Many individuals avoid engaging with environmentalism due to the overwhelming sense of guilt it often provokes. Everyday activities, such as driving or taking flights, can lead to feelings of responsibility for the larger ecological crisis, which might create a troubling sense of anxiety about contributing to environmental degradation.

In his book "All The Wild That Remains," David Gessner highlights how this societal pressure can deter people from embracing environmentalism. The fear of being part of the problem rather than the solution can make it challenging for individuals to take actionable steps toward sustainability.