Living more sustainably

I want to write about something that’s very close to my heart and I haven’t written about in this blog yet. It’s partly because I feel embarrassed that it’s so close to my heart and yet I’m not doing much about it. I care so much about the environment, nature and the earth and I believe as humans, we are the earth’s caretakers. It breaks my heart that we don’t seem to be doing a very good job. All I see when I meet wildlife close up and look into their eyes is a complete innocence and trust. Everything in nature will continue in its cycles, doing what it’s always done, while all the while, we’re destroying the planet and I’m just as guilty of that. I often feel I’m taking advantage of that innocence and trust by not taking care of their habitat as I should. I even struggle to take care of my houseplants because I often forget to water them. When I garden, I often rush to pull out ‘weeds’ because I’m focused on tidying up, not realising I’m taking away vital habitat. I drive a diesel car. Although I love my blue land rover, I also know how bad it is for the environment. I put compostable items in my normal bin because I’m worried my open compost heap attracts mice and rats which will annoy the neighbours. The list is endless.

A wild flower meadow which attracts butterflies and other insects

I wish I was the kind of person who:

• Is mostly plastic free

• Recycles and produces minimal waste

• Cycles instead of drives

• Understands how to garden in a kind way that encourages bio-diversity

When I ask myself, ‘What is it that’s holding me back from being that person?’ I think the answer is fear. Fear of not doing it right and having a lack of knowledge. But the thing is, I have to start somewhere and accept that this is an imperfect journey. Perhaps I can set myself small goals to start with, such as being more mindful with recycling. Goals that feel easy and that I can slowly build upon.

I do love to read too, so I’d love to read more books about living sustainably. Fear and lack of knowledge should not hold me back from living more sustainably. Fear paralyses me and stops me from taking action. This is also what leads to depression for me, because when I’m stuck, all I want to do is sleep, stay in bed, watch rubbish tv and basically numb out. But I’m realising that action leads to hope. By focusing on something I can personally take control of, I feel less helpless in environmental issues. It helps me to focus on what I can do, rather than on what others are not doing or their perceived lack of care. By taking action I can be more at peace within myself, grounded & connected and eventually at peace with some of the bigger world issues.

My new favourite writing spot and where I like to reflect. A shady area in amongst a circle of oak trees.