Why we should value sustainability

What do core values have to do with the environment? The connection may be more intimate than it first appears.

Evidence suggests that when we identify and act from our deepest values, we often find ourselves caring more for the world around us (Corner et al., 2014)¹. Exploring this relationship can illuminate new ways to live with greater intention—and perhaps, with greater care for our shared home.

Introduction

We live in a time of ecological crisis. Climate change, plastic waste, and biodiversity loss are not distant threats—they shape the present and the future, for us and for those who come after. The scale is daunting. Yet, as Anne-Marie Bonneau reminds us, perfection isn’t the goal: “We don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly.” (Bonneau, n.d.)²

Our daily choices matter. When grounded in core values, those choices can become purposeful, resilient, and sustaining. In this article, we’ll examine what core values are, how they shape environmental decisions, and why aligning with them can deepen both personal meaning and collective impact. We’ll also consider how community and collaboration multiply our efforts. This is an invitation to reflect, to act, and to discover how valuing nature can transform both our lives and our world.

What Are Core Values?

Core values are the beliefs and principles that guide us (Schwartz, 1992)³. They are the silent drivers behind our choices, often formed through culture, family, and personal experience. Over time, as we encounter new perspectives, our values may shift—but their influence remains profound.

When we talk about sustainability, certain core values often come to the fore:

1. Respect for nature: Seeing the natural world as inherently valuable, not just as a resource.
2. Stewardship: Accepting responsibility to care for the earth, with future generations in mind.
3. Simplicity: Choosing a life where relationships and experiences matter more than possessions.

Clarifying our values can help us act with greater integrity and consistency, especially when the path isn’t straightforward.

What Does It Mean to Be Environmentally Conscious?

To be environmentally conscious is to recognize the ripple effects of our choices. Our consumption, travel, and even diet extend far beyond our immediate environment. Research shows that greater awareness of this impact is linked to more sustainable behaviors (Kollmuss & Agyeman, 2002)⁴.

The rewards are real, both for the planet and for ourselves. Reduced waste, a sense of agency, and a deeper sense of connection are just some of the benefits. Here are a few ways to put environmental awareness into practice:

1. Reduce, reuse, recycle: These are more than slogans—they’re practical steps to minimize waste.
2. Choose sustainable products: Seek out items made from recycled or responsibly sourced materials. Be wary of “greenwashing”—marketing that claims eco-friendliness without substance.
3. Conserve energy and water: Simple choices—turning off unused devices, fixing leaks, insulating your home—add up over time.
4. Support local and organic agriculture: Local food travels less, and organic methods often minimize environmental harm.
5. Care for public spaces: Picking up litter, especially plastics, protects wildlife and signals respect for shared places.

Living Sustainably: Beyond the Buzzword

Sustainability asks us to meet our needs today without undermining the prospects of those who follow (Brundtland Commission, 1987)⁵. It’s an ethic—environmental, social, and economic—rooted in long-term thinking. The Seventh Generation Principle, drawn from Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) tradition, offers a vivid lens: consider the needs of those who will live seven generations from now.

How might this look in daily life?

1. Embrace minimalism: Prioritize fewer, lasting possessions. Durable clothing, for example, can outlast a closet of fast fashion.
2. Rethink transportation: Walking, cycling, carpooling, and public transit lower emissions and foster community.
3. Eat with intention: Plan meals, reduce waste, and consider plant-based options. Supporting local farms, including those practicing humane animal husbandry, can also make a difference.
4. Support ethical businesses: Look for companies committed to fair labor and environmental responsibility—certifications like BCorp can be a helpful guide.

Community: Where Change Multiplies

Personal action matters. But when we work together, our efforts grow in power and reach. By joining environmental groups, attending workshops, or tending a community garden, we build networks of support and inspiration. Shared values become shared momentum. Together, we can turn small ripples into waves of change.

Conclusion

When we root our choices in core values, we do more than adjust routines—we reshape the story we tell about ourselves and our place in the world. Each conscious act, however modest, contributes to a wider legacy. Over time, these choices accumulate, shaping the quality of our lives and the health of our planet. The journey is ongoing, imperfect, and deeply worthwhile. As we reflect, act, and connect, we lay the groundwork for a future where both people and nature can flourish.

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References

1. Corner, A., Markowitz, E., & Pidgeon, N. (2014). Public engagement with climate change: the role of human values. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Climate Change, 5(3), 411-422. https://doi.org/10.1002/wcc.269
2. Bonneau, A. (n.d.). Quote by Anne-Marie Bonneau. Retrieved from Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/9938933-we-don-t-need-a-handful-of-people-doing-zero
3. Schwartz, S. H. (1992). Universals in the content and structure of values: Theoretical advances and empirical tests in 20 countries. In M. Zanna (Ed.), Advances in experimental social psychology (Vol. 25, pp. 1-65). Academic Press.
4. Kollmuss, A., & Agyeman, J. (2002). Mind the gap: Why do people act environmentally and what are the barriers to pro-environmental behavior? Environmental Education Research, 8(3), 239-260. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504620220145401
5. Brundtland Commission. (1987). Our Common Future: Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development. Oxford University Press.