by Tina Kelly –
Travelling down Green Street isn’t always a smooth trip: the route can bend and curve, and can at times feel like you’re going in reverse. What can help you successfully navigate the way? Having passengers along for the ride and books, maps and other resources at your disposal.
Somewhere in my first eight Going Green columns I hope you were inspired to take on a new action or habit. I hope there has been some story or nugget of information that has contributed to your green journey. I’m not the expert of all experts; I am continuously adapting and improving based on new knowledge. I have also had to learn not to get too frazzled over setbacks. Because there will be setbacks. Sometimes they’re our own stumble and sometimes we’re tripped up due to external factors. The pandemic impacted many sustainable habits, including cafés suspending the use of reusable cups.
One mantra to help the mindset is one you have likely heard before. Improving your fitness? Progress not perfection. Learning a new language? Progress not perfection. Saving for retirement? Progress not perfection. Living a life with a reduced impact on the environment? Progress not perfection.
An important part of that progress can be having a supportive network – a network with whom you feel comfortable talking about the ups and downs, and that will listen, advise, support and even join in.
Share wins. Success feels good and can motivate those around you; when you try a new product or implement a new habit with positive results, share the good news. As coffee shops begin to reinstate use of personal mugs, I’m keen to share that knowledge with my network.
Share struggles; it’s OK to have setbacks and try again. It can be reassuring to know that others have bumps along the way. Admitting and communicating how you overcame a challenge can help eliminate those same roadblocks for others. When my building ceased glass recycling, a coworker offered to add my recyclables to her curbside bin.
Share research and resources. Any books, websites, or social media pages you’ve found helpful are appreciated. Facebook groups or other online communities can be a quick way to ask for advice, seek feedback or survey a network.
Share items or products. Have you discovered a great product? Share a sample with friends. When I received a large amount of a particular washing soda (a brand recommended to me by a friend), I portioned out jarfuls for interested friends to trial.
The road to lowering our environmental impact shouldn’t be travelled alone. Celebrate success and talk through setbacks. It’s all about progress and getting a bit farther along in the journey.
