My sustainable journey

It wasn’t until my sophomore year of college that I began to live more sustainbly here’s what I’ve learned so far.

I grew up in a household where I was taught to love and appreciate all that the Earth has to offer. I was taught to love all animals, always recycle, and say no to plastic bags while shopping. I also learned from a young age that cutting down trees, littering, and wearing fur are bad and need to be avoided. But, at the same time, I grew up in a household where drinking out of plastic water bottles, constantly eating meat, and purchasing new products and clothes were okay.

It wasn't until freshman year of high school when I joined the environmental club and began to scratch the surface at what is really happening to our environment as a result from all different aspects of society. As a result, I became vegetarian and worked with the environmental club on various projects such as to create composting sites and raise money to save dolphins. Although, something still wasn't fully clicking. I was able to become vegetarian, but it was a constant fight in my house with my parents who didn't understand.

Come sophomore year of college, and I find myself in an environmental biology class. This class is where everything clicked. I had one of the most passionate professors I’ve ever had and this was the same time I began thrift shopping. Between these two factors I was unstoppable. Since that course, I have not drank out of a plastic water bottle, I shop entirely second hand, and avoid single use plastics where I can. I also find it helpful and important to spread the word about living sustainabllay on social media. I constantly have people messaging me on Instagram that they’ve changed a certain habit because of the tips I’ve posted!

One thing that’s important to remember when trying to become more sustainable is that we’re all human and it’s okay to make mistakes. Living your whole life used to having the convenience of single use plastics can make it very difficult to switch over. But before you know it you’ll be amazed at all that you’ve done for the planet and yourself just by making a few simple switches.