On Progress and Being Brave with Arti Jalan of Forage & Sustain

We originally connected with Arti, founder of Forage & Sustain when she reached out to collaborate on the dreamiest retreat day we co-hosted in 2019, and we've been total fans of her since. She's brave, supportive, and a cheerleader of making better choices for the environment and we know our community will love her as much as we do. Follow her on instagram @forageandsustain for helpful tips on cultivating sustainability in your everyday, and for Conscious Consulting services.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What advice would you like to share with others as they try to cultivate a more sustainable and earth-conscious lifestyle? 

My long-standing advice has always been “progress over perfection.” It can be incredibly daunting to try and tackle sustainable living in one shot, so instead, start small and work your way up as you go along. Maybe begin with a manageable switch like swapping out paper towel for a reusable sponge cloth, or asking restaurants you order takeout from to not include the unnecessary plastic cutlery. As you start to make small changes that feel good and manageable, you’ll naturally be drawn to making bigger changes! 

What is your single favourite item in your home and why? 

I recently bought a clay diffuser, and I have to say, I’ve become obsessed! I resisted the craze when they really took off, but after getting one, I can totally see the appeal haha. I love that they just need water and essential oils, which can be less wasteful than candles. They also purify the air and neutralize positive ions that can build up in our homes. And of course, the sound they make, and the scents they emit, are so soothing. 

The biggest risk you’ve ever taken in your business / something that required you to be brave? 

I can think of many, but I’d have to say the most consistent one that I still face often is sharing unpopular opinions on social media that can really ruffle some feathers. Many people are all for sustainable living, but not everyone is on board with the hard truths that we have to face within the movement. I’m thinking back to my Palo Santo post from a few years ago, and the uproar it elicited was unlike anything I’d ever experienced (I still get hate mail for it!). Showing up consistently even when you know you might cause discontent definitely requires bravery and a thick skin, but it’s also necessary for real change to occur.  

What’s your number 1 indulgence? 

Definitely dark chocolate! 

If you were a plant, which one would you be and why? 

I’d say a Fern. Ferns are one of the most ancient plants on earth, and I’m often told I’m an old soul ;) They also symbolize hope for future generations, which is pretty aligned with my work at Forage! 

Arti has launched a new Forage and Sustain offering: Conscious Consulting. Slow-paced, intuition-led work, and sustainability are at the core. She assists small businesses with their social media presence, guide their approach to sustainability, and empower and uplift on a greater scale. You can read more about this offer here: https://forageandsustain.com/conscious-consulting/