Imperfections
Being of deep transformations is a process, and it's imperfect. Practices associated with it are rarely fully sustainable. I don't think it's a secret to anyone what an almost perfectly sustainable life and consumption pattern would look like, in theory. Living off the grid, fully self-sufficiently, in a self-built house made from local, natural materials, wearing only second-hand clothing, etc. My life doesn't look like this. I live in a city, in a rented apartment that I rent from a for-profit company, the energy I use comes from a mix of sources, I use conventional banking, high technology, buy food in a supermarket, use public transport, work for a university. My practice of extreme minimalism (living with radically less than what is the norm in a materially wealthy Nordic country) is the way I chose to dwell in the world in a more mindful, intentional and ecological way. For instance, while the energy I use comes from a mix of sources, I try to use as little of it as possible. When I shop in a supermarket, I try to choose local, organic, unpackaged products.
There are many ways in which I still could improve my mode of being. However, I don't know how long I'm going to stay in Finland for, and it's very difficult to commit to something like a plot of land in this situation of uncertainty. Yet, even small everyday actions are imperfect, and that's ok. I notice that I learn a lot while contemplating imperfections and feel empathy towards others' sustainability journeys. Some imperfections I embrace and celebrate:
Cracks in the dishes and cups. I find them beautiful.
Wrinkles, small holes and stains in clothes and other textiles. Just like small cracks in the dishes, these imperfections hold stories and are parts of an item's life. In my view, they are not something to correct and not reasons for replacing items with new ones.
Imperfect fruits and vegetables. They are often very beautiful.
Diet. I try to choose whole foods most of the time. At times, however, I get a kanelbulle or chocolate.
Coffee. It's not the most sustainable drink. The most sustainable one is perhaps water. Here in Finland one can drink tap water, and it is delicious. There are herbs such as Finnish mint, lemon balm, nettles that can be used to make tea. Yet, coffee is an institution (consider fika), a ritual. Oftentimes I have fika with the sun.
Plastic. Sometimes I buy products wrapped in plastic. At times there is a choice, e.g., to buy something local or organic wrapped in plastic or unpackaged and imported. All the medicines I take come with plastic packaging.
Hairstyle. My hair is growing out in its own way. I never style it and don't visit hair salons.
My home. I understand what could make my home look and feel more welcoming, for instance, to my guests, but I practise furniture-free living.
Use of water. Taking very short showers is better for sustainability and for my autoimmune skin condition. At times, I take a few extra minutes because apart from walking and caring for the items I live with, it's one thing that feels healing and grounding.
Weather. Since I wear the same items throughout the year, at times when it's very windy I feel cold. It's not uncomfortable or unsafe, but rather I am aware of the lower temperature. My wardrobe is not "perfect" for different seasons, but it allows me to celebrate changes and rhythms of nature.
Technology. While I decided not to invite many common items that use electricity into my space (such as a vacuum cleaner, a toaster, a kettle, etc.), I have two phones and two laptops because of my work. It would have been better to just have one of each.
Travel. I avoid flying and prefer to stay in my local region. However, at times I go somewhere else in the Nordics, usually for work. Such journeys are not completely necessary. For instance, interviews for my research can be done online, but technologically mediated communication does not feel the same.
Upon reflecting further, I think most of my practices are imperfect. In some domains, from a sustainability perspective, I am happy with my path. For instance, I have always been very happy with my decision not to own a car. In terms of housing, while the size of my home (it's very small) and its location (close to the sea) are good, the ownership (it's owned by a for-profit company) is something I am less happy with. In terms of food, I would have preferred to have access to independent zero waste stores.