24: 5 Sustainable Living Mistakes to Avoid (and What to Do Instead)

Sustainable living isn’t a straight path — it’s a practice that shifts and changes as we do.Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about what sustainable living really looks like. I’ve tried just about everything, and while some things worked beautifully (at least for a while), others were total disasters! This episode is a look back at a few of those lessons — the cutlery kits, the trash jars, the guilt, the burnout, and the pressure to both reduce waste and make it all look perfect online. Because sustainable living isn’t about getting it right — it’s about finding what fits your real life.In this personal episode, I’m sharing five common traps we might fall into and why imperfection, flexibility, and community matter so much more than being perfect. It’s a gentle reminder that progress isn’t about what you see online; it’s about showing up, doing what you can, and keeping at it.TakeawaysWhy buying your way to sustainability won’t work  and what to do insteadThe burnout that comes from trying to “do it all” and how to recover from itHow guilt and shame are built into our systems (and why they don’t lead to change)The difference between looking sustainable and living sustainablyWhy messy, imperfect progress creates the most lasting changeOne Small ShiftBefore you buy your next “eco” product, PAUSE. Put it in your cart, wait a few days, and see how you feel. You might already have what you need — or realize you didn’t need it at all.ResourcesHow NOT to Go Zero Waste (blog post)50 Easy Ways to Be More Sustainable (blog post)Household Waste Audit WorkbookA Beginner's Guide to a Sustainable KitchenSupport the showConnect With MeWebsiteNewsletterShopInstagramSupport the ShowSustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal StudioIf you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener.