Starting Somewhere: A Sustainability Journey from Day Zero

The moment you realise that sustainability isn’t about saving the planet but about enhancing how you live, that’s your Day Zero. That’s when your journey begins.

And no, it doesn't mean you need to uproot your lifestyle or follow someone else's idea of what "sustainable" should look like. It means asking a simple question: What’s one small shift I can make today that feels natural, useful, and worth repeating?

To get you started, here are some uncommon, yet highly impactful tips that most sustainability guides don’t mention- ideas that move beyond the obvious “switch off the lights” or “carry your own bag” advice.

• Start with yourself before you try to change the world

Before you turn your space or community sustainable, bring that intention into your own life. That means caring for your mental and physical well-being, building habits that ground you, and living in a way that reflects what you believe. When you’re aligned, your influence becomes effortless. This is the Start of a sustainable living journey.

• Grow plants- not just for the planet, but for yourself

Plants are more than decor. They clean the air, bring calm to your space, and teach you consistency. They’re a cheaper way to beautify your home, but more importantly, they help you build a quiet daily ritual that makes you feel rooted, literally and emotionally.

• Visit your local farmers’ market this weekend

Skip the supermarket run and explore where your food really comes from. Most often, you’ll find vegetables that are fresher, cheaper, and grown without chemicals. Beyond the purchase, it’s an experience that reconnects you with real food and the people who grow it.

• Stay plugged into local sustainability events and show up

Whether it’s a clean-up drive, repair café, composting session, or a local workshop and show up. Volunteering isn’t just about helping the planet. It’s about meeting people who care, gaining new perspectives, learning things you never thought you’d enjoy, and maybe even finding your tribe.

• Clean doesn’t mean clutter-free; it means conscious

Hygiene and sustainability go hand in hand but that doesn’t mean throwing things away to feel tidy. It means resisting overconsumption, buying less, keeping only what serves a purpose, and creating a space that feels light and mindful. A clean home can be your quiet rebellion against capitalism.

• Go back to your roots: literally

  
  

There’s wisdom in what your family already knows. From home remedies to kitchen traditions, sustainable living isn’t new, it’s just forgotten. Bring back those herbal teas, handmade cleaners, cloth bags, or oil massages. They’re not just eco-friendly; they’re memory-rich and deeply human.

Sustainability grows when we do it together. If you’re in Bangalore, become part of the Neti Community, sign up here and start showing up for events, workshops, and campaigns that matter to you.