Imperfect Sustainability
Artisans in Teotitlán del Valle, Oaxaca, Mexico dying wool yarn with natural ingredients // Photo by C. Penn
Imperfect Sustainability
Why Imperfect Sustainability?
Starting a journey into sustainability can be daunting. There are so many avenues one can start with, like plastic free living, zero food waste, veganism, environmental activism, composting and more. For the general public, checking off all those boxes is not realistic and can make people reluctant to even try.
It is easy to get caught up in the messaging that makes the eco-friendly lifestyle look effortless. Unfortunately, sustainability can end up becoming another glamourized trend on social media if people are being excluded and judged for what they are doing right or wrong. This is a big part of the reason imperfect sustainability is gaining traction on social media in the eco-community, it combats the need for perfect, aesthetic efforts. It defies the myths and stereotypes about who is able to practice green efforts. The emphasis is on promoting small swaps over unrealistic expectations.
The hashtag #imperfectsustanability has garnered 7.1 million views on Titkok and a growing number of sustainability focused influencers are discussing this topic. It has allowed the environmental movement to become more accessible and welcoming, resulting in a growing community. For example, Camilla Mendini, an activist that was given the ‘top green influencer’ title by Ossercatorio Alkemy released a book titled (Im)perfetto Sostenible, Imperfect Sustainability in Italian.
Small Changes Have Big Impact
This ‘imperfect sustainability’ movement is a good reminder that we don’t need to be 100% perfect. For example, if everyone in the United States reduced (not eliminated) their consumption of beef, pork, and poultry by 1/4th, we would save an estimated 82 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year. That ¼ th makes such a difference! Acknowledging the importance of sustainability and approaching it in a way that is realistic and maintainable helps more than not trying at all.
Check out our previous blog here: https://www.customtradition.com/blog/10sustainablepractices, it gives great examples of sustainable practices inspired by our partner artisans that you can start in the comfort of your own home.
When starting to live sustainably remember: everyone starts somewhere and it’s not all or nothing. We all have the opportunity to do something, even if it’s small, for the earth wherever we are.
What does imperfect sustainability look like in your life?