365 Sustainable Decisions Challenge

I know that eating vegetarian meals is helpful to reduce CO2 emissions and that this is even more the case with vegan meals. That’s why I consciously prepared a vegan meal.

This looked like great fun! I also enjoy doing cleanups with others. Have you done this with friends before? If yes, how was it? #sustainableLiving #cleanups #zerowaste #savetheplanet Loading... Twitter Embed Code Retweet text: Come PLAWK with us! (Pick up litter while walking.) Mondays 8am Gormley Plaza. #EcoMonday

Where I live are containers, which say that you can put old clothes and shoes in there. So, when I have clothes that I can't wear anymore, I bring them there. And interestingly, I don't know what happens with them, so I hope they are put to good use.

Last weekend, I was at the airport, but not to fly. (My last flight was in 2019, before I started my sustainability journey.) I traveled there by bus, so that a friend who traveled by car could pick me up and we could do carpool. Happy to have made a difference yet again!

When I am wearing hard contact lenses, I am really happy that I decided not to wear weak ones. Weak ones should be replaced a lot more often and cannot be recycled. So I produce a lot less waste.

Solar energy is an important renewable energy, and the good news: this technology is becoming more efficient so that more solar energy can be put to good use. This article explains three generations of solar cell technologies: https://medium.com/the-environment/how-solar-energy-technology-is-becoming-more-efficient-239fb681c07 (credit:  fotohunter  on  Shutterstock )

I noticed this bridge close to my house. It isn't a particularly safe and long lasting bridge, but I liked the idea of using wood leftovers for it. And even if you fall in, you only get wet until your ankles.

Yes, thank you waste collectors for making it possible, that our separated waste ends up in the recycling plants! Your work is important to make #recycling possible! #sustainableLiving #zerowaste #circulareconomy Loading... Twitter Embed Code Retweet text: Good morning #Harrow 👋 Starting off with a shoutout to our bin crews. We met Sunny and Leonard on their recycling collection round emptying 1000s of blue bins. Thanks for everything you do 🙌💚 Thank you to all our residents also for #recycling waste.

Whenever making pizza, there is always a leftover. I make sure that I use the smallest possible container, because this saves space in the dishwasher when I have finished using the container. By saving space, it takes longer for the dishwasher to be full, so that is has to run less often.

This is a great example of how being a good example works: I learned that a high pressure pot for cooking is more energy efficient. That's why I asked on Facebook whether someone has a spare one. After I asked, a few others wanted one as well! I love it that I inspired them.

When I visited my parents last time, I suddenly felt like going to the library. I don't know why, but it was great to flick through the pages of some books with sustainability ideas.  And taking a book home from the library is more environmentally friendly than buying a new book.

Food waste and plastic pollution, two issues we need to address for a healthier planet. So why not solve one with the other, freeing two birds with one key? In this article is explained how food waste can be used to reduce plastic pollution: https://medium.com/climate-conscious/how-food-waste-can-be-used-to-reduce-plastic-pollution-439573e9819d (credit:  Fascinadora  on  Shutterstock )

Watering the plants yesterday with water from the stream made me realize that I can also clean the bucket in the stream.

What a great idea to reuse bricks. Especially when you know where they were used before, and know the story behind them, this is a great way to keep the memories alive as well. #sustainableLiving Loading... Twitter Embed Code Retweet text: andThey are recycled Bricks with plenty of history from almost a century of Addis life. All have a story to tell. These will be cleaned and then a weather protective clear film will be applied.

It made me happy that I made these goats happy with some fresh grass and leaves. They gobbled it inside: it was funny too see how they eat as fast as they could. And feeding fresh grass is more environmentally friendly than processed food, as no energy was needed for packaging, shipping, etc.

In my articles with fascinating facts about nature and sustainability, I add pictures that aid understanding. In my PhD I learned how important this is. As these pictures are specific, I need to buy them. My package had a few pictures left, so I can share this beauty too.

I have been thinking of using shower water to water the plants. But it contains soap, so I’m not sure that that is a good idea. So I’ve decided to get water from a stream instead. The good thing is that this water doesn’t need to be cleaned by the wastewater treatment plant.

With fossil fuels being critiqued because of global warming, renewable energy is becoming more common, especially solar and wind energy. But there are other powerful sources. This article explains three major advantages of energy from waves: https://medium.com/climate-conscious/why-energy-from-waves-is-a-great-renewable-energy-source-7271653bcd19 (credit:  Willyam Bradberry  on  Shutterstock )

On one of my walking routes, I come across several of these sculptures. They are carved from an tree trunk. When no tree was cut down for it, it is a great way to make art. 

This is great advice! When you know that ants won't hang around for long, when they have entered your house, you know you can let them be. This helps saving insects. #biodiversity #ants #insects #sustainableLiving Loading... Twitter Embed Code Retweet text: #InsectOfTheWeek As the ground begins to warm up, you will see #ants emerging from cracks and corners outside. They may wander into houses in early spring before their food is available, but don't kill them. Keep your food sealed and high up - they won't hang around for long.

