Taiga Company

When clients first come to me, one of the first questions I ask them is, "What motivates you to go green?"  I'm always inspired by the answers.  A most common response is, "I want to do my part."    The "my" in "my part" is about responsibility - personal responsibility.
 
So a personal sustainability plan begins with an individual accepting responsibility to explore, discover and create powerfully in one’s life.  As a sustainability consultant, my work is to direct that focus with an environmental mindset.
 
A personal sustainability plan initially begins by accessing one's life with a comprehensive approach.   By looking at all the areas of one's life, the idea is to escalate the level of achievement or eco awareness in specific areas as well as bring visibility to areas that are stuck or need improvement.  Some areas are easier to work on while some areas have more resistance. 
 
The core of a sustainability plan originates with a commitment to what one wants for themselves and their world.  The actions on that plan are taken in alignment that expresses or extends that commitment.  Many people start by taking the action before clarifying their true goals or visions for themselves.  As a result, frustration sets in or the new habit or practice is not long lasting. Similar to dieting: dieting to fit into summer clothing vs. eating healthy to live a long, healthy life.  The original intention dictates the action.  
 
A personal sustainability plan is a journey: you never get it done.  Creating personal benchmarks and celebrating personal achievements is important for long term motivation.  In my sustainability consulting, I encourage clients to find creative ways to express eco awareness in their life.  That spark is contagious and can ignite passion in others.  A great way to reinvent friendships. Also, personal expression in a sustainable lifestyle invites freedom for others to find innovate ways for them to embrace sustainable living.
 
Personal sustainability plans are about making and sustaining a change in your life that you can be inspired and passionate about.  Although the plan originates a comprehensive one, your actions are they expression of that plan in daily life.  Actions can be anything from riding a bike to work or using eco-friendly office supplies to eating organic healthy meals or recycling.  It can also be about achieving a personal goal, sustaining it, and building from that platform.  Ultimately, it's about making choices that feel good to you and generate an expectation of more and better to come in your life and the environment.