365 Sustainable Decisions Challenge

"Every time I think of tsunami, I feel sad".  The tour guide in Phuket, Thailand, told us this.  The tsunami killed in 2004, 18 years ago, 250 people and was 4-11 m (13-36 ft) high! This proves how extreme climate events affect us years later. Learn more: https://medium.com/age-of-awareness/how-extreme-climate-events-impact-mental-health-e26ed17923dc

What I love about upcycling is that creativity can be limitedless. For example this rocking horse. Isn't it wonderful?

Delivering packages involves different parts, such as from one distribution center to the next. The last part (the delivery to homes), is the most inefficient and environmentally unfriendly part. Here, I explain how we can make this more sustainable:  https://medium.com/the-environment/how-the-last-mile-of-logistics-can-be-made-more-sustainable-bf131ab576cc The last mile logistics involves delivery to the customer’s home (credit: comzeal images on Shutterstock )

These are strings for tying a carpet. As it makes it easier to put different colors in different cups, I used all the cups I could spare for this project. But I didn’t have enough. Instead of buying new ones, I used the bottoms of a few bottles. The rest of the bottle went nevertheless into recycling.

I find different viewpoints fascinating, like this one by David Attenborough. And even though I feel uncomfortable thinking about limiting the number of humans, it is true that with fewer humans, we need fewer earthly resources, which benefits the #environment. Loading... Twitter Embed Code Retweet text: Instead of controlling the #environment for the benefit of the #Population, perhaps we should control the population to ensure the #survival of the environment... David Attenborough @KaraJarina #Global #Human #life #degrowth #SustainableLiving #fridaymorning #EarthKeepersUnite

As I don't have a car, this would be something my car rental would have to take care of: when a car leaks oil, it causes pollution of water and soil, so it is good to repair it as soon as possible.

I'm back from the Water and Waste Conference. The journey was very worth it: I'm grateful I've met many wonderful others who make a positive difference too, and that my contribution was also appreciated by Hon. Kalaya Sophonpanich, Deputy Minister of Education of Thailand.

It is a shame that I didn’t have this idea when I was in school. I think it is really cool to have a pencil case that is made from an old book. To make this, I cut a rectangle out of each page and stuck all pages together (where the pages were cut).

You don't want to be told what to do, right? I don't, but I am happy to hear good suggestions. That is why I like the idea of nudges: they suggest an environmentally friendly option and still, I decide. In this article, I explain how they work: https://medium.com/climate-conscious/how-nudges-help-us-to-make-more-sustainable-food-choices-63d0024c8083 Nudges can help us make more sustainable food choices (credit:  Ella Olsson  on  Unsplash )

More and more cities protect trees on private land by offering incentives. They make it easier for us to protect our trees and greenery, so why not use this support? Read more about such incentives:  https://medium.com/climate-conscious/how-cities-can-protect-trees-on-private-land-7a4184644f29

This is impressive! The first was installed in 2019. More can come soon as they can be installed relatively quickly. Hopefully they install 2nd or 3rd generation panels for even higher efficiency! Different solar technologies explained in easy terms: https://medium.com/the-environment/how-solar-energy-technology-is-becoming-more-efficient-239fb681c07 Loading... Twitter Embed Code Retweet text: This is the largest floating solar plant in Germany. (World Economic Forum) #Green #Energy #EnviroTech #Environment

I think I remember my grandma telling me that closing holes in socks was very common in the past. And I have to say, it is hardly visible that they are repaired.

The famous psychologist Carl Rogers once said: “The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination.” That's why I'm still on the journey, of making my daily life more environmentally friendly. Even after over 2.5 years:

I noticed this in the hotel in which I stayed in Thailand: they used a washable cloths on the tray, instead of a single-use paper cloth. This is great, as I guess they use many of these cloths each day.

My city has organized a littering photo contest. As I love the initiative, I submitted a few pictures. I chose this one, which I took after plogging (running and collecting waste).

