Everyone knows that living a more sustainable life is essential, yet many of us remain trapped in the cycle of consumerism. Even sustainability itself has become absorbed into this cycle, marketed to us as just another product to buy into.
When we really think about it, we hear about being more green every day – it is marketed to us daily making it part of our subconscious, with many large companies now boasting about being “green” and displaying awards to prove it. They know that people wish to make responsible choices and they capitalise on this. They market items like clothing made from recycled polyester, claiming responsibility and care for the planet. But at the end of the day, recycled polyester is still polyester—a synthetic material reliant on fossil fuels and contributing to microplastic pollution.
This isn’t the major shift in thinking that we need. It’s just the same consumerist mindset. Marketing dressed up in green.
Instead of simply changing the label of what we consume, we need to change how we live and how we connect to the earth.
The Purity of Nature’s Gifts
Nature has always provided us with everything we need; pure, simple gifts like cotton, wool, and essential oils. These materials, in their natural state, are perfect as they are. But too often, we alter them, mixing them with chemicals, over-processing them or even chemically recreating them to fit modern consumerism.
When we use nature’s gifts, it’s essential to do so with respect. Instead of just taking endlessly without thinking, we must learn to accept these gifts with gratitude and appreciate them. These materials are not commodities to exploit but treasures to cherish. By keeping them in their purest form and using them thoughtfully, we show our thanks and honour the earth for her generosity.
Living with Gratitude
Nature gives tirelessly – providing us with food, water, materials, and beauty and we do tend to take this for granted. How often do we pause to show our appreciation and thank her?
I believe that when we take without gratitude, we fall into greed, often taking more than we need and giving nothing in return. Nature continues to give despite this, but what happens if one day she can no longer give? Without her, we as a species cannot survive.
Gratitude is the antidote to this cycle. It’s not just a thought or a feeling; it’s a way of living. When we see the earth’s offerings as gifts, we use them wisely and sparingly. We stop seeking “more” and start appreciating “enough.”
Building Connection to the Earth
The real shift we need is not about buying more “sustainable” products but about rebuilding our connection with nature. This connection is transformative – it changes how we think, feel, and live.
Here are a few ways to start:
Spend Time in Nature:
Walk in a park, sit beneath a tree, or garden with your hands in the soil. These moments connect us to the rhythms of the earth.
Practice Gratitude: Whether it’s pausing to thank a tree for the oxygen it provides or appreciating the wool that keeps you warm, these small acts nurture respect and mindfulness.
Honour Natural Purity: Choose natural products in their simplest forms and avoid unnecessary chemicals or treatments. When you do, you honour nature’s intent.
Live Simply: Reduce consumption, reuse what you have, and prioritise quality over quantity. Simplicity is a profound way to show gratitude.
A Future Connected to Nature
If we move away from consumerism to connection, we can create a future where sustainability is no longer a buzzword but a way of life.
I like to imagine a world where we cherish the gift of nature, take only what we need, and give thanks in return. A world where our actions honour the earth and reflect our deep respect for her, where our impact of her is considered when making decisions would be a world worth living in.
It isn’t just about products or practices – it’s about how we live. Let’s not simply live sustainably – let’s live gratefully, thoughtfully, and in harmony with the earth. By doing so, we can ensure that we can cherish the gifts of nature and they will continue to sustain us for many generations to come.