Leos Box

Here's why sustainability isn’t about perfection

Sustainability isn’t about perfection
“We don't need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly”.
Sustainability is complex. From the term itself arises a whole load of complexity – sustainability has no official meaning, no governing body, no tangible goals. And so aiming to live as ‘sustainably’ as possible means different things to different people. Other terms, such as ‘eco’, ‘ethical’ and ‘green’ have similar issues, leaving the consumer to think ‘what does this even mean’? If I buy cotton, am I being sustainable (because it is a renewable, biodegradable fibre) or unsustainable (because it can cause desertification due to the amount of water the crop consumes)?
 
The answer, as with everything, is not clear cut, which is why we believe that sustainability isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress. Each individual person can make steps to reduce their carbon footprint, the waste they produce and improve biodiversity in their local area, and our goal is to make it as simple as possible. The trouble is that the more complex an issue, the higher the barrier to starting – which may lead to people becoming so overwhelmed by the idea of living more sustainably that they give up altogether, frozen into inaction. How should you eat? What products should you choose at home? Here at Leo’s Box we’re hoping to change that by doing the research for you – one key step to decreasing your overall impact on the planet.
We may not be perfect, but we provide some of the best products on the market at this time. As technologies progress, we’ll start providing other products too. Small improvements, constantly, always adapting to find the best solution as it stands, and passing on that knowledge to you, too. Our B Corp accreditation also ensures that we’re tied to choosing the best options, both sustainably and ethically. It’s a commitment we’ve made, and we’ll stick to it.
 
Obviously, it’s going to take more than just individual action to save the planet. However, what we do at home is important, and there are a few ways we can really make an impact on the world we live in.
This starts by making some simple changes at home. These changes, once done, don’t have to be thought of again and again, but will continue to make positive differences long after you make them. It’s important to do what works for you. While never using plastic again may sound like the ultimate sustainable step, it’s a huge commitment that’s impossible for many people. What do you do with the plastic you already have? What about the clingfilm that keeps your food fresher for longer? What about plastic-wrapped medication? Is it even always better for the planet? Instead, making small changes that are sustainable not only for the planet, but also within your life, is a great place to start. Reducing consumption, reusing what you already have, and recycling what you can, may not be as glamorous as eco-perfectionism, but it’s far more achievable for more people, and small acts, when multiplied by millions, can truly make a difference.
If you’re reading this blog post, the chances are that you’re taking the time to educate yourself on our impact on the planet, and how you can reduce it – this is an amazing first step. You’ve probably already made some changes to your life – perhaps you’ve given up meat, drive less, buy fewer clothes or switched to renewable energy at home – but are looking to take the next steps in your journey. Leo’s Box is a great place to start, and by sharing us with your friends, you could make living more sustainably that little bit easier for someone else too.
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