What does it mean to live sustainably?

Building a sustainable future takes more than just knowing how to recycle

Living sustainably is more than just proper segregation and picking up trash on the floor. It’s a shift in your way of life. It demands a strong commitment to your principles, holding steadfast even if nobody shares your sentiments. And at the very core of it all—the reason we do this—is love for the environment.

Also see: Filipino conservation photographer Gab Mejia shares their favourite photos

But why does it feel like people are actively going against our efforts?

Just like our choice to live sustainably, the reason for their choice (or sometimes the lack of one) is not to run deep.

The biggest roadblocks to a sustainable lifestyle

Above (Photo by Lara Jameson/Pexels.com)

(Photo by Lara Jameson/Pexels.com)

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There are plenty of factors that block a sustainable lifestyle.

For Arbie Magbitang, San Juan City’s CENRO officer, it’s the mindset. “People tend to prefer what’s convenient for them and forget the principle of shared responsibility.” Magbitang shares. Even something as simple as throwing trash in the proper place is ignored because it’s easier to just toss it to the ground.

For Anjela Mayo, president of EARTH-UST, it’s the lack of corporate accountability. The burden of living sustainably is forced upon the general public, yet large corporations only provide sustainable and green options when they are forced to do so through laws and policies. “Whenever we go online, we see a lot of articles on how to be more sustainable, and it’s always on the individual scale. But we never talk about the damage that corporations bring about.” Mayo says.

For Andrea Villaroman, head of Quezon City’s Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability department, it’s the lack of action. Informative programs and spreading awareness can only do so much. Once people are educated, they must be committed to practising what they learned. “Hindi pwedeng batas lang. Parang tinatakot mo lang sila kung ganoon. We need to engage our people and get them to commit on a personal level.” said Villaroman.

The importance of individual action

Above (Photo by Ron Lach/Pexels.com)

(Photo by Ron Lach/Pexels.com)

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One may think that there’s no point in ‘doing our part’ since there’s a vast majority of those that don’t do theirs. But by differentiating ourselves and not becoming part of the problem, we could push forward into a green future.

Villaroman notes that Filipino culture is deeply rooted in the idea of bayanihan. Once our neighbours see our actions, they will follow suit shortly after. Nobody blames you for losing heart in doing the right thing. What matters is that we never stop.

Though individual action alone may not be enough to bring about change, there are other simple ways we could scale our actions. Mayo highlights the power of petitions and letting your voice be heard so that government units and people in power can act.

Is sustainability a luxury?

Above (Photo by Taryn Elliott/Pexels.com)

(Photo by Taryn Elliott/Pexels.com)

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Living sustainably can get expensive as it currently stands. It’s not as simple as buying environmentally friendly products. It’s a whole lifestyle change, something that not everyone is willing (or able) to make. Magbitang says, “If you want to be sustainable, you need to let go of a lot of convenient things.” So yes, a sustainable lifestyle is a luxury; and it’s also a privilege.

“Sustainability has become a luxury because brands turned it into a luxury. Sustainable products are being marketed as great, but the price points are counterintuitive and inaccessible.” Mayo states.

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