Are you interested in reducing your environmental footprint but don’t know where to start? Do you want to live a healthier and more natural life? Are you overwhelmed by all of the environmental problems that exist and don’t think you can make a difference? Do you worry that making a change will be costly or uncomfortable? Although I have always been interested in an eco-friendly and healthy lifestyle, it wasn’t until I took an intro to environmental studies class in college that I found myself asking these exact questions.
The environmental issues seemed daunting and insurmountable. Climate change. Deforestation. Over-consumption. Massive waste. It was so much easier to live my life and pretend that these issues were far removed from me. I didn’t need to change my lifestyle. I couldn’t have that much of an impact.
One day in class, that changed. I saw a heartbreaking photo of a sea turtle mistaking a plastic bag for a jelly fish — something that happens all too often — and I knew I needed to change.
The first thing I did was change my major and learn everything I could about sustainable living. I began a journey of trial and error trying to reevaluate my lifestyle to be in line with my values and priorities. I started making my own beauty products, cooking local and in-season food, and zero waste shopping. Along the way, I learned that many of the more environmental options actually made me healthier and happier!
No matter where you are in life – a student on a budget or a parent with kids – you can make a real difference in your own life and on the planet we live in. I want to share all that I have learned and continue to learn and show that a sustainable lifestyle is not only possible but it also helps cultivate a healthier and happier life!
