Interview with Eco in Progress’s Megan Bourassa
I fell in love with Megan Bourassa’s sustainability focused artwork as soon as I stumbled upon it a couple of years ago on her Instagram page. Her educating and engaging illustrations are bright and colourful and stood out to me so much I knew I HAD to ask if she would be willing to collaborate on a collection. I was over the moon when she said ‘yes’! And after a few months of sample designs, decisions on zip colours etc the Small Steps Collection was launched in September 2019.
Plastic Free July seemed like the ideal opportunity to speak to Megan about her background and passion for raising awareness in living a more sustainable lifestyle.
Hi Megan, thank you so much for talking to me. Firstly, could you tell us a bit more about yourself?
I am a writer, graphic designer and environmentalist. Growing up in Canada, I was lucky to spend my childhood exploring beautiful forests and lakes, which is where my passion for the environment stems from. When I’m not creating content, I love reading, baking, swimming or playing with my dog, Theo.
How would you describe your Eco in Progress illustrations and where do you get your inspiration from?
I started Eco in Progress in 2018, as an outlet for both my creativity and my passion for the environment. I was struggling with a lot of eco-anxiety and overwhelm at the time, and having a creative outlet to engage with these heavy topics really helped me. My goal is to make accessible and shareable content around sustainability, and spread the message of progress not perfection!
“My goal is to make accessible and shareable content around sustainability, and spread the message of progress not perfection! ”
My inspiration comes mainly from my experience of trying to live a more conscious life - concepts I learn from my research, sustainable living tips I get from friends, and my own reflections on environmental and social justice topics. I am also very inspired by the online environmental community. I feel very lucky, as Eco in Progress has allowed me to make new friends from around the world, who I learn from everyday.
What’s your advice in achieving a more sustainable lifestyle?
Progress not perfection! Take it one step at a time, and know that every little bit helps. Keep learning, growing and celebrating the wins, no matter how small.
Do you have any exciting projects coming up in the future that you can share?
I am almost done building my website (ecoinprogress.com)! I am excited to have space for longer form content such as blogs, as well as a small e-commerce store! I am also working on a big project with another environmental educator from Instagram that I am very excited about... stay tuned!
Finally, what do you always keep in your bag and never leave the house without?
I never leave the house without lip balm, my phone, and headphones!
Huge thanks to Megan for sharing her story with us. You can find our collaborating Small Steps collection here 10% from each sale donated to Surfers against Sewage
