How everyday choices shape our future.
Photographs: Pexels
Text: Natalia E.L. Madsen
The word ‘sustainability’ seems to have many meanings lately: for most companies, it’s 'do less harm,' while for climate activists, it’s closer to 'do everything in your power to ensure a liveable future.” In its essence, sustainability is about balance: fulfilling the needs of the present without compromising the needs of upcoming generations. But how do we, as individuals, fit into that equation?
There are many opinions about how much impact one individual can make. If you ask me, there is no doubt that systemic change is the only thing that will save us. However, that doesn’t mean that individual actions can’t be meaningful—they need to tackle the correct issues. Most people want to make the world a better place, but they don’t know where to start.
If you’re the type to join collective action, consider supporting organisations and advocacy groups that mobilise for systemic change. Extinction Rebellion, for example, is an active movement in Denmark as well as the UK. For a more local alternative, Nødbremsen (the emergency brake) is also full of everyday heroes fighting relentlessly for all of our futures. And remember, if you’re not into actively protesting, there are other ways to support their work.
Climate action 101
Would you rather help change the world from the comfort of your own home? You can do that, too. In fact, let’s dive into a few examples of actions you can take to create a positive impact on our shared future:
Educate yourself - and others
LinkedIn is full of sustainability voices that share their knowledge for free every day. Listen, understand, and then spread the word. Start conversations with your friends and coworkers on topics like climate and sustainability and how we can all contribute to driving the change the world so desperately needs.
Put your money to good use
Check with your bank and pension to see where your money is invested. If possible, avoid financing fossil fuels.
Dial down on animal products, especially beef and dairy
In a perfect world, we would all be vegans - for the sake of our planet and our health. However, if we’re to be completely honest, that’s not a step everyone is willing (or able) to take, especially in Denmark, where people love their meat. If you can’t shift to an entirely plant-based diet, try replacing beef with pork or chicken. Three people replacing beef save as much CO2e as one person going vegan.
Once you have succeeded in eating less dairy and meat, try to inspire others to do the same. Sharing your recipes and encouraging your family and friends to eat less beef will have a greater impact than stressing about whether to buy that avocado.
Aim towards sufficiency
Every day, 20,000 packages from Temu alone come into Denmark. Despite the fact that products from platforms like Temu or Shein are the opposite of sustainable (and can often be a safety hazard), data shows that we are champions of online shopping.
Regardless of what some brands will have you believe, the only truly sustainable product is the one you don’t buy. Borrow, rent, or use what you already have. If retail therapy is your thing, then try this trick: leave the items in the shopping basket for three days before checking out. I guarantee you, more often than not, you won’t finish that purchase.
Redefine your sense of well-being and happiness
Sadly, our society is wired to equate happiness with ownership and material things. Success means having a better car than your neighbour and travelling further on vacation than your co-workers. Suppose we’re to have any chance at a better world. In that case, we need to re-educate ourselves to find fulfilment in other ways: spend more time in nature, strengthen bonds with friends, and find associations or volunteering opportunities that align with our interests. Denmark is luckily full of foreninger (associations), and if you can’t find one for yourself, maybe you can start your own!
"Regardless of what some brands will have you believe, the only truly sustainable product is the one you don’t buy. Borrow, rent, or use what you already have."
With great freedom comes great responsibility
We all want freedom of speech, movement, and action. But how many of us are ready to acknowledge and accept that we are responsible for what we do with our freedom? Our choices shape not only our lives and the lives of those around us but also our future.
What (and where, and how much)
we choose to buy.
What we say and how.
How we move around.
What we do with our time.
What we fill our lives with.
I don't say this to stress you out but to empower you. Every choice we make and every person we inspire can multiply our impact like ripples in water. Let's stop outsourcing our responsibility elsewhere and start focusing on what we can each do to make the world a better place tomorrow.
Remember: We don't need a million perfect climate activists - we need four billion imperfect ones.