In today’s world, there are countless myths surrounding sustainability. This blog is here to help bust those misconceptions and support you along your sustainability journey.

Myth #1: Sustainability initiatives are too expensive 

This belief often comes from short-term economic thinking that emphasizes upfront costs while ignoring long-term savings. The fossil fuel industry has helped promote this idea by focusing on the initial investments required for sustainable technologies like solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, and electric vehicles, while downplaying the significant savings these investments provide over time. In reality, the cost of solar energy has dropped by 82% from 2010 – 2019, making it increasingly competitive with fossil fuels. Additionally, a range of government and non-government financial incentives are available to help offset the initial costs of adopting more sustainable solutions.

Myth #2: Sustainability is only about the environment 

While early sustainability movements in the 1960s and 70s did focus primarily on environmental issues, sustainability is actually built on three interconnected pillars: environmental, economic, and social. For example, fair trade practices support both environmental sustainability and social equity by ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions. Companies like Patagonia have shown that environmental responsibility and fair labor practices can go hand in hand and still be profitable.

Myth #3: Electric vehicle batteries are worse for the environment due to mining impacts

While battery production is resource-intensive, electric vehicles still produce far fewer emissions over their lifetime than gasoline-powered cars. The European Environment Agency reports that electric vehicles emit about 30 percent fewer greenhouse gases than traditional vehicles, even when battery production is included. As battery recycling technology continues to improve, their environmental footprint is expected to shrink even further.

Myth #4: Sustainable products are low quality

In reality, many sustainable goods today are built to last. Patagonia uses recycled materials to make durable outdoor gear and even offers a lifetime repair guarantee. These products are designed with longevity in mind, helping reduce waste and often outperforming traditional alternatives in terms of durability.

Myth #5: Greenwashing is unavoidable

While it is true that many businesses exaggerate their sustainability claims, greenwashing can be addressed through transparency and independent verification. Programs like the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) help ensure that companies’ sustainability goals are credible and backed by science. Consumers can also look for reputable certifications such as LEED, B Corp, or Fair Trade, which offer third-party validation of a company’s environmental and social performance. By demanding clear, verifiable information, consumers play an important role in holding businesses accountable and encouraging genuine sustainability practices.

Myth #6: Individual actions do not matter.

While systemic changes are vital, individual choices can add up to massive collective impact. Small individual shifts can greatly reduce emissions (a plant-based diet, could reduce food-related emissions by up to 70 percent). Grassroots activism has also sparked real policy changes, such as the banning of single-use plastics in many countries.

Sustainability is not a buzzword or a fad, it is a practical and necessary approach to building a better future. By challenging these myths, we can make informed choices that benefit both people and the planet.