What do you do if you want to make a meaningful impact on creating a more sustainable future?

Contrary to what the section introduction says, do NOT start with “learning about topics such as renewable energy, waste reduction, and biodiversity”. You would be completely missing the big picture and setting you up for inconsequential efforts. First, educate yourself on what sustainability actually means, and on how it relates to our outer context: that status quo economy, consumption, mainstream business models and value chain arrangements, are utterly unsustainable, and most cannot be made sustainable through nudging. A state of equilibrium with the planet that affords liveable conditions for humanity cannot be achieved without us removing the cause of ecological overshoot - the current cluster of man-made systems - within years.

First, you need to define sustainability. Most people don't understand how broad the term is. "Sustainability" in practice in wealthy countries is different from poor countries. For example, climate change vs. clean drinking water, food, and basic education vs. poverty and financial means. Once you understand the many aspects of sustainability, you can then objectively assess where you can have your biggest impact by applying your strengths and talents. For those of us who are parents (which is why we care about sustainability), educate your children so that they can build the businesses and the technologies that we need to ensure true long-term environmental, social, and financial sustainability.

Sustainability is often misunderstood, with concepts like responsible business practices and ESG conflated with true sustainability, which requires economic systems operating within safe social and planetary thresholds. It's crucial to educate yourself not just on what sustainability is, but what it isn't, to avoid perpetuating the status quo which has led to global social inequality and exceeding 6 of the 9 planetary boundaries. Impact reporting often falls short, outcomes are often mistaken for impact. Understanding impact needs honest self-assessment to evaluate their long-term effects on ecological and social systems. To understand impact, it must be assessed against the thresholds of sustainable development and planetary functioning.

Solving for sustainability and climate change requires a complex problem solving approach as this is a wicked problem(s). There is not just one solution, it requires transdisciplinary thinking and collaboration and continued action to achieve a better state. This intro simplifies the problem - we do need experts on the topic, but what we need more of now, is the generalists who can work across the like-minded communities connecting the solutions of these individuals making a positive impact in their areas, to enable to scale impact and outcomes for nature.

Sustainability is rapidly evolving field and keeping up to date is essential. Learning can be done through multiple forums: - Reading books, for example: Facing the Anthropocene by Ian Angus - Reading white papers, if you want to learn about sustainability in a professional context. - Online courses, for example: Coursera or Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership - Going and engaging in online communities on LinkedIn and other platforms These are some initial steps that could be taken, but learning will only be useful if this knowledge is absorbed and applied in your specific context. Challenge these sources by asking question like: is this inclusive? How do these apply or mean for indigenous communities?

Sustainable living is a journey, and change takes time. Be patient with yourself and celebrate each step you take towards a more sustainable lifestyle. By embracing change and making conscious choices, you contribute to a collective effort to create a greener and more sustainable future.

I like the phrase "Embrace Change", which fits any aspect of life. At Kaufland Romania, starting from this idea of adopting sustainable practices and behaviors daily, we came up with another tagline "Our actions do the talking". This means that each of us can get involved to have a more sustainable future and it can start with small steps right from our own home by recycling and reusing food/clothing/household items, adopting renewable energy sources, and supporting local initiatives to protect the environment. And companies can do the same, but on a much bigger level. I firmly believe that together we can create a healthier future for generations to come - we just need to embrace change and get involved.

This is absolutely true. Don't think that if you can't change everything, that you shouldn't bother changing anything. It's not a matter of all or nothing. Find one thing that you can easily change - make that a habit. Then select another thing you can change. Then another. You will get there - and every single change you make, matters.

Through concrete actions and continuous support, we can contribute to a more sustainable and balanced world. You can choose your partners and suppliers carefully and try to develop relationships with those who follow environmental and consumer protection rules. You can also support initiatives and organizations that promote responsible practices and protect the environment. You can get involved both through sponsorship and physically, with volunteers, in awareness-raising campaigns and environmental events (planting, sanitation). Last but not least, use eco-friendly materials internally as much as possible and implement processes to reduce the impact of your business on the planet.

Your actions, alongside collective efforts, can drive market trends and influence political agendas. By supporting sustainability through your purchasing decisions and advocating for environmentally responsible policies, you contribute to creating a more sustainable and resilient future.

Don't stop at supporting sustainable businesses; champion them as well. Tell the company how much you appreciate what they are doing for the environment, and then tell others.

Reducing and/or repurposing waste is a wide open field, ripe for innovation. Start small; how can you reduce or repurpose waste in your life. Then take it to the next level - how can that be scaled and shared?

Innovation can come from anyone, regardless of background or expertise. Collaborate with other innovators, researchers, and organizations working in the sustainability field to share ideas, find synergies, and collectively drive impactful change. By thinking creatively and leveraging your skills and knowledge, you can contribute to the development of breakthrough technologies, systems, and practices that significantly reduce humanity's impact on the planet and foster a more sustainable future.

In its current form, innovation often fosters the perception that anything "old" is automatically "obsolete" or "faulty". This perspective tends to disregard the intricate interconnections between traditional solutions and various elements such as habits, relationships, infrastructure, culture, and regulatory frameworks. While it's true that some of these old systems may require updates to enhance their effectiveness, they may not necessarily need complete overhaul, as frequently suggested by those outside the industry.

Building a sustainable community is a continuous process. By actively engaging with others, you can create a ripple effect that inspires more people to join the cause. Together, you can develop innovative solutions, advocate for sustainable policies, and make a lasting impact on your community and the environment.

It's important to remember that leading by example extends beyond just personal actions. You can also share your knowledge and experiences with others, providing guidance and support. By educating and empowering those around you, you amplify the impact of your example and create a network of individuals committed to sustainable living. Living sustainably and leading by example has the potential to inspire and influence others to adopt similar practices. Through your actions, you can spark a chain reaction of sustainable behavior, contributing to a larger collective impact and fostering a more environmentally conscious society.

To make a meaningful impact on a sustainable future, consider the following steps: Understand the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Familiarize with the 17 SDGs established by the United Nations, which aim to address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and sustainable development. Give to projects that support the SDGs: Contribute to initiatives that align with the SDGs, focusing on areas that one is passionate about. Participate in partnerships for the goals: Collaborate with other businesses and organizations to amplify impact, as per SDG 17. Live more sustainably.

There are 2 areas of influence for a person to make an impact towards a sustainable future: 1) In the organization: By participating in employee volunteer groups towards specific sustainability themes like energy-efficiency / sustainable mobility / water conservation / circularity / planting trees drive / etc. 2) In their communities: By actively volunteering or even taking the lead in any of the key themes like conserving energy / conserving water / minimising waste / promoting local biodiversity / etc.

The truth is that old habits die hard. Most people will not change their behaviour, pay more or accept less convenience for a more sustainable product. Those willing are likely to have done so and made their choices a decade ago. Therefore, making minor improvements for the masses will always be more impactful than asking for massive changes only a minority are willing to adopt.

Fostering a sustainable future demands collective and individual commitment. By staying informed about environmental challenges, minimizing our carbon footprint, and championing advocacy efforts, we can catalyze significant change. Supporting eco-conscious businesses, participating in local sustainability projects, and setting examples for others are pivotal actions in nurturing environmental stewardship. Furthermore, investing in green innovations and fostering collaborative partnerships amplify our impact. Through unified dedication and a shared vision for sustainability, we can pave the way for a thriving planet and a brighter tomorrow for all.