Sonam Wangdu says that the answers to how to live an ecological lifestyle without giving up urban comforts can be found in the experience he gained in Ladakh.
He emphasizes that the concept of sustainable development should never be perceived as punishment, but rather as a search for balance—satisfying current needs without harming the future, instead of constantly feeling guilty.
In his native Himalayan community, sustainability was an integral part of daily life long before it became a popular social media trend. In the mountains, practically nothing is thrown away; waste is simply transformed. For example, dry toilets convert waste into compost, and sun-dried clay bricks eventually return to the earth.
Land scarcity in Ladakh prompted local communities to adopt terrace farming. Water resources were also used judiciously through systems like 'zing,' which help slow glacial melt and replenish underground aquifers.
Water usage was regulated by a 'chorpon' appointed by the community. This official determined the access time for households to water, preventing overconsumption and maintaining the cleanliness of common sources.
Wangdu believes that the fundamental belief of his mountain community is that they are custodians of these gifts, not their owners. He views this as a practical guide based on discipline and shared responsibility.
Sustainable development does not necessarily have to be an individual project. He points to gardening groups, tool sharing, neighborhood cleanups, and composting discussions as simple ways to build trust and reduce waste.
According to Wangdu, sustainability is not self-punishment, but a form of self-liberation. The essence is not about giving up everything one loves, but consciously letting go of what brings less joy over time. He concludes that this means being able to care for the planet without deleting your Instagram account; for him, sustainability is knowing how to live well within modern life, not running away from it.