Sick of floods, fires, and fault lines? Sustainability expert debunks biggest myths about saving the planet and gives 5 tips to make real impact.

Have you ever wondered whether all your plastic recycling, reusable cup carrying, and hybrid car driving are really making a difference? How about the money you give to charity or the politicians you vote for? Why is it that, after 100 years of the modern environmental movement, things only seem to be getting worse?

John Pabon has spent two decades in the business of saving our Earth. After leaving his role at the United Nations, he travelled the world studying the impacts of sustainability first-hand in factories, on fields, and in Fortune 500s. In his book, “Sustainability for the Rest of Us,” he reveals why much of what we've been doing isn't having a big impact at all. The no-holds-barred, unorthodox book reveals to readers what we really need to change, why we need to change, and how to make it happen.

“For too long, we’ve held outdated ideas of what it’s going to take to save the planet. We recycle our cans, sign a check to charity, or write a scathing Facebook post about an oil company as if any of that is going to make a difference.

If we really want to make impactful change, it’s time to dramatically reconsider our approach, message, and some of the sustainability myths we hold so dear.”

Below, John reveals to readers 5 practical tips to start making a truly positive impact on the planet:

Know what you’re talking about. “Ask 5 people to define sustainability and you’re likely to get 50 answers. It’s become such a loaded concept most have forgotten not only what it means, but also how central it is to our survival.”
You can do anything, but you can’t do everything. Think spending your time, energy, and money giving to worthwhile causes is a way to make a positive impact? Think again. it’s better to focus your time and energy because you can do anything, but you can’t do everything.
Don’t be a dick. The world of sustainability isn’t as kumbaya as you’d imagine (have you ever sat across from a vegan at a barbecue?). In his chapter, “Don’t Be A Dick,” John explains why NGOs, academics, and eco-warriors are the worst when it comes to building a more sustainable future.
Be a pragmatic altruist. “Passion without pragmatism is just complaining. All the puny protest signs in the world won’t make a bit of difference if they’re not matched with practical strategies.”
Don’t try. Do. What do 50 Cent, Ed Sheeran, and Tom’s Shoes have in common? Each has done more damage to the developing world than their marketing lets on. That’s because they’ve treated sustainability as a cause du jour instead of a long-term imperative.

John’s mission is to move sustainability from theory to practical strategies that help people confidently make real impact.

His focus is to cut through the BS and call out things others are afraid to talk about. That way sustainability can shift from a misunderstood, scary buzzword to something buzzworthy and sexy.

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