Sustainable Communication for a Sustainable Life
Looking for practical phrases to keep sustainability conversations kind and effective?
Below you’ll find simple, respectful lines you can use in positive climate conversations at home, with friends, or at work. If you want the full context, read the main guide: How to Talk About Sustainability Without Arguing.
I hope it’s useful to you. Enjoy!
How I keep the conversation kind and effective
Start soft (permission)
“Quick check—okay if we talk about this for two minutes?”
“If now’s not good, we can talk about it later. When do you think would be a good time?”
“I’m not here to win—just to find one small step we both don’t hate.”
Find common ground (shared value)
“I care about low bills and less waste—is it the same for you?”
“We both want things to be easy and tidy at home, right?”
“Cost and reliability matter to you; stewardship and health matter to me—could we find a way to serve both?”
Observe, don’t judge (it’s not about the person; it’s about the behaviour)
“Yesterday the hallway lights were on from 10pm to 7am.”
“There are leftovers in the fridge that won’t last forever.”
“We had four Amazon deliveries this week.”
Name feelings & needs (personal sustainability)
“When I see X, I feel uneasy because I’m needing stewardship and lower bills.”
“I feel hopeful when we try small experiments—I’m needing progress, not perfection.”
“I feel overwhelmed sometimes; I’m needing simplicity and shared effort.”
Make a clear, doable request (don’t fear to ask)
“Would you be willing to try a lamp on a timer this week and see if it helps?”
“Could we batch online orders to once a week this month?”
“Are you open to Meatless Mondays for the next two weeks, and then we review?”
Lead with empathy (reflect back their feelings)
“It sounds like convenience is key for you—did I get that right?”
“You’re worried about extra costs—makes sense.”
“Reliability matters most to you; I hear that.”
What’s in it for them (win-win)
“This could shave a bit off the bill and cut hassle.”
“Buying more fruit and vegetables will greatly reduce our food expenses.”
“Walking this route could clear the head and save on parking.”
If it heats up (it happens sometimes 🤷🏽♀️)
“I’m getting a bit defensive—can we pause and pick this up after dinner?”
“I’m in for a respectful chat; if it turns tense, I’ll step away and we can try again later.”
“Let’s park the big stuff and choose one tiny step for this week.”
I think ending the discussion with questions is a good way to keep it open to new ideas.
Sometimes the best “push” is a question, not a speech:
“How would you do it differently?”
“Are you curious to try something different?”
“What would make this easier for you?”
Questions create their reasons, which are much more powerful than ours.
I really, really hope this small sample of phrases helps you have more sustainable conversations. Let me know what your strategies are!
For a softer way to live (not just talk), follow the talking cricket’s gentle suggestions inside The Natural App.