An issue that concerns all of us and the 8 steps I take to live a sustainable(ish) life.
The following post is going to be about something called climate change, or global warming. Fossil fuels, cutting down forests and livestock farming are deeply rooted in people’s minds. If we agree to the first affirmation, can we also agree that now they need a divorce? Or at least a bit of separation. And such transformation must start early and result in deep emission reductions even before 2030 in order to reach the goals set in the Paris Agreement.
Here it is: a cool, breezy, and uncertain day of February and my first publication on Medium. I write it while drinking a moderately spiced ginger tea. I am getting quite warm in here.
What if we are all connected?
About two years ago I became extremely curious about the causes and effects of climate change as well as started to wonder, what is my role in this?
You, just like me, may be wondering what your role in this is? Are the big corporations going to change at the speed that is required to reach the goals of the agreement, or can we, as individuals, come together and find ways to decrease our carbon footprint in the meantime? I believe fighting climate change takes all of us, with all our different capabilities.
But how come on the news the life of celebrities and their relatives, holiday destinations, crimes, and controversial topics in politics and fashion seem to be of higher importance? Why can’t we see fliers everywhere containing not only the steps on how people can correctly wash their hands to avoid the spreading of the COVID 19 virus but also how to live sustainably and prevent a disaster? Why can’t we see on social media the mad people on the streets shouting that the world is ending? By the way, turns out the mad people are all climate scientists. Consumerism is not only increasing somebody’s profit margins but also intrigues the public.
What I believe is oddly funny, is how climate change is often presented on the news “as an event with a possibility of future occurrence”. Even though climate change is here. A truth that I leave up to you to decide whether you believe or not. Though, assuming climate change is not a concern for the present moment, why are people migrating from states like Mexico, Guatemala, or the United States? Some editors name those interesting incidents as “the great climate migrations”, caused by supernatural stuff such as drought, wildfires, or rising sea levels.
Bruce King mentions in his book, “The New Carbon Architecture” that two hundred years ago, when cement was invented, sand, gravel, and fossil were cheap and abundant, and there was no problem with carbon emissions. Unfortunately, today those conditions no longer hold, yet we continue to make concrete, in pretty much the same way. People might not change their ways unless supported or offered something cheaper, faster, or more fun.
What I know is that I am not going to wait for someone else to provide me with actionable steps. Living in such a tech generation, I have most of the information needed to start thinking of the steps myself. And what if that someone constantly fails to act when extra capital is involved in the climate decisions?
The 8 steps I take to live a more sustainable life
- Unplugging. Spending less time on my phone not only reduces electric consumption but also provides me with extra time to focus on my passions.
- Recycling. In the Netherlands, the municipality website provides clear guidance on how citizens can protect the environment by separating and recycling their waste. Check out for information about recycling that applies to your neighborhood!
- Refusing to buy products/ vegetables in plastic packaging. If you live in a neighborhood with farmers’ markets, chances are you will find the vegetables you are looking for there. With no plastic wrap. Shopping at farmers’ markets supports your local economy and provides the freshest produce.
- Questioning my beliefs. Every time I have the urge to buy something, I ask myself “Is this really necessary?”. Surprise, surprise, most of the time the answer is no. Or a high chance I can find what I want in a charity or vintage store for a smaller price. And sometimes better quality.
Fun fact: vintage clothes can be more durable than clothes from retail stores. This is because clothing used to be made to last.
- Following a vegan diet. Not only because of my love for animals but also because it is proven that a well-planned vegan diet is healthier, helps prevent various diseases and is a way to shrink our environmental footprint.
- Volunteering in my area. Does making an impact on a cause you care about sound appealing to you? Check out for volunteer activities in your area. You might have a pleasant surprise. I normally pick gardening activities or social clean ups.
- Started my own vegetable garden. I have a small communal garden, approx 2m2. By using permaculture principles I can make use of all the space available and enjoy a lot of harvests. You can start a garden even on your balcony. There are many books and tutorials on YouTube.
- Practicing yoga and meditation daily. I beleive that whatever happens in the body is reflected in the mind and vice versa. By making sure all parts of your being are functioning properly, you are letting go of the need to possess and become more. Being happy with what you have provides mental peace and moral strength.
My tea is finished as is my inspiration.
I hope this post inspires you to think of your own, actionable small steps that help protect the environment.
You are contributing to creating a better world!
