4 Sustainable Practices That Do Not Work for Me

Sustainability is all about trial and error, and honestly…some eco-friendly practices just don’t work for me. Here are 4 things that I failed at – because not every solution fits every lifestyle.

1.Thrift Shopping. I get why people love thrifting—it’s affordable, better for the environment, and can be a treasure hunt for unique pieces. I sincerely think that it is one of the best sustainable practices ever when it comes to clothing. But it is not for me.

First off, I don’t have a patience to visit these amazing thrifting stores, go through the racks of clothing trying to find something I would like. Secondly, I have a thing towards second-hand clothing. The only second-hand items I wore came from a family and/or close friends. I don’t like the idea of buying a second-hand clothing item which belonged to a person I never knew. I know that many of the readers might judge me but I promised that this blog will be honest. In this post I talked about the other options I consider when it comes to sustainable fashion.

2. Reusable Cloth Nappies.I have so much respect for parents who use reusable cloth nappies—it’s an amazing way to reduce waste and be more sustainable. I know they’re a great choice for the planet. But for my lifestyle, disposables are simply the better option.

3. Taking Meat Off the Menu. I try to make eco-friendly choices in many areas of my life. I reduced my consumption of meat, especially, red meat but going completely vegetarian or vegan is not an option for me, at least – not now. I do my best to choose ethically sourced options and reduce consumption where I can. Sustainability is a journey, and this is where I am right now.

4. Going Car-Free. I live on an island called Cyprus. Not owning a car with two kids here is almost impossible. Public transport is not convenient, taxis are extremely expensive. Even those who are using car-sharing at the beginning, eventually renting or buying a car. I can’t ride a bicycle (I tried to learn:)) and even if I did, it would be dangerous to use it on Cyprus roads where lanes for bicycles are almost non-existent. I did my best so far and switched to a hybrid.

In my opinion, sustainability isn’t about perfection—it’s about making the best choices you can within your lifestyle. While I admire and respect those who can fully commit to certain eco-friendly practices, I’ve learned that not every solution works for everyone, and that’s okay. What matters is the effort to do better where possible.

Even though I’ve “failed” at some sustainable habits, I’ve found alternatives that work for me, and I continue to look for ways to reduce my impact. The key is progress, not guilt.

Stay safe!