How to Start Living Sustainably: A Simple Framework for Climate Action

If you care deeply about climate change but don’t know how to start living sustainably, you’re not alone. Sustainable living can feel overwhelming, especially when there’s so much pressure to do it all — and do it perfectly. Once you start digging into climate action, it can feel like you’re peeling back an onion: layer after layer after layer. Compost! Go vegan! Retrofit your house! Protest! The list of climate solutions is endless — and exhausting.

It’s enough to make you overwhelmed, stuck, or worse, defeated.

That feeling? It’s real. Climate anxiety and climate grief are on the rise, especially among young people and parents, with many reporting feeling sad, anxious, or helpless about the future. We need to remember that we have so much power to change things!

But what do I actually do? Where do I even start? 

The truth is, there is no single answer. There are a million ways in to climate action. One of them will make sense for you. Something that aligns with your skills, your interests, and what the world actually needs. And it will be enough.

There’s a framework I come back to again and again when I’m feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start. It was created by marine biologist and climate leader Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, and it’s called the Climate Action Venn Diagram. It’s a simple but powerful tool that can help you find your personal starting point — one that’s grounded in your skills, your joy, and what the world actually needs.

This approach has been a game-changer for me, and if you’ve been feeling stuck, I think it might help you, too.

Prefer to listen instead? I break down the Climate Action Venn Diagram in this podcast episode — what it is, how to use it, and why it helps you get unstuck.

What Is the Climate Action Venn Diagram?

The Climate Action Venn Diagram is a simple but effective tool for identifying your personal entry point into climate action. The framework is built around three guiding questions:

• What brings you joy?
  
• What are you good at?
  
• What work needs doing?

Where those three circles overlap is where your efforts are likely to be most effective, and most sustainable over the long term.

It’s worth noting that joy is an essential part of the equation. Climate action that is grounded in something that genuinely lights you up is one of the best ways to avoid burnout and stay motivated for the long haul. Whether it’s gardening, community organizing, writing, or fixing bikes — joy is a powerful driver of change.

Why the Climate Action Venn Diagram Works (and How to Use It)

What makes the Climate Action Venn Diagram so useful is that it helps you get clarity on what climate actions are most aligned with you — your strengths, your interests, and your capacity. For me, it is the difference between staying engaged (and hopeful!) and burning out in frustration.

So how do you actually use it?

Start by grabbing a notebook and spend a little time reflecting on the three key questions:

• What brings you joy?
  
• What are you good at?
  
• What work needs doing?

Think beyond your paid work or formal training. You might be a community-builder, a list-maker, a late-night crafter, or someone who’s happiest in the garden. All of that counts. And you don’t have to fill in every circle perfectly — the goal is simply to notice where your interests and strengths intersect with the needs of your community or the planet.

If you prefer to think out loud, try talking it through with a friend, your partner, or even your kids. You might be surprised by what comes up!

When you land on something that feels like a fit, follow it. That’s your one small shift — and it’s a great place to begin.

What Sustainable Living Looks Like in Real Life

As you start mapping out your circles, certain patterns might emerge — things you love doing, skills you already have, and needs you care about. Here are a few examples of how that sweet spot can translate into meaningful, real-life action:

The Foodie
You love meal planning, cooking, or organizing your pantry. Maybe you start planning meals to reduce food waste, learn to preserve food through canning or dehydrating, or volunteer at a local food pantry. You could even host a soup swap.

The Gardener
You’re happiest with your hands in the dirt. Consider growing extra produce to give away, swapping seedlings, starting a seed library, or learning about native plants and rewilding. Even a simple “free food” table in your neighbourhood can have an impact.

The Fashionista
If you have a knack for style, climate action might mean exploring thrifting, organizing a clothing swap, or trying a “no new clothes” challenge. Learning to mend or sew can extend the life of your wardrobe — and help others do the same.

The Researcher
You read all the books and listen to all the podcasts (hi!). Sharing reliable resources, starting a sustainability book club, or helping others navigate greenwashing are all great ways to turn learning into action.

The Connector or Educator
You love explaining things or bringing people together. Try starting an eco-club at your child’s school, organizing a community cleanup, or hosting a swap for costumes, baby gear, or school supplies.

The Creative
Whether you’re a writer, artist, knitter, or maker, your creativity can support climate action. You might share your work online, volunteer with a local group, host a DIY workshop, or teach low-waste skills to others. From painting to beeswax wraps, it all makes a difference.

Just Start Where You Are: Your Personal Climate Action Path

There’s no one right way to take climate action — and that’s a good thing. The Climate Action Venn Diagram offers a flexible, personal starting point that meets you where you are. Whether your strengths lie in your kitchen, your garden, your community, or your creativity, there’s a way in. And it all counts.