In conversations about climate change and sustainability, it is easy to feel overwhelmed or excluded, especially as a young African navigating daily realities that global campaigns often overlook. There is a common perception that sustainability is something expensive, foreign, or reserved for people living in highly developed countries. The truth is that many of these assumptions are not only inaccurate but also limit the power that young people have to shape the future.
Sustainability is not about perfection or privilege. It is about awareness, action, and accountability—concepts that are far from new to African societies. Before sustainability became a buzzword, African communities were already living in ways that respected natural resources. Reusing household materials, sharing within communities, growing what could be eaten, and wasting nothing—these are not Western ideals, they are African ways of life.
One of the most damaging myths is the idea that you must have a certain lifestyle or income level to be sustainable. In reality, small, intentional changes—like turning off unnecessary appliances, reusing containers, or buying only what you need—can be more impactful than flashy environmental campaigns. Sustainability is not about buying a bamboo toothbrush. It is about being conscious of how your choices affect the world around you.
Another widespread belief is that individual efforts do not matter. This is both untrue and dangerous. Social and environmental movements throughout history have been driven by ordinary people who made consistent choices. If you recycle a bottle, speak up about waste in your community, or inspire a classmate to carry a reusable bottle, you are already part of something larger.
It is also important to understand that sustainability is not limited to technical concepts like carbon offsets or climate finance. It is about fairness, access, health, and dignity. When poorly managed waste leads to flooding in your area, or when rising food prices are connected to changing weather patterns, these are sustainability issues. They are not distant problems—they are part of daily life.
Another myth is that sustainability is a Western idea. It is not. Traditional African societies practised forms of sustainability long before development agencies began publishing reports. The difference is that those values were embedded in culture, not branded with logos. Now, as the world reawakens to these practices, African youth have an opportunity to reclaim them, modernise them, and lead from an authentic place.
Finally, many young people hesitate to take action because they feel they cannot do everything perfectly. This mindset can be paralysing. Perfection is not the goal. Progress is. Choosing better, more thoughtful options when you can is far more powerful than waiting to be perfect. No one is completely waste-free. What matters is consistency, curiosity, and a willingness to learn.
Sustainability is not reserved for governments, scientists, or influencers. It belongs to everyone, especially the younger generation who will inherit the outcomes of today’s choices. Whether you live in a busy city, a quiet town, or anywhere in between, there is something you can do—and your efforts count.
At CSR-in-Action, we believe that building a better future begins with informed choices, bold voices, and a generation willing to do things differently. Let go of the myths. Your role in sustainability starts where you are, with what you have.