anecdotes and money-saving tips to breaking down ongoing climate change efforts and recommending sustainable alternatives, this blog is here to make sustainable living easy for everyone. It's a place for us to talk about our experiences, invite readers to come along on our journey, and establish a community with common goals. Plus you get to be one of the first users to check out our amazing new platform shopsleeve.com!
Join Us on Our Sustainability Journey
So, I hope this first post inspired even just a tiny spark in you - whether that's curiosity, passion, relatability, or whatever reaction you felt while reading this. I invite you to join us on our mission to make sustainability a part of our everyday lives. Every little bit matters more than you think.
Until next time, let's take small steps together toward a greener, more sustainable world!