Inspire Don't Force | How Do You Talk About Sustainability?

How do you talk about sustainability...to your friends, family, colleagues?

I have to admit, I have not gone about it in the best way. I get easily frustrated with people who do not understand our planet is in danger. Unfortunately, this frustration has often caused me to be judgemental.

I have realized that posting passive aggressive things on Instagram is not helping our planet. While trying to find other ways to communicate my environmental concerns I have discovered a few better ideas on how to go about it. I came across an article by The Good Trade that makes it easy to communicate your environmental message with your friends and family.

Photo Source: The Good Trade

How To Talk To Your Friends and Family About Sustainability

Leah Thomas discusses four main points of effective communication about sustainability:

“It’s more effective to lead by example and with compassion.”
“If you talk about sustainability in passing conversations regularly, your friends and family will also take note and know that it matters to you.”
“Sustainable fashion and many other product alternatives often come at a higher price-point. It’s important to realize the barriers that make sustainable lifestyle choices vary in accessibility. When talking with friends and family, be sensitive of this and try inviting them to try little things that don’t necessarily translate into racking up a large bill.”
“Sustainability isn’t an all-or-nothing game and the different paths towards sustainable living might actually make it feel less limiting. Try mentioning different sustainability topics, from electric cars to green beauty, to meet them where they’re at and encourage their exploration of the subject.”

All points quoted from Leah Thomas’ article.

I believe the best way to look at this philosophy is inspire don’t force