The Personal Struggle to Save the Planet Without Sacrificing Your Life

We’ve all been there: staring at choices that feel impossible. Should I sell my car and go electric, even if it’s inconvenient? Would that really be more sustainable? Should I stop flying, even if it risks my job or family visits? Should I cut out meat entirely, even if it feels like giving up my favorite meals?

It’s exhausting trying to live a more sustainable life when every choice feels like a trade-off. And I’m not just talking about others—I’m struggling with these questions myself.

Recently, during a dinner with friends, we ambitiously tried to solve all the world’s problems. One friend shared Carolina Trujillo’s provocative column suggesting that maybe humanity’s collapse is the only way for nature to recover (Trujillo, 2024). That led me to an interview with climate scientist Valérie Trouet, where her sense of helplessness—or perhaps hopelessness—was discussed (Ysebaert, 2024).

These conversations stayed with me, resulting in more questions about the challenges of sustainable living: Are we on the edge of giving up? Should we even try to act—or are our efforts too small to matter? And what are we really fighting for?

A few days ago, I reflected on whether success is still just about money or if we can aim for more. That piece made me think further about how sustainability fits into this redefinition of success—and why living sustainably so often feels so hard.

But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be this way. You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight to make a difference. Small, thoughtful steps can spark the kind of change we need—and they don’t have to feel like sacrifices.

This article continues that exploration, diving deeper into the barriers we face and the path forward.

Let’s start by understanding what’s really at stake.

What’s Really at Stake?

Climate change isn’t just about warmer summers or melting ice caps. It’s reshaping the way we live—right now.

In Europe we can already notice it. Wildfires, floods, storms, and droughts are disrupting food supplies and forcing entire communities to adapt. And

Globally, the agricultural sector is under immense pressure. Over the past three decades, disasters linked to climate change have led to production losses in crops and livestock valued at USD 3.8 trillion—an average of USD 123 billion per year, or 5% of the global agricultural GDP (FAO, 2023). Africa, the Americas, and Europe are among the hardest hit proportionally, with Africa losing 7.7% of its agricultural GDP annually.

Meanwhile, many of us in wealthier nations feel stuck in a cycle of consumption and guilt.

We care, but we hesitate. Why?

Estimated crop and livestock losses caused by disasters, 1991–2021. Data highlights losses by region: Asia, the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Oceania (FAO, 2023).

Why Living a More Sustainable Life Feels So Hard

When it comes to living sustainably, most of us aren’t lacking good intentions. We know change is needed, and many of us are willing to adapt. But despite this awareness, action often feels out of reach. Why?

It often comes down to two things: the difficult decisions we face in our daily lives and the larger systemic hurdles that make collective progress feel impossible to achieve.

The Tough Decisions of Sustainable Living

Even the smallest choices can feel overwhelming. Should I switch to an electric car? What if the infrastructure in my area isn’t ready yet? Should I stop flying? But how will I see my family abroad? Should I install a heat pump? What if my electricity isn’t fully renewable? How much meat can I eat?

These aren’t just practical challenges—they’re deeply personal ones, tied to our routines, identities, and emotions. Balancing sustainability with the realities of daily life can feel overwhelming.

Why We’re Not Acting Like We Say We Should

Research shows that most people care deeply about climate change. In Europe, 72% of people believe they need to adapt their lifestyles, but many hold back because they think others aren’t doing their part (Hackmann & Andre, 2024).

This false assumption creates a cycle of hesitation: “If no one else is acting, why should I?”

The Consumer Trap

Even when we want to make better choices, the system doesn’t make it easy. Products are often designed to break down quickly, pushing us to replace instead of repair. Advertising constantly nudges us toward upgrades, creating an endless cycle of consumption and waste.

A recent Netflix documentary, “Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy” (Sanzel, 2024), revealed how brands prioritize profit over sustainability, leaving even the most eco-conscious consumers questioning if their efforts are enough.

Add this to the fact that sustainable options are often more expensive or less accessible, and it’s no wonder so many people feel stuck.

Should We Even Try?

And then there’s the bigger, more unsettling question: What if we shouldn’t act at all?

Valérie Trouet’s perspective made me think. Her decision to stop warning people—her sense of hopelessness—forces us to confront a difficult truth: the fight for sustainability often feels like an uphill battle, with no guarantees of success.

