My sustainability journey: Making an impact and staying on track

If I told you that eight years ago, I had no clue about sustainability, you might not believe me, especially when now so much of my life and work revolves around the topic. But it’s true. I started my career as a fashion writer and stylist, and sustainability couldn’t have been further from my mind.

It was only around 2017 that I started to hear the buzzword, and it made me curious. Having worked in the world of fashion for so long, I was jaded by the constant rotation of trends and the pressure to always have the latest ‘it’ item. Then I started learning about the vast amounts of waste the industry was generating, and I had a lightbulb moment. I realised that as an individual, everything I choose has an impact on people and the planet.

It set me off on a course to learn as much as I could about the environmental and social challenges within the fashion industry, and then that spurred me on to learn about other topics, from energy and food to beauty products and travel.

What you need to know

I have learned a lot in the last eight years, but the most significant lesson is this: Being more sustainable is a process. Yes, there are many habits and behaviours I have changed over the years, from being discerning when it comes to fashion purchases to eating as many plant-based foods as possible. But there is no such thing as a perfectly sustainable person. We are all constrained in ways beyond our control, whether financial, geographical or circumstantial, and that’s okay.

Wanting to make a change is the first step

The biggest deterrent to taking positive steps forward is guilt and fear of not getting things right. I am here to tell you that every step – no matter how tiny – is important and it really does make a difference. And that’s the mantra that keeps me motivated.

If you can make just one small step, then you’re doing your part. According to the IMAGE x Pinergy energy survey, more than 78% of you say you are very interested in becoming more sustainable and energy conscious. To me, that is a sign that more and more of us are willing to take steps to lower our impact, and that’s the kind of momentum and enthusiasm we need.

Here’s what you can do

Often, I get asked what one change someone can make to become more sustainable, and my response is always the same. We all rely on energy to heat and light our homes, power our devices, and fuel our cars. My advice is to focus on making changes to your energy use in two ways:

Step 1

The first step is to make the switch. If everyone switched to a renewable energy provider, we could transition away from fossil fuels, the number one contributor to the climate crisis. It’s important to know what kind of fuel you’re investing in. Pinergy sources 100% renewable energy, which means you know your energy supply is supporting Ireland’s energy transition.

Step 2

The second step is to reduce our energy consumption. According to the IMAGE x Pinergy poll, 91% of respondents reported being somewhat or very concerned about energy consumption, and over 80% are very interested in improving their energy consumption habits. Reducing our use not only saves us money but also eases pressure on the national energy grid.

How we do that can take many forms. It might start by monitoring your use to better understand where you’re using and potentially wasting energy. That’s where the Pinergy app comes in: it lets you track and trace your usage, compare it to other households, and avoid any surprises when your bill comes. With just 4% of those surveyed admitting they monitor their energy use daily, there’s a big opportunity for everyone to become more energy literate.

It might also mean that you think twice before purchasing an energy-intensive device or appliance. In fact, 69% of survey respondents say a device’s BER (energy efficiency rating) affects their decision to buy it.

This is your year! 

In 2026, if changing your energy habits is the only sustainable thing you do, you’ll be playing an essential role in making your home and Ireland a more sustainable place. It’s not about doing everything perfectly; it’s about making small changes that, over time, add up to a significant impact.

To find out how Pinergy is working to address your energy priorities, visit pinergy.ie.