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In the ever-evolving field of sustainability, the importance of diverse voices and perspectives cannot be overstated. My journey has been shaped by a rich tapestry of experiences – from a diverse upbringing in multiple countries to my formal education and varied career paths. These experiences have influenced my understanding of environmental issues, social justice and the need for inclusivity and intersectionality in driving positive change within the sustainability sector.
My passion was sparked by an environmental science class I took in high school and my journey began at university, where I took steps towards becoming an environmental engineer. My mother’s resourcefulness, a trait shaped by her own experiences in Nigeria, influenced me from a young age. As a pre-teen, I moved from the UK to Nigeria and saw firsthand how resources were valued and reused there. This contrasted sharply with the consumption patterns I observed after moving to the US during my teens. These experiences pushed me to want to make a difference.
Upon graduating, I struggled to see how I could directly affect the environment through my work. By networking, I learned about corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental, social and governance (ESG) frameworks. These ideas seemed closer to my vision and goals and led me to pursue a formal education in sustainability.
Many of the CSR and sustainability professionals I met during that time had transitioned into sustainability from other areas without formal training. I was interested in obtaining a formal sustainability qualification to further my global perspective and for the opportunity to apply my knowledge practically through internships.
The landscape of education has since evolved and there is an increasing demand for sustainability courses at universities. Continued learning and development programmes offer opportunities to diversify, facilitating the blending of sustainability principles into various sectors.
Throughout my career, I’ve observed that the sustainability sector often amplifies the same voices. While these voices are valuable, there is a critical need to highlight a broader range of perspectives. Working in Nigeria taught me the importance of localising global strategies and using available resources creatively to overcome unique challenges. This adaptability and cultural competency are crucial in addressing varied and complex issues in the sector.
Sustainability looks very different in the Western world than in emerging markets. This disparity is evident in global discussions, such as those at COP events, where approaches and priorities can differ widely. Recognising these differences is essential for creating effective and inclusive strategies.
In October 2023, I founded Your Sustainable Friend, a blog and podcast. My inaugural series, ‘Black Voices in Green’, featured individuals with diverse paths into sustainability. Some had formal training, others did not, and their passions stemmed from various sources. For some it was a love of animals and for others it was a desire to make a difference and effect change based on their upbringing and unique experiences. My goal was to amplify voices that are often unheard. In the series finale, I emphasised the importance of including all voices in our conversations, because many of the groups most affected by environmental and social issues often have the least say. Recognising intersectionality is key to understanding how various identities interact and shape individual experiences.
My sustainability career has been shaped by a mix of formal education, practical experience and a diverse upbringing. I’ve seen the importance of adaptability, cultural competency and the need to amplify a wide range of voices. It is imperative that we continue to foster an inclusive and intersectional approach to sustainability, ensuring that our efforts are effective and equitable for all communities.
Feyi Osifuwa is the founder of yoursustainablefriend.com, a blog and podcast where she divides sustainability concepts into bite-sized chunks.
