At the heart of the movement for sustainability is a kind of awareness. First, we become aware of the wider world around us and the environmental impact that our actions have. Next, we become aware of the future and how important it is to start protecting our resources today so we have them tomorrow. There is also a third, and often neglected, kind of awareness that goes along with it: the awareness of the political side of sustainability, and how vital it is that we work together to change politics as a way to change the world.
It is certainly commendable to work for sustainability privately.