But does that mean we give up? Or does it mean we rethink how we approach the problem?

The Path Forward: Is There Hope?

Despite the challenges, there’s plenty of reason for hope. Change often feels slow—until it doesn’t.

Small Actions, Big Shifts

Studies show that a committed minority—just 25% of a population—can initiate societal tipping points that lead to widespread change (Triodos Bank, 2025).

And we might be closer to these shifts than we think. For example:

• Nearly half of Dutch citizens already fly less for climate reasons (Triodos Bank, 2025).
• Communities across Europe are embracing repair rights for electronics, making it easier to fix and extend the life of everyday items (European Commission, 2024).
• 94% of Europeans believe adapting to climate change is vital, with 86% agreeing it could create jobs (European Investment Bank, 2024).

These small steps might not seem like much, but they’re part of a growing wave of change.

Why There’s Hope

Nature itself offers reasons for optimism. Ecosystems can heal if given the chance, as David Attenborough reminds us in “A Life on Our Planet” (Silverback Films, 2020).

Similarly, the collective power of small, meaningful actions can create ripples that lead to larger transformations.

The question isn’t whether we can make a difference—it’s whether we’re willing to try.

Building a Sustainable Life That Works

Sustainability can’t feel like a punishment. If we take away people’s joys—like meat, travel, or convenience—without offering appealing alternatives, we risk losing them entirely. Instead, we need solutions that are practical, fair, and fun.

Here’s how we can make it happen:

1. Start Where It’s Easy:

• Repair instead of replace.
• Cut back on short-haul flights when possible.
• Try plant-based meals without going all-in at once.

2. Support Policies That Help:

• Advocate for affordable public transport and repair-friendly laws.
• Push for policies that make sustainable options the default, like banning planned obsolescence.

3. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection:Every small action matters. Whether it’s cycling to work, choosing second-hand clothes, or skipping one meat-heavy meal, these steps add up.

A Future We Can All Enjoy

At its core, living sustainably isn’t just about saving the planet—it’s about creating a life we can enjoy without guilt or sacrifice.

How can we support businesses, governments, and individuals in building a sustainable future together? How can we do it in a way that makes life better, not harder?

I’d love to hear your thoughts:

• What’s one small change you’ve made toward living more sustainably?
• What’s holding you back from making the next one?

Let’s start the conversation—and together, let’s build a future we’re proud of.

If you’re interested in a broader reflection on how we can redefine success for businesses and individuals, take a look at my recent article: “Is Success Still Just About Money, or Can We Aim for More?”

References

• European Investment Bank. (2024). The EIB climate survey 2024: Europe’s fastest-warming continent. Retrieved from https://www.eib.org/en/surveys/climate-survey/2024/index.htm
• Environment + Energy Leader. (2024, November 26). Netflix’s Buy Now! explores the environmental cost of shopping. Retrieved from https://www.environmentenergyleader.com/stories/netflix-buy-now-explores-the-environmental-cost-of-shopping
• FAO. (2023). World food and agriculture – Statistical yearbook 2023. Rome. https://doi.org/10.4060/cc8166en
• Hackmann, H., & Andre, K. (2024). Misperceived social norms discourage climate action in the European Union. Nature Climate Change, 14(1), 11-19. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-023-01855-6
• Sanzel, J. (2024, December 27). Netflix documentary Buy Now! reveals the shocking aftereffects of overconsumption. TBR News Media. Retrieved from https://tbrnewsmedia.com/new-netflix-documentary-buy-now-reveals-the-shocking-aftereffects-of-overconsumption
• Silverback Films. (2020). David Attenborough: A Life On Our Planet. Retrieved from https://silverbackfilms.tv/shows/david-attenborough-a-life-on-our-planet/
• Trujillo, C. (2024, November 29). Ondergangsoptimisme. NRC. Retrieved from https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2024/11/29/ondergangsoptimisme-a4874871
• Ysebaert, T. (2024, November 26). Klimaatwetenschapper Valerie Trouet: “Ik probeer mensen niet meer te overtuigen, het heeft geen zin.” De Standaard. Retrieved from https://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20241125_97804402

Image credits: Photo by NASA on Unsplash