American actress Shailene Woodley has always been vocal about environmental issues, and in a recent interview, she highlighted the importance of sustainability and individual responsibility. Speaking to AOL, after attending Uber’s Go-Get Zero conference in London, the Divergent star emphasized that while everyone can contribute to saving the earth, it’s essential to approach it with a balanced mindset.
“I think taking the pressure off has to start with yourself,” Woodley explained, underscoring that personal efforts toward sustainability shouldn’t be overshadowed by perfectionism.
She elaborated, “It has to give yourself the grace and compassion to go, ‘I am a human being. I’m not perfect and the systems that surround me do not support the choices that I want to make. And so until those systems can support that, I will do what I can when I can and have the grace to trust that eventually, those systems will start changing.'”
For Woodley, it’s less about achieving perfection and more about making small, conscious choices whenever possible. “The message that I always try to get across is not about being perfect—it’s about doing what you can when you can,” she said. This approach, she believes, makes sustainability more accessible and less overwhelming.
Woodley also reflected on her personal decision-making process when it comes to sustainability. She described moments where practicality sometimes wins over idealism, but awareness is key. “It’s constantly just asking myself these questions: All right, you know what? Right now, I do need water, and this is my only option: I’m going to drink out of this plastic water bottle. But next time, maybe I’m not, because I’ll have my stainless steel water bottle,” she explained. Her words reflect the notion that sustainability is about awareness and gradual improvement, rather than rigid rules.
In closing, Woodley stressed that while individuals should strive to be mindful of their environmental impact, they must also recognize that systemic change is necessary. According to Time Magazine. “All we can ask is being aware and doing what we can,” she said, reiterating her belief in balancing personal responsibility with patience as larger systems evolve.
Shailene Woodley’s message serves as a reminder that sustainability is a journey, not a destination—one that requires both individual efforts and systemic transformation.