It can be difficult to live with people who are not as inspired as you are to live in a more eco friendly way. Trying to talk to others – your parents, partner, or kids for example – and trying to get them to do the right thing – can sometimes feel like trying to herd cats, or scrape jelly up a wall.
Whether it is ‘green fatigue’, resistance to change, or simply ingrained habits, there are plenty of people out there who are not doing all they can. So how can someone living a net zero, zero waste lifestyle influence others in their household to do the same?
Come at Things From a Different Angle
Let conversations flow – and don’t bring everything back to sustainability or the environment. Sometimes, combatting green fatigue means coming at things from a different angle. For example, you might mention to someone reluctant to change how certain steps could save them money, or make them healthier, rather than just focussing on the ‘green’ agenda.
Emphasizing how steps are not limiting freedoms, but actually helping individuals take back control can help encourage people to make the necessary changes. As can including everyone in the process – with a collaborative rather than dictatorial approach. Be sure to include everyone, incorporate other people’s ideas as well as just your own.
Making something the new normal also means introducing reluctant family members to others who are making (or trying to make) the same changes as you. Gather a community of like minded people around you, either online or in your local area, and you won’t feel so alone or isolated as you work towards your eco goals.
People don’t change overnight. And people will always disagree. But by keeping the conversation going, and creating a new paradigm through practicing what we preach, we can change minds, and change behaviors, one small step at a time.
Post time: Nov-10-2021