365 Sustainable Decisions Challenge

Important: The key element of your happiness is the quality of your relationships. So, even when advertisements makes you feel that you that you need XYZ to become happier, think about it: Do you really need it? Here are ideas how you can improve the relationships with people around you to increase your happiness: 1. giving sincere compliments to brighten someone’s day (a sincere compliment is when you are truly impressed, not meant to flatter, preferably about personality traits or accomplishments) 2. expressing your appreciation in a way they understand (this can be words of affirmation, spending time together, giving a gift, doing something for this person, touching them if the type of relationship is appropriate to do so) 3. listening (engaging with the other, without judging and using both verbal and nonverbal cues to show that you understand what they are saying) 4. showing genuine interest in the other person (for example by asking open-ended questions, listening more than you t...

Misinformation can do a lot of harm. But sometimes pointing it out can make it even worse. That is why it is important to adhere to best practices. Learn more about how to do this here: https://medium.com/climate-conscious/shocked-by-climate-change-denial-how-to-deal-with-misinformation-4aefff91c232

Preventing over-fishing is very important, as too few fish can change ecosystems completely. That is because less fish will be available for other animals, who reduce in numbers, etc. having far-reaching consequences. 

Interestingly, I realized that by growing a fence, I can actually add something to nature. By building one, I would take materials (wood, iron, etc.) from nature. That’s an easy choice now.

When I was a teenager, I had diving lessons. I saw coral and asked the instructor whether I could take some. I'm glad he said no! 

Trees are the lungs of our planet. That's why we need many of them! To grow new trees, it is possible to use seed bombs. They can even be thrown out of an airplane for easy distribution of the seeds.

While writing an article about wildlife rehabilitation centers, I learned that animals heavily depend on volunteers. I currently don't have time to do this, but think it is a great idea to support biodiversity! More about the awesome job rehabilitation centers do: https://medium.com/the-environment/how-wildlife-rehabilitation-centers-help-animals-survive-a-catastrophe-f2339c5e37ae

I am lucky enough to have a lot of green around my house. But when living in the middle of a big city, I think making a roof green is a brilliant idea! Has many advantages, both for us, the city, and nature! https://medium.com/@ErlijnG/how-growing-plants-on-roofs-boosts-a-citys-resilience-and-sustainability-50bad3651e70

I was asked to fill in a research survey, which I did. At the end, I was informed that they would do a donation because of me answering. I was able to choose the charity. And even though they are all doing great work, I chose the charity contributing to the environment.

Green air barriers between pedestrians or buildings and cars are helpful to improve air quality. This is because they mix polluted air with cleaner air and cause the air to flow upward, away from the people. Learn more: https://medium.com/climate-conscious/how-plants-can-help-cities-to-improve-urban-air-quality-96ed6edc3f5

 Apart from looking great, growing native flowers on balconies helps pollinators living in urban areas.

I recently heard a story from The Netherlands having trouble with knotweed (Fallopia japonica). It is an Asian plant, that grows quickly, is difficult to get rid of, and can damage for example buildings and bridges.  

A green oasis is an area with slow-moving air and without polluters, which contains or is surrounded by plants. The advantage as that the air quality is improved by doing this, especially in urban areas with air pollution. Learn more: https://medium.com/climate-conscious/how-plants-can-help-cities-to-improve-urban-air-quality-96ed6edc3f5

I learned that hemp is a material that can be used for many different purposes. For example, for animal bedding. It is apparently not only more environmentally friendly, it also has better properties, like being dust-free. More information: https://medium.com/climate-conscious/6-ways-hemp-can-be-used-as-great-alternative-to-conventional-materials-ed1279a5d528

As there are several things to consider when planning a sustainable meal (regional, seasonal, organic ingredients, without palm oil, etc), it can be easier to buy a meal kit that contains all ingredients you need plus the recipe. I can't buy them where I live, but I would if they were.

I have never seen a sustainability rating on a product where I live. But maybe you have seen them. They help to judge how environmentally friendly a product is in different categories.

As my neighbors went on a short trip, they asked me to water their flowers during the time they were away. Of course I said yes and was rewarded with a look at these beautiful flowers.

Shortly after writing an article about hemp-based products ( https://medium.com/climate-conscious/6-ways-hemp-can-be-used-as-great-alternative-to-conventional-materials-ed1279a5d528 ), I noticed hemp-based t-shirts in a a clothes shop. Apart from buying second-hand t-shirts, I also bought two of them, as hemp is more environmentally friendly than cotton. I love the color and material! 

Close to where I live, there is a bush. I was really curious what is inside this bush to walked over there. However, I decided not to get too close to be able to leave the wildlife alone and prevent me from disturbing it.

In 2020, I noticed a little tree in my herb garden. It is great to see how it has grown a lot since then. However, having at some point a full grown tree on that spot is not going to work. Instead of pulling it out and throwing it away, I have carefully looked for a different place. Now I hope it enjoys its new home.