#jackarries

Hey there, been a while, I know. But at least I’m back now! 

The other day I was listening to an interview with Jack Harries that he did with the BBC and it got me inspired to make this post. So basically the woman interviewing him was kind of criticising him for being an environmental activist while still driving a car/flying etc. (basically for not being a perfect environmentalist). His response was very good and much needed. He said “if you have to be a perfect environmentalist to be having this conversation, then no one is going to be able to have this conversation and we are not gonna get anywhere”. The conversation then being the discussion about climate change. 

I think this is such an important thing to talk about. It is much more important to have millions of people who are doing their best when it comes to environmentalism rather than a few hundred “perfect” environmentalists. To be able to tackle climate change we need everyone on board doing their best.  Obviously not everyone can commit 100% because of their job, financial status, where they live, health, age and so on. 

That is why today I’m gonna be talking about a few ares I could improve in when it comes to living sustainably. 

Firstly and maybe most importantly there is flying. I love to travel and visit new places and for the last decade of my life i have traveled quite a bit. The problem is that I live on an island and the only way off it is by boat or an airplane. So anytime I want to go to a new country I have to fly there, which is very bad for the planet. Of course I can always plant trees to try and carbon neutralize my travels but that isn’t a 100% effective. Now, as an environmentalist, I am obviously trying to cut down my flights but as a person that loves to travel it is not the most fun solution. 

Another thing is packaging, most importantly plastic. Online I am following a lot of zero-waste bloggers who are able to shop at package free bulk stores. Well in Iceland there is none of that. I definitely think most of my waste comes from food shopping and all the plastic waste that comes from that. By becoming vegan and shopping more whole-food items I have managed to cut down some of the waste but in the end this is something that I just can’t control a 100%. 

With Iceland being a small island in the middle of the Atlantic ocean there aren’t a lot of sustainable options yet especially when it comes to fashion, tech, food and so on. That will hopefully change in the coming years but now I will just have to accept the situation I am in and try to make the best of it. 

It is important to remember that there are always some ways to live a more sustainable life despite your obstacles. I for ex. take the bus and walk, try to be a more conscious buyer, shop less clothes and am vegan. 

What I’m trying to say is that you shouldn't let the pressure of being a “perfect” environmentalist stop you from doing your best. As long as you are trying that is the most important thing of all. Now go out and try to inspire others around you to become more sustainable as well :)