Exhaustive Measures

At what point do we ask ourselves, when does it become too much? When does all the work, effort, countless hours become enough to make some sort of change. Now I'm sure that question runs through our minds a few times, especially when we feel exhausted. As the year continues, we have all seen the countless reports on wildfires, airplanes falling, and so much more. It feels like every day, there’s another crisis flashing across our screens—a natural disaster, a political upheaval, an environmental catastrophe that reminds us just how fragile everything truly is. The wildfires rage on, consuming forests and homes alike. The news of tragic plane crashes sparks fear and uncertainty. The climate crisis looms heavier with every passing season, yet the world keeps turning, businesses continue as usual, and the cycle of consumption never slows down.

And that’s where the exhaustion sets in. The feeling of shouting into the void, of trying to make a difference only to see the same problems persist. We recycle, we shop sustainably, we support ethical brands—but does any of it ever feel like enough? When corporations continue polluting at astronomical levels and fast fashion brands churn out new collections at breakneck speed, it’s easy to feel like our efforts are just a drop in the ocean.

But here’s the thing: every drop matters. Every mindful purchase, every conversation about sustainability, every small shift in behavior adds up. Change doesn’t happen overnight, and it certainly doesn’t happen without resistance. The truth is, the very industries that profit off of waste and exploitation are banking on us feeling too small, too powerless, too exhausted to keep fighting.

So, what do we do? We pace ourselves. We take breaks when the weight of it all feels too heavy. We remember that progress, no matter how slow, is still progress. We remind ourselves that collective action has power, and that small movements can build into something greater.

Because at the end of the day, giving up isn’t an option. The Earth doesn’t have that luxury. The people suffering the most from climate change, environmental injustice, and unethical labor practices don’t have that luxury. So we push forward, even when it’s hard. Even when we question if it’s enough. Because the moment we stop trying, the people who don’t care about sustainability, ethics, or justice win. And that, more than anything, is too much to accept.