Are you struggling financially because of high energy prices? If yes, this article is for you: I have listed more than 100 easy things I do in daily life to save energy and reduce my expenses. For your inspiration: https://medium.com/the-environment/how-to-reduce-the-impact-of-increasing-energy-prices-79ef853f4c5 (credit:  Becky Stares  on  Shutterstock )

Due to the Corona crisis, I wash my hands more often than normally. That’s why it is even more relevant that I make sure I close the tap while soaping my hands, as it saves water.

When visiting a restaurant during the COVID pandemic, we had to fill in a form with our contact details. In one restaurant, I was able to choose between a paper and digital form. I chose the digital form, as this saves paper.

The root cause of unsustainable behavior is said to be society’s disconnection from nature. This article explains how reconnecting with nature improves sustainability and how you can revitalize your bond: https://medium.com/the-environment/how-reconnecting-with-nature-improves-sustainability-df8de7c6ea02   (credit:  Stergo  on  Pixabay )

When I print, I tend to not only print in draft quality (#268), but also to print black and white whenever possible. I have learned that it saves dye and is therefore more environmentally friendly.

Sometimes when we think about others, we have a stereotypical image in our mind. When I think of pigs for example, I have to admit that my first thought is of a dirty one covered in mud. But this video made me fall in love: what a lovely, cute pig! #AnimalLover #biodiversity Loading... Twitter Embed Code Retweet text: A pig is equal to a dog, for they're both lovely. They don't exist for humans, for they exist for their own sake. Let's help each other end speciesism and give them a chance to keep going. 😇🙏 #EndSpeciesism #PIG #dogs #biodiversity #AnimalCruelty #equalityforall

When visiting a restaurant, I noticed that bouncy hill outside for children to play on. What I immediately liked about it, is that it stays like this without a device that blows air in it: this is what I am used to with bouncy castles. So, this saves a lot of energy and is therefore way more environmentally friendly.

This is special: the "dirt" on this bench is Sahara sand! It traveled about 3.000 km (about 1,900 miles) through the air, and made the sky look yellow. To me this shows how strongly we are connected with other parts of the world, and how much it matters what happens there.

I have written before, that I have a plastic bottle (#12) to replace a deposit bottle. But it is still plastic, so I now prefer using my glass flask.

"Preventing is better than healing" This is what we say in Dutch and also applies well to plastic pollution. This article describes methods to prevent plastic from reaching our rivers and oceans: https://medium.com/climate-conscious/how-to-prevent-plastics-from-reaching-rivers-and-oceans-5fe862dd2bfa Nick Fewings  on  Unsplash

A while ago, I went to an exhibition. It took place in place that used to be a milk production hall. A great way to put an empty building to good use.

More good news: a huge coral reef has been discovered, which seems to be healthy! #sustainableLiving #climateaction Loading... Twitter Embed Code Retweet text: A rare 3km long coral reef has been discovered off the coast of Tahiti👇

I have found several ways to relax after I’ve been working really hard. Doing sports, such as running, but also meditating. It works better and longer for me than eating comfort food.

Recently, I went on a 20 km (12.4 miles) walk and found this in the forest. I thought it was waste, so almost put it in my bag to throw away later. But then I realized it is a #geocache. A geocache is hidden on purpose, for people to find using coordinates. So, I left it.

Where I live, I can buy a piece of bread called "Brezel". It has a lot of salt on it, which is way too salty for me. I used to throw away the salt after taking it off, but this time, I decided to keep it for a future meal.

Plastic receives a lot of critique, because it often ends up in rivers and oceans, harming marine life. And indirectly harming us too. This article describes 7 methods how (micro-)plastic can be removed from our rivers and oceans: (credit:  chaiyapruek youprasert  on  Shutterstock )

Balloons that are sent up with helium, obviously pop at some point and fall down somewhere. As this can be anywhere, it is very unlikely that it is in a bin. So I refrain from sending one up from now on.

Good news: one step closer to ending plastic pollution. As always, only talking about it is not enough: it needs to be put into practice. But as @TonyRobbins puts it: "it is in the moments of decision that the future is shaped". So, this decision is an important step forward Loading... Twitter Embed Code Retweet text: It's done! UNEA adopts the resolution to establish an intergovernmental negotiating committee to establish a binding international treaty to end plastic pollution. Now the hard work starts, but today Member States, the representatives of humanity, have done the right thing.⁦

I saw this during an exhibition of sustainable designs. I like the idea of making a bag only from old materials. And it looks quite stylish too. 

When I rent a car, I make sure that I use a car as small as possible. This way, I use as little petrol/electricity as possible.

