Yes, let’s talk about my favorite and the most overused “S” word- sustainability. There is a big buzz around the word- what it means, misconceptions, and greenwashing around it. Despite the buzz, a lot of people do not understand it because of its complexities and sometimes with no clear right or wrong answers. Simply put sustainability means to maintain at a certain level. If we continue to exhaust our resources and consume in this linear pace we are going to run out of our finite resource. Sustainability focuses on making better choices in the betterment of the planet, the society, and the individual. Generally, what is good for the planet is also good for the individual.
A lot of times, we get caught up on the product itself, that we miss the impact it has on the people, especially the ones making it. For example, I do not believe a dress can be truly sustainable even if it came from natural organic material, if the workers were not paid a living wage. Could a brand be sustainable if there is no inclusivity? To me sustainability will be synonymous with ethical, natural, circular and mindful way of living. It looks at the whole picture which includes the community, the workers, the environment, and the customers.
Sustainability plants a seed of consciousness that leads you to a whole new level of awareness and wellness into your life. It is a stereotype that sustainable living is harder and makes it seem like you are making a sacrifice. And this is completely untrue; in fact you are bringing more enriching options into your life. With so much awareness around it, there are so many options to make better choices. Those choices should be mainstreamed, be the norm, and incorporated into our lives; not just be an option or an alternative.
Also, don't let it overwhelm you. We have to remind ourselves to take it slow, one step at a time, and grow at your own pace. It's a fun learning process so let's all try to be sustainable in our own little and big ways.