My journey of imperfect environmentalism – by Alyssa Olsen

When I began making changes to live more sustainably, I never imagined it would turn into a decade-long commitment. Reducing my environmental impact hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been worth it.

Here’s a look back at my transformation, from my first steps in intermediate school to the decisions I made once I moved out of home. This journey has been shaped not only by my own choices but also by my caring family, who supported eco-friendly decisions.

The beginning – Vegetarian at 12

The first major change came when I was 12 years old. Despite being a big meat eater, I decided to go vegetarian because I didn’t like the idea of eating animals. Later, I realised reducing my meat consumption had a significant environmental impact as well. This was my first step towards sustainability. I didn’t fully understand the broader consequences, but it set me on a path I’ve continued down ever since.

High school years – Growing awareness and eco-friendly shifts

My sustainability journey took shape through high school, influenced by my family’s decisions and my personal actions. I stuck with my vegetarian diet and deepened my understanding of the environmental advantages of reducing meat consumption . I also started learning about the health benefits of plant-based living through documentaries like Gamechangers, You Are What You Eat, Forks Over Knives, and What the Health.

My family switched to an electric vehicle (EV) and installed solar panels at home. We also began using reusable shopping and produce bags for groceries. These decisions, though made by my parents, opened my eyes to the importance of sustainable investments and showed me the long-term impact such changes could have on the planet.

I became committed to low-consumption practices, such as buying second-hand, avoiding single-use products, and prioritising quality over quantity. I switched to shampoo bars instead of bottled shampoo and quit consuming dairy products.

I also got involved with the Rotary Interact Club at school, fundraising for various environmental organisations, initiating a stationery recycling scheme through TerraCycle, and helping out with the Tutukaka Seabin.

Moving out – Making my own decisions

In 2021, I moved to Auckland for university. For the first time, I was living independently in a new city and making decisions for myself.

I fully committed to a plant-based lifestyle, biked or walked to university, and used public transport whenever possible. These shifts helped me minimise my carbon footprint while adapting to a more sustainable lifestyle.

I also chose to study Environmental Science and Engineering, driven by my interest in the environment and my desire to gain the knowledge and skills to contribute to solving global sustainability challenges.

In the following years, I continued making changes in my flat. I swapped out disposable baking paper for reusable baking mats, microfibre dishcloths to Biodegradable Dish Cloths, and plastic scrubbing brushes to compostable wooden ones to reduce waste and save money.

I discovered eco-friendly cleaning supplies and started using non-toxic, sustainable products. They were just as effective as traditional cleaners, but without the harmful chemicals or plastic packaging.

I also moved away from fast fashion by buying secondhand, upcycling items from op-shops and sewing my own clothes.

In 2024, I started making my own almond milk at home to move away from tetrapaks, which are not kerb-side recyclable in New Zealand . I’m still perfecting the process, but it’s a fun step towards reducing waste.

I joined Engineers for Sustainable Development, a student group at my university where I’ve taken on a role in recruitment and marketing, helping grow the club by more than 200 members. I’m working to get other students, particularly future engineers, excited about incorporating sustainability into their careers and everyday lives. It’s been exciting to help create awareness among my peers and push for more sustainable practices in engineering and beyond.

Looking back, moving forward

As I reflect on my journey, I see how each decision from prioritising low emission transport to making almond milk at home has added up over time. Moving out of home in 2021 gave me the autonomy to fully embrace sustainability in my personal life. I’m grateful for growing up with supportive parents who encouraged eco-friendly choices and the resources to make those decisions.

I’m far from perfect. I still take international flights and don’t always remember my reuseable coffee cup. However, I remain conscious of my choices and research alternatives where I can.

Not everyone has access to the same resources or opportunities, and many eco-friendly products can be expensive. However, the long-term benefits – savings, durability, reduced environmental impact, or improved health – have made these investments worthwhile for me.

My next goals include having a ‘no (new) buy’ year (except for safety – for example, I bought a new bike helmet). The fashion industry is the second-largest source of emissions globally, following oil and gas. There’s enough clothing on the planet to clothe the next six generations, and the demand for new fashion is unsustainable . It’s also going to save me a lot of money!

While my individual actions may not lead to an immediate, massive shift, I believe small, mindful choices can inspire others, and collective consumer pressure has the potential to drive meaningful change.

Start your own sustainability journey

If you’re starting your own sustainability journey, take it one step at a time. Sustainability isn’t about perfection – it’s about making progress. Whether it’s swapping out products, biking instead of driving, or getting involved with sustainability initiatives, every change contributes.

Check out Project Drawdown’s solutions library for practical, data-backed ideas ranging from carpooling to advocating for walkable cities. Each solution has a “What can you do?” section so you can get involved in change at any level.
We don’t need a few perfect environmentalists for a more sustainable future; we need a bunch of individuals making small changes.