Marketeers are good at influencing our behavior: and make us buy their product. When communicating about environmental issues, the goal is also to change behavior: to make more environmentally friendly choices. This is how we can be more effective: https://medium.com/climate-conscious/5-ways-to-make-climate-action-communication-more-effective-89b242e35842 The wording of a message is to how people understand and respond to it (credit:  Ryan Rodrick Beiler  on  Shutterstock )

When I walked past these shipping containers, I realized that offices are built in them. I think that is a clever way to upcycle and use these containers.

I feel sustainable solutions are often beautiful. Not only when the solution looks good like these #solarPanels, but also for example when the solution involves #nature or at home, when I have to look at fewer waste bags. #sustainableLiving #renewableEnergy Loading... Twitter Embed Code Retweet text: When sustainable becomes beautiful 🌻😍 Today, take a minute to discover the Smartflower, solar panels that follow the rotation of the sun and look like a poetic piece of art. @smartflower_sol #solar #solarpower #sustainability

I noticed that I have glasses with different widths at the top (where I drink). As the larger glasses take up more space in the dish washer, this requires me to put the dish washer on more often. So I now prefer using the smaller glasses.

I have a giveaway lip balm, which I finished after years. Well, finished ... I noticed there was still some balm left. To see how much, I used a screwdriver to dig it out. Here you can see how much is left! I can embalm my lips with that many more times.

A while ago, I saw this dressing gown while visiting an exhibition of sustainable designs. I really like the idea, so when you're good at sowing and have some old towels left, you can get creative.

Saving energy is a great way to live more environmentally friendly. Teaching children this can be done with traditional learning content, but also with more engaging methods. This article explains why gamification makes saving energy much more fun: https://medium.com/greener-together/why-taking-part-in-a-competition-makes-energy-saving-behavior-more-rewarding-202e088e93a8 (credit:  ZouZou  on  Shutterstock )

When making my weekly pizza, I have decided to stop preheating the oven and instead put the pizza in the oven immediately. This way, I use all heat.

Even though I did a presentation about mushrooms in primary school, I don't feel like an expert at all. I for example never saw this one before. Well, probably that's also because it is so tiny: 1,5 mm is about 0.06 inch. Wow! #nature #naturelovers #fungi Loading... Twitter Embed Code Retweet text: Didymium squamulosum White heart #slimemould looking like a miniature mushroom cloud Collision symbol( approx 1.5mm ) #nature #biodiversity

Due to many celebrations in a row (Christmas, Santa Claus, birthday), a family member said that they didn't want anything new as a present. The reason: it would be too much. That's why I decided to wrap this childhood toy, so that they still had something to unwrap (reusing wrapping paper - #72).

In The Netherlands, plastic waste is collected for #recycling. Some put these bags out next to the street, others can put them on a hook. This is a great idea, as it makes it less likely that bags tear or are opened by animals and waste is scattered on the street.

In the light of current environmental issues, using viable farming that at the same time protects the environment is important. This article explains how a tiny sprout, alfalfa, can contribute to a more sustainable future: https://medium.com/@ErlijnG/how-growing-alfalfa-contributes-to-a-sustainable-future-cdd844f5471c Alfalfa (credit:  Suto Norbert Zsolt  on  Shutterstock )

I love doing sports. To be able to this safely and enjoy it, I use proper sports equipment. In the past, I had for example different clothes for different sports. But as I can use/wear some equipment/clothes for different sports, I do so these days. This saves me money and less stuff/clothes. t-shirt helmet

This week, I got a message about an event to promote reduced dependency on fossil fuels. You were able to make a statement by turning the lights off. I joined. And what made me really happy, is that the initiators and other participants also believe that we can make a difference as individual.

Wow, I'm so impressed! Not only because the bird puts the bottle in a bin, but also because it is the right bin for recycling. Thank you bird for helping us getting this right! #sustainableLiving #recycling Loading... Twitter Embed Code Retweet text: Powerful reminder: when a #raven 🦅 teaches you a lesson in #recycling, you take them around Twitter. Right? 😉

After having an empty dispenser, I realized it is better to buy a refill-package than to buy a new one (#186). But this refill-package still consists of a lot of plastic. So this time, I decided to buy a block of soap. As I bought it in a package-free shop (#160), I had no waste at all.

Recently, a storm blew over The Netherlands, knocking over many trees. I was shocked to see that trees that looked fine, turned out to have rotting roots, because I assume this means that many more trees are unhealthy. We just don't realize. I hope my assumption is wrong.

Many think of landfills as a final destination for waste. But that is not necessary at all! Waste contains a lot of value, and can be turned into something useful. This article explains how: https://medium.com/@ErlijnG/how-excavated-waste-can-become-tomorrows-resource-e34e001bbcac (credit:  Maksim Safaniuk  at  Shutterstock )

My partner needed new paper for his folder and decided to use the paper from an unused notepad. As you can see on the right, this worked very well. It saved him buying new paper, and reduced waste.

I recently cooked a meal with potatoes and red cabbage. I decided to use the same pan twice: after cooking the potatoes, it was still hot so heating up the cabbage went a lot quicker. And it saved energy and dishes.