As awareness about the climate crisis skyrocketed and continues to grow, a huge focus has been put on individual lifestyle changes. For example, people are encouraged to use public transit, be meticulous about proper waste disposal, and follow the mantra of “reduce, reuse, recycle.”

However, this messaging has come off as misplaced, given that corporations and governments are far more collectively responsible for climate change than the average citizen ever could be. But just how important are individual actions for the environment? Here is the case for living sustainably despite the microscopic impact you personally have on rising global temperatures.

Small Scale vs. Grand Scheme

It’s true that your habit of reducing food waste or your decision to bike instead of drive holds little weight against large-scale industrial pollution, but they do matter. This is because the small-scale actions of millions of people can influence the grand scheme.

Think about a massive rug made up of tiny threads. Each thread seems negligible alone, but together, they create something substantial. The same concept applies to individual actions. By making conscious choices, you influence your immediate environment and set a precedent for others to follow.

Deferring Blame vs. Encouraging Change

Blaming corporations and governments for environmental destruction is valid, but it’s also an easy escape. This mindset instills collective feelings of helplessness and apathy among people who do have the power to turn the tide.

Even though corporations are extremely unlikely to feel a moral calling to reduce their environmental impact, they will follow profits—wherever they lead. If you have the financial freedom to avoid purchasing goods from climate-harming corporations, you can vote with your dollar and encourage others to do the same. It’s another way you can weave a rug of collective action, despite your individual contribution being small.

Benefits That Extend Beyond Sustainability

Finally, by living sustainably, you personally benefit in ways you might not even realize. For example, one of the benefits of choosing sustainable clothing is that you can save money in the long run since sustainable clothes are much better quality than fast-fashion alternatives.

Likewise, living an eco-friendly lifestyle gives you a community to plug into, expanding your social circle and bringing additional purpose to your life. Even something as simple as showering for less time can be a habit that encourages a peppier daily routine (and saves you money on utilities).

Ultimately, individual actions are important for the environment. However, you should never adopt sustainable practices because a corporation or government tells you to. You should do so because it can bring a lot of good into your life while simultaneously encouraging collective action.