Written by Annette Jall, January 2024
As always, these holidays went by in a flash, and I hope most of you enjoyed some peaceful days between the years in the middle of your family and you had a great start to the new year in 2024!
As the new year rolls in, one famous tradition that many of us share, is setting new year’s resolutions. Almost everyone, consciously or unconsciously, has their own goals for the upcoming year. According to a Forbes survey, the top five resolutions for 2024 are centered around fitness (48%), improved finances (38%), enhanced mental health (36%), losing weight (34%), and adopting a healthier diet (32%). Sound familiar? Well, it’s no surprise; most of us have/had at least one of these new year’s resolutions, and they’re all worth pursuing. We can all achieve these goals step by step, with dedication, to create a bigger picture for our resolutions.
Unfortunately, some global challenges didn’t pause from December 31st to January 1st, and we find ourselves still in the midst of a climate crisis, with issues like global warming and over-pollution.
And yes, politics and industries need to find solutions. But we cannot just pass the blame; we, as global consumers, also have a responsibility to change our behavior, even if it is a little inconvenient. Why don’t we think of it as a collective competition for a common goal, where every step counts?
With this in mind, I propose a shift in our new year’s resolutions towards making our work and workplaces as sustainable as possible. By making small changes to our daily routines, we can have a long-term impact.
Surprisingly, some of these sustainable practices align with the top five resolutions of health (♥) and fitness, reduced stress (♣), improved finances ($), as mentioned earlier. Let’s take a closer look:
- “Think before you print”: Remember, every piece of paper comes from trees which we need for fresh air. If you must print, opt for recycled paper and avoid excessive packaging. ($)
- Evaluate your office materials: Seek more sustainable options, as example wooden-based text markers that are not only eco-friendly but also durable. ($)
- Assess the necessity of business trips: While meeting people is essential, consider whether a video call might suffice, or if you can plan your trips more intelligently. ($,♣)
- Choose sustainable travel options: Opt for hotels with sustainability labels. You can already filter them on booking portals, and with more usage, it invites hotels to rethink their business. And prioritize trains over planes whenever possible. Flying isn’t always the fastest or most convenient option. ($,♥,♣)
- Reduce waste: Bring your reusable coffee cup and water bottle to the office. Consider sitting down for coffee instead of opting for take-out, using the time to plan your day. ($,♥,♣)
- Commute consciously: Explore eco-friendly commuting options next to public transport also like biking or walking. If driving is the only option, consider parking in the first available spot and enjoying a walk for some fresh air. Circling to find the nearest parking spot causes unnecessary pollution, and the farther ones are often free. ($,♥)
- Plan eco-friendly team events: Consider sustainable activities like tree planting around your office or support sustainable community projects. (♣,♥)
- Make sustainable food choices: Opt for vegetarian or vegan lunch options more frequently or bring homemade meals to work. Sharing homemade cookies with colleagues is a nice thing to do. ($,♥,♣)
- Choose sustainable gifts: When selecting gifts for clients, favor local and sustainable options over online shopping. It not only has a positive impact but also adds a unique touch. ($)
- Conserve energy: Turn off AC, computers, and lights overnight, and reconsider the need for a running fridge in an empty office during holidays. ($)
- Bank sustainably: Consider where your salary is deposited. It’s no secret that banks handle your finances. Support banks that invest in sustainable projects. ($)
- Declutter your mailbox: Cleaning up your emails, including sent mails and trash, helps reduce the environmental impact of data junk, which requires significant energy-intensive requirements of servers, including cooling. ($,♥)
Last but not least: Are you visiting a congress this year? 😊 Be prepared and bring your own paper, pen and bag and don´t forget your reusable water bottle!
These sustainability practices need not be limited to your workplace. Engage with your suppliers, bring these principles home, and share them with your friends and neighbors, serving as role models for a brighter, more sustainable future.
Let’s make 2024 your “Happy Sustainable Year!”
We’re eager to hear from you!
Your thoughts and ideas are invaluable to us. Feel free to share them in the comments or drop us an email at sustainability.congress24@sietareu.org
Remember, even small changes can have a significant impact when adopted collectively. By leading by example and encouraging others to follow suit: Act today, impact tomorrow!
Warm regards,
Your SIETAR Congress ´24 Sustainability Team
#Sietareuropecongress #sustainability #smallimpact #sustainablebusiness