How Two Simple (Yet Infuriatingly Difficult) Habits Shape My Journey
I’m late.
Not just in the sense of being tardy with this blog post (which I am), but also in my pursuit of a more sustainable lifestyle. While the world is charging ahead with eco-conscious habits, green technology, and sustainable living practices, I still struggle with the basics. And by basics, I mean two simple things: cleaning and learning.
Now, you might wonder, what does cleaning have to do with sustainability? And why do I bring up learning as if it’s something extraordinary? The truth is, these two habits are my foundation, albeit shaky, for leading a more conscious life—one that’s better for both myself and the planet.
Cleaning: My Eternal Battle with Chaos
I’ll be honest—I am pathetic at cleaning. Some people seem to have an innate sense of order, an almost meditative relationship with tidying up. Meanwhile, I oscillate between brief moments of cleanliness and long stretches of controlled chaos. There’s a direct correlation between the state of my surroundings and my mental clarity. When my space is cluttered, my mind feels just as tangled. But when I (begrudgingly) clean, something strange happens: I feel more connected to my environment.
I start to notice how much waste I generate. The plastic packaging, the unnecessary junk, the sheer amount of stuff that piles up—it’s overwhelming. This awareness, albeit uncomfortable, is a crucial step toward sustainability. It forces me to reconsider my consumption habits. Do I really need that impulse Amazon purchase? Should I opt for reusable containers instead of single-use plastics? How much of my waste can be composted?
Cleaning, even when done poorly, acts as a mirror reflecting my impact on the world. It forces me to acknowledge the consequences of my actions and make small but meaningful adjustments.
Learning: A Lifelong Quest to Do Better
While cleaning is a battle I wage daily, learning is my refuge. Unlike cleaning, I love learning. I devour articles, books, and documentaries on sustainability, technology, and personal growth. The more I learn, the more I realize how little I know—about the environment, about ethical consumption, about how even the smallest choices ripple outward.
Take fashion, for instance. A few years ago, I was blissfully unaware of the environmental toll of fast fashion. Learning about textile waste, water pollution, and exploitative labor practices pushed me to reconsider my clothing choices. Now, I try (emphasis on try) to buy secondhand, invest in quality pieces, and support ethical brands.
The same applies to food. I never thought twice about where my meals came from until I started learning about the carbon footprint of different foods. Now, I make an effort to reduce food waste, support local farmers, and cut down on meat consumption—not out of guilt, but out of a desire to align my habits with my values.
The Intersection of Cleaning and Learning
It took me a while to realize that cleaning and learning go hand in hand. Cleaning exposes the mess I make—both literally and figuratively—and learning teaches me how to address it. The more I clean, the more I see the need to change. The more I learn, the more I feel equipped to take action.
But here’s the kicker: I fail constantly. I buy things I don’t need. I forget to bring my reusable bags. I let my laundry pile up until I have no choice but to run multiple loads. Sustainability isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being mindful, making mistakes, and trying again.
Final Thoughts: The Imperfect Road to a Sustainable Life
If you’re looking for a guide on how to live the perfect sustainable lifestyle, this isn’t it. I am not an expert. I’m just someone trying—failing, learning, and trying again. Sustainability isn’t just about grand gestures; it’s about the small, daily habits that shape our world.
So, if you’re like me—if you struggle with cleaning, if you’re always learning but never feel like you’re doing enough—know that it’s okay. The journey is messy, but progress is still progress. One cleaned-up mess at a time. One lesson at a time.
And if all else fails, just start with picking up the damn clutter. You might be surprised where it leads you.