So You Want to do Better, but the World’s on Fire?

So You Want to do Better, but the World’s on Fire?

An honest conversation on the mental load of making better choices as a consumer. 

Welcome!

Where to even begin! First, I’d like to thank and congratulate you. If you’re reading this you’ve already taken a step forward! Whether it’s your very first step or your millionth, we are grateful you’re here and honored to have this chat with you. 

Finding the Ground

Yes, it’s a lot. Generally it’s just a lot. There’s something so completely overwhelming about the climate conversation, especially when it feels like the world’s ablaze. Maybe it’s because  you’ve just learned what sustainability is or maybe it’s because you’ve been reading about it for a decade and the facts are more discouraging than encouraging. Maybe it’s because no one can seem to agree on what’s right and wrong, or maybe it’s because you’re scared the changes you make won’t be enough. We’re here to sit with you in this discomfort and allow ourselves to be okay with not being flawless consumers and Earth inhabitants. Let us find the ground and settle in with the idea that we can take this on one step at a time– at our own pace. It’s admirable to recognize that this movement is bigger than us and still choosing to participate in it nonetheless. This movement is me, it’s Ethos, it’s your neighbor with a bamboo toothbrush, it’s corporations that dedicate their mission to reducing waste, it’s the local cafe with compostable cups, and it’s you. There is community in this. 

Walking the Tightrope

Finding the time to do better is a legitimate concern. If you’re wondering how you could possibly add more to your already overflowing plate, WE GET IT. There is a lot on your shoulders, and it’s heavy. Rest assured that no one is expecting you to uproot your entire lifestyle overnight and incorporate a clean slate of new choices all while controlling everyday stress and chaos. The exhaustion of managing school, work, kids, hobbies, health, the news, etcetera is real and we feel it with you. Give yourself grace for wherever you’re at in your eco journey! It’s about showing up with honesty and curiosity. A willingness to learn and exchange ideas will create space for better choices. Taking on what we know we can handle at a given time is the only sustainable approach. It becomes more overwhelming when we bite off more than we can chew. So, approach with the pace that is right for you. 

Work in Progress

Free yourself from the idea that you have to do this perfectly or not at all! There is no pinnacle in a movement that was created to evolve. It will forever continue to be a work in progress. It’s not black and white, it won’t happen in a day, and being a good consumer will look differently from household to household. If you’re having trouble making progress here are some reflective questions that might get the wheels turning:

1. What do you feel ready to change?
2. Is there an area in your life where you could minimize your personal waste? i.e. reusable lunchboxes 
3. Is there someone in your life that you admire for their clean practices? If so, ask them questions! Again, there is community in this.

As we send you off to the rest of your day, allow us to remind you if no one else has; showing up imperfectly is still showing up. And that still counts for something.

Yours truly, 

The Ethos Team

Hi, I’m Jessica! I worked at Ethos Los Gatos as a shop associate for over a year and now I’m sharing my newfound knowledge with you in our Ethos blog! I’m a passionate artist with a love for sustainability and protecting our incredible planet.