365 Sustainable Decisions Challenge

A wonderful and exciting year is coming to an end, in which I took many initiatives to contribute toward a healthier planet! For example, my book, published by Springer, "A Guide to a Healthier Planet", is already fascinating many readers (https://www.sustainabledecisions.eu/guide-to-a-healthier-planet)! Also, I set up a YouTube channel that allows us all to explore the wonders of nature around the world from the comfort of our home! While I'm taking a break until January 8th, I am happy to know that you will be able to enjoy a walk through this gorgeous mangrove forest, and to many other beautiful places (see all destinations on this world map: https://www.sustainabledecisions.eu/xplore-nature#video-map). Have a wonderful last few weeks of 2023 and I'm looking forward to see you again in 2024! 💚 https://youtu.be/IxZstsvPkW0

I'm grateful that someone pointed out my misconception: I had in mind that spiders are insects, but they are not. I learned that while they both have an exoskeleton on the outside of their bodies, they also differ in several ways. For example: - insects have 6 legs, whereas spiders have 8 - insects have 3 body parts, whereas spiders have 2 - insects have 2 eyes, whereas spiders have 8 - insects often have 2 antennas, whereas spiders don't have any - insects often have 2 wings, whereas spiders don't have any Fascinating to think of these differences, so I'm happy to have learned something new!

Upcycling is a great way to reuse materials that would otherwise be sent to landfill. In Sweden, they for example used this principle for a dog park! Visit Sweden and see this dog park for yourself on this gorgeous walk: https://youtu.be/MGlfmARoIdw !

As insect populations have gone down drastically in the last few decades, for example due to pesticide use, saving insects is important. This is important because they are critical to a healthy planet and healthy us. That is why I have caught spiders today in my house and set them free instead of killing them.

In a world where sustainability is becoming more and more important, all our choices make a difference for the environment. Even the seemingly innocent choice of buying flowers can have far-reaching consequences. This is because the environmental consequences of store-bought flowers are significant. For example: - Pesticide use: The flower industry relies heavily on pesticides to protect flowers. These chemicals, however, contribute to soil and water pollution, harming ecosystems and aquatic life. - Carbon footprint: Store-bought flowers often travel long distances. The transportation causes greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change. - Water shortage: Growing flowers on a large scale requires a lot of water. Especially in water-scarce regions, this adds up to existing challenges and contributes to environmental degradation. - Single-use culture: Most store-bought flowers are discarded after a short time, contributing to the global issue of single-use waste. The packaging...

I'm currently grieving because of the sudden death of a person very dear to me. The time we spent together shows that love, kindness, and support for each other and our planet don't know any boundaries; in time or space: I met him 4 years ago, about the time I started my #sustainability journey. Since then, we've been talking to each other on the phone almost every week. We always had great conversations and he was always a huge support to me as he always believed in me and my work, and the positive difference I'm making to the world. Without him, I wouldn't have been where I'm now! I'm very grateful for the times we were able to spend together as we were always able to connect deeply. And even though he did not actively contribute to sustainability in his work because he was a coach, he has made a huge positive difference by supporting me! And even though I've never met him in person, I have only seen him via webcam once, he lived 8 time zones away from...

🌳 Did you know deforestation of the Amazon rainforest has slowed down significantly in 2023? 🌎 Deforestation, driven by economic growth, previously led to the loss of an area 80% the size of France between 1988 and 2020! 🇫🇷 🌿 And the consequences are far-reaching, for example impacting native species, altering plant compositions, and even causing savannization. 🌱 Learn more: https://medium.com/the-environment/3-devastating-impacts-of-deforestation-on-amazon-rainforest-vegetation-214506664b9e

On Sunday, I sat on this green sofa at #COP28 virtually, stating that "It’s critical to address the psychological barriers that hold us back from implementing sustainable solutions such as #RenewableEnergy technology!” I also discuss what hinders us from successfully implementing measures toward a healthier planet in the Conclusion of my book "A Guide to a Healthier Planet". Get a copy here: https://www.sustainabledecisions.eu/guide-to-a-healthier-planet !  

Explore nature around the world. Take the guided tour and relax. This time, in India! https://youtu.be/ZmaAUyWf1Ms  

You and your actions matter in resolving environmental issues as "our individual actions appear small, but they act as billboards for others looking for cues on what to do in their own lives." https://wapo.st/3RxLBMk

I have been exchanging thoughts with others about how they would like to contribute toward a healthier planet. One of my neighbor's dreams is to support a school close to our homes to keep their parking lot clean, as currently it often contains a lot of litter. As she didn't know how to approach the school best, she asked me to call. As we can achieve more together, I called the dean today, and had a wonderful conversation. He will connect us to the environmental task force, so that we can take the next steps toward a solution together! Afbeelding van  Thomas  via  Pixabay  

Join me on a relaxing virtual walk with a beautiful, romantic atmosphere! https://youtu.be/DpE5qD4vWqU  

My book "A Guide to a Healthier Planet" is also at the COP28 climate conference in Dubai! Here you can see two changemakers holding a copy: - On the left Stefan M. Buettner, who is a renowned thought leader paving the way for producing companies to reduce CO2 emissions. - On the right Bertrand Piccard, who pioneers in urging for the use of clean and efficient technologies to tackle climate change. I'm excited as I'm sure the book will support them in making an even bigger positive difference toward a more sustainable future!

Recently, my mum has taught me crocheting. As we live far apart, we have been using videoconferencing. But I realized that when we are working on our projects, we don't look at each other for a while and only need audio. So, now we switch off the camera during this time, which is worth it: 1 hour with video causes CO2 emissions similar to a 1.7 km car drive (with a fuel-efficient car) - with only audio about 25 times less, just 70 m!

Let's explore the world together without traveling: This is a traditional village in Vang Vieng, Laos Also experience walking through world's nature here: https://www.youtube.com/@xplore-nature And remember to subscribe to make sure you get notified about future walks: https://www.erlijn.nl/link/subscribe

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow, becomes less likely here, you know. That's caused by me and you, because we're emitting too much CO2. So, please join me in making a change so that our gorgeous planet sustains!

Today, I prepared a package with my book. As I didn't have a suitable envelope, I decided to re-use an old one by cutting it to the right size. I make such environmentally friendly choices, because sustainability is all about taking action, not just talking or writing about it.