Embrace imperfection! Your 'Doing My Best' guide to sustainability

Living a sustainable life means different things to different people. Mia, creator of @Sustainability4shitpeople has a unique take on how to incorporate sustainability and inspire regular people to care about the planet and make sustainable changes, using her sense of humour and social platforms to share tips to reduce waste, buy better, eat more sustainably.. And memes. 

We spoke to Mia about her lifestyle and tips for making better choices for the planet, and how you can do better for the planet (even when you’re not doing so good yourself!)

Can a zero waste lifestyle be achievable for the average person?

In a perfect world, we would all lead a zero waste lifestyle. But realistically, the average person’s life isn’t perfect – it’s messy, busy and going zero waste can be unachievable without massive lifestyle changes. Often, the ability to go zero waste comes from a place of privilege and not everyone has the access to the necessary resources, like money or time.

Even with the best intentions, our world is not well set up to facilitate a zero waste lifestyle. Most of our systems are convenience focused, and businesses are only really now starting to look for ways to do better for the planet. When you factor in work, relationships, and having a social life, it can be overwhelming to even consider the idea of going zero waste. 

For example, if you want to go zero waste and live with housemates, you have to consider their intentions too. Someone living alone will find it easier to control their waste rather than someone living with a partner and kids. Home owners can also control more factors over renters and those still living at home with their parents might not have much of a say. 

Personally, I think of myself as living a ‘doing my best’ lifestyle – reducing where I can, and sticking to some core habits to reduce my impact on the planet. I strive to do better and I try not to beat myself up for failing at perfection. 

Do you have any advice for people wanting to start a conversation with friends or family about sustainability habits but fear “preaching?”

Bring it up naturally as part of the conversation, and avoid attacking people for doing the wrong thing. None of us are perfect, and you’re going to lose a lot of friends if you start lecturing people about plastic straws everytime you step foot into a bar - be prepared to bite your tongue sometimes too. 

Sharing your personal experiences can be really impactful; I enjoy cooking for others, and people are often impressed when I tell them it's vegan. From there, a lot of people usually ask me why I don’t eat meat or dairy and I try to focus on the positives I’ve found (better digestion, better skin) and the wider impacts a plant-based diet can have, like reducing the need for land clearing and reducing animal cruelty and offer to share recipes, or suggest places to eat.

Show your friends how easy it is to lead a sustainable lifestyle and bring them on the journey to involve them. Being passionate and enthusiastic about anything you care about engages people. Sustainability shouldn't be any different. Like if I’m excited about composting, or a new ethical makeup brand, why does it have to mean it’s going to be boring? 

Follow @recyclesmartaus and @Sustainability4shitpeople for tips on how to make sustainability easier!