Baby Steps in Living Green

Today, escalating conversations on topics such as climate change, carbon legislation, energy independence, and growing consumer eco awareness generate forward eco movement for some but simultaneously create confusion and skepticism for others.   As a sustainability consultant working with businesses and individuals, I encourage our clients to lead by example.

As Nelson Mandela said, “And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.”   Promoting a sustainable lifestyle can take all forms and shapes. What is important is that each person finds the unique value in sustainability and its application in their life. Embracing and demonstrated living of environmental choices inspires others.

A common question in our sustainability consulting practice is, "Where to begin?" For individuals seeking to live a sustainable lifestyle and lead by example, a personal sustainability plan is one place to begin.   The basic premise of a personal sustainability program is reducing your carbon footprint; lighten the load on the planet as well as be good to yourself, others, and your community. As a green living consultant, I explain the mindset behind a personal sustainability program:

•    Follow that path that is most inspiring to you.
•    It all starts with awareness, then shifts in choices and behavior changes.
•    Small changes add up.
•    Daily habits and those we do regularly have the most impact.
•    Reward your successes.
•    New changes become the new habit.
•    Momentum brings visibility to previously inaccessible ideas and behaviors.
•    There is ease in taking more eco action.
•    Inspire by living the example.

Each of us has a role to play. What is it that you specifically care about? Is it the natural beauty in your neighborhood? The campsite you visit each year?   Spotting wildlife? Maybe it's that first breath of fresh air as you step outside to go to work each day.

Connect with that, and take eco action to support that. Explore the habits and areas of your life that you can take eco action to support the environment that you love. Your actions are inspirational to others calling them forth to find the value, the eco actions for them to support the environment that they love.