Want to make that sustainable switch? Manila’s top sustainable lifestyle advocates share ways on how you can get started.

The word “sustainability” is laden with so many layers that it can be so overwhelming—not to mention the unnecessary pressure we put on ourselves to “get it right,” lest we be accused of being a poser or hypocrite.

These thought distortions often get in the way of people taking steps toward living a more sustainable lifestyle. And it is harming our planet. This is what led me to write about this topic and ask for tips from friends who have embraced this way of life—in their own unique ways.

The following tips from Ruby, Sarah, Hindy, Bianca, and Kimi aren’t meant to be strict rules to follow—rather, they’re more of an inspiration to guide you. Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned from these amazing, earth-loving, mindful women, it’s that there are many paths towards sustainable living.

Likewise, instead of focusing on trying to be perfect at it, one should focus on finding your WHY and let that be your guide to opening yourself up to learning and getting better at it every day.

And when you falter (because you will falter), don’t be so hard on yourself. Just start again. And remember that even the small baby steps we take can already create a powerful ripple effect for positive change.

Tips from Manila’s Top Advocates on How to Live a More Sustainable Lifestyle:

Hindy Weber: Holistic Wellness Teacher, and Fashion Designer for HINDY WEBER every.day

Our children deserve the best, and to me, that means giving them the utmost regard for their WHOLE being: spiritually, mentally, emotionally, [and] physically. Once we realized this, it was instantly clear that we had to be close to nature’s rhythm and wisdom.

That is our guiding principle. Everything stems from that. From where we choose to live, to their education, to the medicine that we use, to media, and even things as mundane as household cleaning products. I don’t know any child who does not find respite, balance, joy, and healing from nature—unless they were influenced to be afraid at an early age. They can learn, discover, delight in the big and small, and ultimately find their truth.

Nature is the school of life—inextricably linked to our own being.

Bianca Elizalde: Mother, Book Author, and Founder of The Wholesome Table

I like to do little projects with my children at home like composting, raising earthworms for vermiculture, or planting in our little herb garden—anything that connects them to the earth and gives them hands-on experience related to sustainable agricultural practices.

I also talk to them a lot about the impact of consumerism, especially for my teenager who is starting to get into fashion. These make for very interesting dinner conversations. We also like to watch documentaries about these topics together and then discuss the issues after.

Sarah Claudio: Social Entrepreneur, Slow Food Advocate, and Graduate of UNISG in Italy (where the Slow Food Movement was born)

I feel it’s best to teach kids how to care for Mother Nature at a very early stage because they can easily practice it and apply [it] to their own daily activities. Like teaching them the proper way to throw and segregate trash, and how not to waste food and water. Just recently, I introduced to my nieces the idea of growing their own food (planting microgreens) to [teach them how to] appreciate the resources [they have] within their own home.

Kimi Juan-Caja: Travel Photographer and Blogger

When I gave birth, I didn’t buy anything that was marketed to me that I “needed“. Instead, I listened to my baby and followed her cues on what she needed. For example, Olivia liked being rocked or bounced, so we got a bouncer.

We never really bought anything beforehand that might go to waste. Even with toys, we observed the things she liked doing and bought specific toys based on what she would play with. Babies are such simple beings and I always just think of the times before when our parents raised us, and [how] we didn’t need much to thrive.

We’re definitely not perfect, but I think this approach works for us as a family. Olivia is happy and we are happy—and that’s the most important [thing].

Ruby Veridiano: Sustainable Fashion Storyteller of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition

Buy less and choose well. Even if you are not buying from an “ethical’ brand”, getting in the practice of buying quality items, as well as items that you’ll keep for a long time, is a sustainable practice.

Also, the most sustainable items you have are the ones that are already in your closet! Be a proud outfit repeater and resist the need to have new clothes all the time. Instead, get creative and remix your outfits with new ways of wearing them. And instead of discarding clothes, start repairing them or swapping or giving them away to friends. These little habits [for a sustainable lifestyle] go a long way in keeping our clothes out of landfills.

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