Are you sometimes driving over a bridge? If yes, then climate change has and impact on your safety, because climate change affects the safety of bridges in many different ways. In this article, I not only explain but also show how: https://medium.com/the-environment/30-ways-climate-change-affects-the-safety-of-bridges-ac4896cdf2a0 Bridges are important parts of infrastructure and can be affected by climate change (credit: Pixabay on Pexel

I have learned that aluminum foil behind a heating reflects the heat back into the room. This saves energy. And in my case, it is even more helpful as the heating is attached to the fridge (a strange decision in itself).

These children have made a gorgeous poster! And I bet that after having made this, they care for the environment even more. This is a great example of how art can be used to teach children about environmental issues. More about art in school: https://medium.com/@ErlijnG/how-can-art-be-used-to-teach-children-about-climate-change-5fbbb9cc641b Loading... Twitter Embed Code Retweet text: 174 of #185in52 ♥️ the posters from the Environmental Club. Caring about our world and talented artists!!@OronoHighSchool @rsu_26 #RiotPride #DailyEduPic Don’t forget to🐝awesome! #GetOutside🌲

I'm sure this is great to do with children, as they learn how to prevent food waste and have something rewarding as a result.  

Isn't this more relevant to realize than ever in the light of all the environmental issues we are facing today? We can't go back and do it differently, but we can begin today to change where our planet will end up. Are you in? I am.

When I boil eggs, I prefer to boil several at once, up to six: I eat one or two and put the rest in the fridge for the next few days. This saves time, water and energy.

In agriculture, the importance of soil is acknowledged; in many other cases, it is neglected. But for example soil biodiversity is extremely important for our health and for our planet. Do you know why? You can find the answer here: https://medium.com/@ErlijnG/how-soil-biodiversity-contributes-to-our-health-and-a-healthy-planet-f2984be471f More than ¼ of the species we know live in soil (credit:  RoyBuri  on  Pixabay )

I haven't done this yet, but think it is a great idea. Sooner or later we all have shoes that we can't wear anymore but may bake great flower pots!

I'm happy to soon share my knowledge with the Thai government in my presentations on the Water and Waste Management conference: - why wave energy is a great renewable energy source - how to make environmental education effective As I'm busy, my tweets will be 1 a day for 2 weeks.

During the Corona crisis, we have no choice than to use videoconferencing to meet each other. But also in normal daily life, I use videoconferencing, so that I don’t have to travel everywhere.

This is great! And an excellent example of what I call making a difference in the physical world instead of just talking about it. This is eventually what it is all about. Thank you for your efforts @KenyaSafi and friends! Loading... Twitter Embed Code Retweet text: All over the world people are trying to make the environment a better place. What is your impact on the environment? Do something for the environment today! Every little action matters. #KenyaSafi #Environment #Conservation #Nature #ClimateActionNow

In January 2022, I started my project Fascinating Facts about nature and sustainability, in which I transform scientific publications in easy to understand articles. This way, we can use the insights from science on our journey towards a healthier planet.

After many years not having bought new clothes, I recently needed to buy new t-shirts. I came across t-shirts made from hemp. Because of this article, I know hemp is more environmentally friendly than cotton and a better choice for other products too: https://medium.com/climate-conscious/6-ways-hemp-can-be-used-as-great-alternative-to-conventional-materials-ed1279a5d528 Hemp-based materials are often a sustainable alternative (credit:  DizzyRoseblade  on  Pixabay )

I’ve started gathering milk carton caps a while ago, because I was sure that one day, I would know how to upcycle them. And indeed, I glued them together to use them as coaster for my drink.

When looking for ways to degrade plastic, where would you search? I wouldn't search on a graveyard, but that is exactly where researchers found a possible solution! Very interesting and it sounds promising! #plasticwaste #plasticfree #environment #sharingsolutions Loading... Twitter Embed Code Retweet text: In one of their samples, the scientists found an enzyme, or polyester hydrolase, called PHL7. And it shocked them. The PHL7 enzyme disintegrated an entire piece of #Plastic in less than a day. 🔬 https://p.dw.com/p/4BvXU

I like this idea, because it is a great way to use a coffee ground once more. I haven't done this, but I can imagine that it is great fun to do with a friend.  

