Dismantling the Perfectionism of Environmentalism
Rhiannon Barriball
Senior Communications Executive at Good Energy and climate advocate
We are constantly reminded of the climate crisis and the urgent need to change our habits. But the truth is, living as a perfect environmentalist in today’s world feels almost impossible.
Social media, comparison culture, and the rise of “eco influencers” often make sustainability look effortless—but the reality is very different. Many of us are left feeling like we’re not doing enough, even when we’re already making meaningful efforts.
The Pressure to Be Perfect
It’s easy to focus on what we’re not doing: the plastic we still use, the flights we’ve taken, the habits we haven’t broken. But we rarely stop to acknowledge what we are doing. No one is a perfect environmentalist—including me.
I’m Rhiannon. I hold a master’s in Sustainability, I co-founded a plastic-free business, and I work in clean energy. But I’m not perfect—and that’s okay.
The Weight of Urgency
We’ve all heard the warnings: we have just 12 years (according to the 2018 IPCC report) to make sweeping changes before climate change causes irreversible damage. That pressure can be paralyzing—especially for young people who feel like the future of the planet is resting on their shoulders.
The growth in climate awareness is amazing and necessary. But it also brings feelings of guilt and anxiety. We’re navigating a long list of global problems, and it can be hard to know where to begin.
Real-Life Challenges
Sustainable living isn’t always accessible. Growing up in a small village in the South West of the UK, public transport was barely an option. The nearest train station was a 15-minute drive, and buses were rare and unreliable. Like most people I knew, I started driving as soon as I turned 17—because that was the only realistic choice.
Even now, I still hear comments like, “You care about the environment, but you drive a car?” These criticisms ignore context and dismiss the many other positive actions I take. They feed the false narrative that unless you're doing everything perfectly, your efforts don’t count.
But they do. Every change matters.
Sustainability Is a Journey
There’s a widespread myth that sustainability is all-or-nothing. That you can go zero waste overnight. But real change doesn’t happen instantly—it happens gradually. Everyone has different starting points, challenges, and access levels.
Being an environmentalist doesn’t mean being perfect. It means being committed to trying—and that alone is powerful.
So, Where Do You Start?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, here’s my advice: Start small. Make a list. Focus on what’s achievable for you.
- Buy loose fruit and veg where you can
- Reduce your meat consumption
- Walk or cycle instead of drive, when possible
- Swap single-use products for reusables
Once you make one change, you’ll likely want to make another. But remember: don’t let guilt stop you from starting. Progress is progress, even if it’s imperfect.
Let’s Redefine Environmentalism
We must stop viewing environmentalism as a test we can fail. It’s not about doing everything—it’s about doing something. When millions of people take imperfect action, the impact is huge.
So if you care, and you’re trying—you’re already doing great. Keep going.
It’s better to be imperfectly eco than not eco at all.