Common obstacles to sustainable living and how to overcome them

​By Ivan Chen

It’s normal to face challenges when beginning a sustainable lifestyle, but they shouldn’t discourage us from making meaningful changes. (Credit: RosZie/Pixabay)

Many people want to live more sustainably in an effort to protect the planet. But despite the growing awareness around environmental issues, there are often barriers people face that make sustainable living difficult. Here are some common challenges to sustainable living, along with fixes that make greener choices more realistic and tangible.

1. Cost

A major hindrance to sustainable living is cost. Sticker shock can be a common feeling when looking at goods like organic foods, eco-friendly household products, sustainably-made clothing or electric vehicles. Some might be discouraged from buying these goods due to their price.

The most practical fix is to work within a budget. It’s unfeasible for most people to completely swap everything in their lives with an eco-friendly alternative. Look for small, easy and budget-friendly changes first. 

Also consider reframing the context of these changes. Rather than viewing these purchases and swaps as expenses, think of them as investments in both personal health and the environment. A stainless steel water bottle might have a higher upfront cost than a pack of plastic water bottles, but it can be used significantly longer and will produce less waste over time. 

Sometimes, purchasing new products isn’t even necessary. Resources like local libraries, the Toronto Tool Library, clothing swaps and repair cafés help reduce consumption, and in fact, can save money.

2. Convenience and Habits

Convenience and habits are another common obstacle to sustainable living. Many unsustainable conveniences and habits have become commonplace. Single-use utensils and cups can be easily disposed of after one use, but this generates a significant amount of waste.

Aim to create an environment that makes sustainability a priority and more accessible. Some ideas include:

• Putting reusable items like grocery bags or water bottles in visible, grab-and-go spots.
• Stacking existing habits with new, sustainable ones, like filling up a reusable water bottle while making coffee, or taking out the recycling before going on a walk. 
• Setting up auto-load on a PRESTO card to prioritize public transit use, not frequent rideshare trips. 

Breaking old habits and taking steps that require a bit more effort isn’t always easy, but each small step can build momentum without feeling overwhelmed. 

3. Excessive Information 

There’s a lot of information, jargon, products and brands out there that are related to sustainability. Some might be factual and effective, while others may not be. This can leave people confused and cynical.

Consider looking for goods that have sustainability certifications like those from Fairtrade, Forest Stewardship Council and B Lab. At the same time, be wary of vague wording like “all natural” or “eco-friendly,” as well as the usage of green colours and nature imagery on packaging. Unless there are more specific details on the label or online, that could be a red flag that something isn’t as sustainable as suggested. 

Whenever in doubt, remember simple rules of thumb, like reusing items, being mindful of consumption and shopping local when possible.

With that said, we don’t necessarily need to know everything about sustainability. Focusing on setting goals about specific topics you want to learn about and doing your best to achieve them is much more productive.

4. Societal Norms 

Many personal decisions are shaped by our peers and environment. In a world that favours convenience and disposability, it can feel intimidating to go against the grain.

While it’s certainly easier said than done, remembering the purpose of mindful living and not letting external pressures and opinions discourage you is key. Joining like-minded sustainability groups can also be a source of encouragement and make this journey feel less isolating.

Societal norms are hard to change and go against, but they can bring about major cultural change. Efforts should be made throughout communities to build a culture where making eco-friendly choices feels natural, convenient and aspirational.

5. Feeling Like Individual Actions Don’t Matter

Climate change and waste production can feel immense compared to one person’s efforts. So much so that it’s easy to question whether individual actions even matter. Truthfully, they do. Over a person’s lifetime, the impact of practicing sustainability can add up.

Focus on progress and not perfection. Setting clear, tangible goals is more practical than transitioning completely and immediately into a zero-waste lifestyle. This all-or-nothing approach will only lead to burnout and feelings of giving up. 

Performing waste audits and tracking household energy and water usage can help you visualize progress and inspire continued efforts. Also, don’t be afraid to share accomplishments with friends, family or groups. Sharing success stories can inspire others to take action. Remember, broader collective change starts with individual action. 

Living sustainably isn’t always straightforward. It comes with many challenges that might turn people away from pursuing this lifestyle. But through individual and community efforts, and the willingness to rethink behaviours, sustainable living can become more enjoyable and rewarding for everyone.

Edited by Jess Blackwell