Fighting for what we believe in - Together
SustainYourAbility aims to empower individuals to become sustainable, providing them with the tools they need to succeed. It is a platform that adapts in real time to the growth of sustainability in our world. The more it exists, the more it will appear here. Of course, we cannot have it all…but we would like to get pretty close.
With the natural progression of things, we aspire to provide you with simple steps and guides to become a conscious inhabitant of this planet. We know that it can get overwhelming, and that is why we exist: to condense the abundance of information out there into an easy-to-follow format. By making sustainability education more digestible, we aim to inspire you to become a promoter of change.
Disclaimer: We are trying to do our best to provide you with the most up-to-date information; however, as things in sustainability move fast, that might not always be possible. If you see something that seems a bit out of date, let us know. Also, this is not a news station nor an academic institution. When available, all sources will be of course, named and referenced. If you see something missing a reference or mention, let us know.
LET'S DO IT: for you, your community, and, of course, our planet.
Our Team
At SustainYourAbility our team is always working hard to deliver the best sustainability knowledge to you. We believe that if all of us do our best, we will be able to reach sustainable development.
Rodrigo Batalha
Director / and 'everything else'
I aim to bring awareness to topical conversations in the sustainability field. I believe there is a lot we can do already. I am eager to provide digestible and trustworthy information to the highest standard - with the odd joke in between, because life, and education, does not have to be boring. Lastly, I want you to know that we are not perfect, meaning that both you and I are learning and improving our skills.
Overview:
Change Method
In this section you will be able to find tips and tricks on how to do better, how to get involved and how to change the way you see things, at least that is our objective.
Remember, small steps make big changes, you can do this!
01
Identify what can be improved
Identifying what you do takes time to change; you will be coming back to it over and over again. You have to look at yourself and really understand what you are doing. Most people don't notice what surrounds them, not because they don't care but because they don't think about it; it is like second nature. For example, have you ever asked yourself, “Why do I buy that toilet paper?”, or “Why do I buy that cleaning product?” Is it because it is the cheapest, or is it because it is the best quality? The easiest items to replace are cleaning products and toiletries. By switching to more sustainable brands, we can reduce unnecessary packaging waste.
So... go have a seat, make a cup of tea (have you had a look at your tea bags? ….food for thought). Write down the products you might be able to replace. You can also think about your actions/daily habits, like showering or buying a coffee at a cafe. If you think about all the products that you use in your day-to-day life, you should be able to find suitable replacements. On the 'Be Conscious' page, you will be able to find good replacements for your products that help reduce waste, plastic, and hopefully cost.
02
Plan how you are going to change.
Replacing can be done in many ways. You can start by asking your friends and family whether they have tried some of the changes you are trying to implement (that way, you also have an excuse to communicate with them and share a laugh - win win). This step alsohelps you save some time as you do not have to look at the product review. These are very inconsistent and a lot of times, bought by the companies, meaning they are not reliable.
Then you can start your research. We are in the era of information, it is true, but as you know, we have to be careful. Greenwashing is a big thing, and you might end up helping no one (not you, because the product is more expensive, nor the planet, as it is not more sustainable). Even the way you do research varies; for example, you can search in research articles, blogs, videos, and even using the algorithm. Yes, that is correct. When you use your phone or computer to search for sustainable brands, social media platforms and Google will sell that information to different companies, and more tailored ads will pop up. You will see more and more sustainable brands being advertised on your social media and even during your Google searches.
Doing the research part is time-consuming, so remember that you do not have to do it all at the same time (unless, of course, you want to change quickly, which is also great).
Thus, research can be done by asking someone, reading books, searching online, using the algorithm, and even by trying and using your intelligence. For example, if you think about clothes, the more you buy, the more resources you use, and the less you buy, the less you use.
03
Share that knowledge with those close to you.
Why is this important? Because sharing is caring (lovely cliché)
As you read in step two, one way to research is by asking someone. In the same way you needed information, someone else might also need information. They might be on the fence about changing their behaviours, and if you, while chatting with them, demonstrate that they should change and that it is not as complicated as they think, then they too might change.
04
Reassess your improvements, things will change
Reassessing is important. Brands and companies improve their methods, and better products will come out. This also applies to science. Fortunately, we are in an age where more and more companies are trying to implement sustainable change, and for that reason, better products will appear, which will make your changes more efficient. One way to do this is to subscribe to newsletters or by reading blogs/platforms (like this one) where they post regularly. That way you will be up-to-date with new products or developments. It is important to get various sources of information, and this is what we are trying to provide you - a 'one-stop shop' for sustainability. We use various sources to make sure nothing escapes your radar.
05
Breathe! Please Breathe!
This is the hardest part, at least to us. When you start your sustainability journey - it is very easy to get into a snowball of pessimist thoughts. It is important that you take it easy. Yes, do implement change, but also do not put the world's weight on your shoulders; you should start with your bubble. Divide and conquer; this is crucial. There are so many expressions that describe this, and for good reason. When you have a big ask, remember the bigger picture while you tackle smaller challenges one at a time. This way, you will change your life while saving the world.
In Full:
Small Acts
Small Acts
Small Acts
Small Acts
Equal
Big Changes
Breathe!
Please Breathe.
05
Reassess your improvements, things might change
04
Share that knowledge with those close to you.
03
Plan how you are going to change.
02
Identify what can be improved.
01
We want you to change!
...but of course we are not just going to ask you to change and hope for the best, we are going to help you, by providing you with all the tools you need to do that. The method below is our suggested method for change. This is an adapted method from the continuous improvement method a lot of companies use in their processes.
We believe change is a continuous process and we should do it in a stable and controlled way. Very little people achieved real change from night to day, it is not realistic.