Progress Over Perfection: Realistic Paths To Sustainability

As a brand, we at Erleia believe that making progress in sustainability is more impactful than striving for perfection. We recognize that achieving a completely zero waste lifestyle isn’t feasible for most people, and that modern life is complicated. Instead, we believe that small steps towards progress can make a significant positive change.

In honor of Earth Month, here are 3 actionable tips for making progress on your sustainability journey.

1- Practice Mindful Consumption

Before adding a product to your shopping cart, in person or online, pause to ask yourself, “Do I really need this?” Practicing mindful consumption can help reduce waste and support a more sustainable approach to manufacturing. Evaluate your needs before making purchases and consider a product’s full lifecycle before purchasing.

2- Be Conscious of Your Water Usage

It’s easy to forget that water is a resource, but being conscious of your water usage is one way to make progress on your sustainability journey. At home, you can do this by fixing leaks promptly, opting for water-efficient appliances, and collecting rainwater for plants. If you’re unable to make these changes, reducing excess water consumption overall can also contribute to conservation efforts.

3- Cultivate a Low Waste Mindset

Single use items, like utensils or takeout containers, have added convenience to our lives, and completely phasing them out may be difficult. To cultivate a low waste mindset, start by gradually incorporating reusable items into your daily life - like coffee cups, water bottles and utensils. Consider the habits you may need to change in order to use these items, and start with small changes.

Acknowledging Privilege and Making Realistic Choices

While sustainable living is an admirable goal, it's important to acknowledge the privilege associated with certain choices. We know that mindful consumption, monitoring water usage and a low waste lifestyle may not be available to all. Instead, we believe in striking a balance between aspiration and practicality, and that making small, consistent efforts towards sustainability can contribute to a broader positive impact.