The winner of the We take action! award - biodiversity 2022 is the Lebanon Reforestation Initiative! They're doing many amazing things and have for example included 72 native species in their #reforestation efforts of 1,370,521 trees. Congratulations! More information about the Lebanon Reforestation Initiative: https://www.lri-lb.org More about the We take action! award: https://www.sustainabledecisions.eu/we-take-action-award

As I’m separating waste in the bathroom now too, I needed another bin. Instead of buying a new one, I decided to make one from old newspapers.

Have you ever wondered what happens to your old clothes when you send them to #recycling? In this article, I explain the 4 possibilities: https://medium.com/the-environment/how-old-clothes-can-be-recycled-and-put-to-good-use-again-baf752b4323d (credit:  Igisheva Maria  on  Shutterstock )

I have never tried this before, but like the idea, as I'm looking for alternatives to synthetic sponges. And in case I don't need a sponge, I can eat them as cucumber.

Here you can see the latest invention to safe coral reefs! These blocks are put in places where coral currently can't grow, for example in places where dynamite was used to catch fish. The corals can attach to this blocks and grow again. I hope they enjoy their new home soon! Loading... Twitter Embed Code Retweet text: Burgers' Zoo in Arnhem, Netherlands supports coral reef restoration in the wild. May 23rd, 2022. © Romy Fernandez @burgerszoo #photojournalism #marineconservation #climatechange

Earlier in this challenge, I have spoken about waste bins and their bags: - flattening waste to reduce the number of required bags (#4) - filling waste bags to reduce the number of required bags (#29) - reusing bag for waste bin instead of throwing it away (#37) - using only one bin in hotel (#59) Furthermore, I use a bin without a bag when I throw something in that doesn’t make it dirty.

Some say "we live only once". But instead, we die only once and live every day. The same for Mother Earth: she can only become unlivable once and we live and depend on her every day. So what else can you do to protect our planet?

Although I don't drink coffee, this works just as well for tea. The advantage of drinking it in the bar is that I don't create any waste.

To inspire you and me to live more environmentally friendly, the focus is mostly on cognitive factors such as beliefs.  Emotions are often overlooked.  Here I explain why emotions should be considered in climate communication and interventions: https://medium.com/the-environment/5-ways-emotions-can-be-used-to-inspire-environmentally-friendly-behavior-e1bfc3452452 Changes in nature can evoke emotional changes in us (credit:  Jorm S.   on   Shutterstock )

As a kid, I used to close my nose if I had to eat something I really didn’t like, because I then tasted less. I used this trick again to be able to eat a type of chocolate I bought as replacement for chocolate sprinkles, but really didn’t like (#296). I don’t want to throw it away of course.

I learned that Sweden is one of the most environmentally friendly countries in the world. This is one of the many reasons: they recycle efficiently and burn the rest to create electricity. And as they have hardly any trash left, they also help us out by importing more waste! Loading... Twitter Embed Code Retweet text: Sweden 🇸🇪 gets rid of 99% of its trash so efficiently, it's importing garbage from other countries.

I used some dandelion leaves I found in my garden in my meal. As it was the first time and I didn't find a lot, I only ate a few leaves. Now I am sure I can eat them, so can now make a salad with more and taller leaves.

Today I donated 14 more trees, thanks to my Medium.com subscribers! For everyone who joins Medium through my referral link I plant a tree every month. When you enjoy my articles about nature and sustainability you can sign up here too: https://medium.com/@erlijng/membership

Outside, I found a box with a lot of magazines that were read by someone and left outside for someone else to read. As they were exactly the magazines I’m interested in, I adopted the box. When I’ve finished reading them, I’ll again leave them for others to read.

After having written articles about why wave energy is a great renewable energy source and technologies to generate electricity from waves, I wondered why this is not widespread yet. In this article, I explain challenges that need to be overcome: https://medium.com/@ErlijnG/why-ocean-wave-energy-isnt-our-main-renewable-energy-source-yet-c02d2f1cce32 Using wave energy is challenging, but possible! (credit:  eamesBot  on  Shutterstock )

When I was a kid, we used to do this: gather sweet chestnuts and eat them. I haven't found them in years, so haven't done this for a long time, but will keep my eyes open, so that I can do it again.