Progress, not perfection—our mindset for practical, sustainable living
- bronwynforsyth9
- Nov 6, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 14, 2024
If you’ve just dipped your toes into the world of sustainable and healthy living, let me start with a friendly piece of advice: take a deep breath. Trust me; this journey can get overwhelming faster than you can say, “BPA.”
The deeper you go, the more you realise how much in our world is, well… toxic. It’s like opening a giant can of worms that suddenly reveals toxic air, polluted water, plastics lurking everywhere, and the feeling that no matter how much we do, it’s never enough.
But here’s the truth that keeps us grounded: we’re aiming for better, not perfection. There’s no such thing as perfect on this side of heaven, and thank goodness for that—perfection belongs to God alone. In this fallen world, even our best efforts are limited, a reminder that our true home is with Him.
With this in mind, the goal isn’t to perfect every aspect of our lives or to insulate ourselves from every toxin. The goal is to make better choices where we can and keep going without getting bogged down by everything beyond our control.
Finding your starting place… pathways for a sustainable journey
The good news? There’s no “one right way” to start living more sustainably. Maybe you’re here because of a health scare, a growing worry about the planet, or because you’re raising a little one and want to set them on a healthier path.
Whatever brought you here, start there! And really—don’t try to tackle everything at once. Trust me, it’ll drain your energy, your wallet, and your sanity. Instead, follow your passion and don’t let fear dictate your choices. Living a more grounded, whole life should bring joy—not rob you of it.
Here are some suggested entry points to explore so you can ease in based on what matters most to you right now.
For health-focused results, start with food and nutrition
Food is a fantastic place to begin if you’re here because of a health crisis—which was the starting point for us—or just a desire to improve your family’s wellbeing.
Shifting to whole foods, reducing processed ingredients, and toxic oils can make a massive difference in how you feel. This path often leads to exploring:
Whole foods and eliminating processed ingredients for better energy and reduced inflammation.
Reducing toxins in cooking (think about safer pots and pans, reducing your glyphosate exposure and healthier oils).
Meal planning and budgeting for affordable, nutrient-rich food choices.
Not ready to give up your Ouma Rusks and Simba Chippies? Start with household and personal care
If the thought of saying goodbye to your beloved comfort food feels like a step too far, don’t worry—you can still reduce your toxic load! Start with simple swaps in household and personal care products. Many everyday items are packed with chemicals that can impact your health over time, so giving your home a detox is a great way to kick things off. And you get to keep the treats… for now, at least ;-). Think:
Natural cleaning products that are gentle on both your home and the planet.
Personal care swaps like natural shampoos, soaps, and skincare that don’t come with hidden toxins.
Air quality improvements such as adding indoor plants or air purifiers.
For raising healthy, happy kids, start with practical, sustainable choices for little ones
If you’re beginning this parenting journey or have been on the highway for a while, you're in the right place. I often think, “I wish I knew then what I know now,” as I make choices for our youngest and reflect on my (bumpy!) journey with my older kids. From nourishing foods to toxin-free products, this pathway is about starting your kids off with practical, healthy practices:
Healthy foods that kids will enjoy that build them up and reduce the frequency of illness.
Natural care products such as natural sunscreens, non-toxic wipes, and bath products.
Eco-friendly nappies and sustainable options for baby essentials, like glass bottles and BPA-free items.
Progress over perfection
If you catch yourself spiralling over all the things you “should” be doing, take a step back.
This isn’t about fixing everything, and it’s definitely not about guilt. We’re choosing progress over perfection, and some days, that progress looks like switching to a reusable water bottle, while other days, it might just be saying no to one more thing on the to-do list.
Ultimately, this journey is about finding a balance that fits your life. It’s about creating a lifestyle that brings more freedom, more joy, and more space to love the people around you. So, take the steps you can, make the swaps that feel right, and remember that perfect isn’t the goal—better is.
And as we keep moving forward, let’s give ourselves grace. We’re aiming for a healthy, balanced life that supports us in becoming the best version of ourselves, for ourselves and the people we love. That’s the real win.
Your sustainable living priority list
Ready to start making changes but not sure where to begin? Our practically sustainable planning list is here to help! We’ve broken it down into four simple categories to keep things manageable—because we’re all about progress, not perfection. Start with the small shifts in your pathway that matter most to you and ease into the bigger changes over time.
Quadrant guide
Quick wins: These are the easy changes that make a big difference and are a great place to start. For example, on our food journey, this included changing our oils for healthier choices.
Game changers: High-impact shifts that take a bit more planning—tackle these at your own pace. For us, this was changing our diet from a more processed, nutrient-poor diet to a whole-food, anti-inflammatory approach.
Low-hanging fruit: Small but helpful tweaks you can do on the fly without too much stress. For example, swapping out cereal for a breakfast of eggs or another protein-rich, savoury option can help keep your blood sugar stable throughout the morning, curbing inflammation and energy crashes.
Nice-to-haves: Changes to consider down the road when you’re ready to go the extra mile. For us, this was changing out our cookware, etc.
Whether you're focused on reducing toxins, cutting down waste, or finding eco-friendly alternatives, this guide is here to help you—no pressure, no fuss, just practical steps towards a more sustainable, healthy life.
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