Living in urban areas is a challenge for sustainable transitions. Most cities were not built to be in balance with the natural environment. Hence, sustainable urban living is no longer a necessity – it is a must. It is not easy for citizens to live environmentally friendly and socially responsible because unsustainability is the norm in urban areas. Inefficient transport systems, massive amounts of waste, irresponsible use of energy and poor land and building management are only a few obstacles that put a heavy burden on the environment and societies. Is sustainable urban living the answer for us individuals to make a difference?

Ecoliteracy is a widely unknown term. In view of the environmental challenges we are already experiencing, ecoliteracy needs to become the forefront of educational strategies. Our existence is bound to well-functioning natural systems. It is not only about our existence, it is also about our way of life. I find it heartbreaking how our natural world suffers because of the societal systems we call the norm. Although it might sound too spiritual to some, societies need to reconnect with the natural environment. Developing a sustainability mindset is the solution to understanding your role in the natural world.

In view of the many crises we need to overcome, it can feel quite daunting. Too many think they do not have enough of what it takes to make our world sustainable. It might be true because they think in a way that does not encourage action. Thinking differently has been frowned upon for too long. But that’s what we need: the diverse capabilities of all human brains. Sustainability thinking can become a successful pathway to deal with environmental issues, social unrest and economic collapse. A sustainable future depends on the way you imagine it. Make the most out of it!

Expressing love is not limited solely to human-human interactions. The natural world deserves to be loved and cared for. Unfortunately, knowledge about living within nature’s means disappeared with the rise of industrial and modern societies. Destruction and exploitation are on the daily agendas – not without consequences. Of course, new technologies are developed to tackle our global challenges. However, we cannot solve our challenges with the same mindset which created them. Huge potential lies in the principle of ecoliteracy. It is a way of understanding and appreciating how we can rebuild our relationship with nature – healthily and sustainably.

During the Christmas season, our waste footprint can double. Christmas trees, food, toys, electronics, wrapping paper and ribbon bands contribute to joy under the Christmas tree, but they take an immense environmental toll. It comes as no surprise that increasingly eco-conscious people prefer to bypass the Christmas waste madness for the environment. That is why the question arises, are there any eco-friendly Christmas presents? Yes, and they do not cost the world. Although a more sustainable Christmas focuses on spending time with our loved ones, we can use the Christmas season to rethink how eco-friendly gifts can bring joy – to the people we love and the planet.

Sustainability is minimised to dealing responsibly with our resources for our and our future generations (plants, animals and resources included). It is more than simply ticking the boxes. It’s about finding the right balance between social, environmental and economic Sustainability. The latter is not even crucial for our existence, but we give most of our attention to economic development. More importantly, we need to switch the focus on ecological and human health and vitality. Profit can only exist with people and the planet. So let’s change our understanding of Sustainability to create a world that suits us all and not an economic model.

A lot of pressure weighs on the shoulders of sustainable leaders. In a complex and confusing world where policies, public pressure and business prosperity are demanding sustainable transformation – it can become an unbearable task for leaders. It does not help that sustainability is already an inconsistently discussed topic – plus staying on top of trends in an ever-changing world is energy-draining. How to cope with all those challenges as a sustainable leader? Principles of sustainable leadership guide the way for leaders who want to do more good and bring their businesses on track in their sustainability journey. Let the change begin!

Soft skills are a resourceful set of traits to contribute to social sustainability. For too long, the positive effects of soft skills have been neglected, but now is the time to shine. The mix of social skills can tremendously contribute to a better sustainable transformation of our lives and well-being. Soft skills aren’t all about better work performance and ethics. We need to shift our focus away from keeping only our economies going, but keeping ourselves alive; emotionally and physically. Developing your soft skills abilities will bring you one step closer to dealing with the world’s challenges.

Trends come and go. But Sustainability trends will have a lasting impact on our societies and the planet. Finding new ways of meeting basic human needs is a prevalent red thread. Citizens become increasingly more aware of bad practices which result in pollution, global warming, biodiversity loss, social injustice etc. Governments as well as industries are experiencing waves of pressure from citizens who are fed up with bad leadership. We all have our contributions to make and luckily, a lot of awesome global citizens have figured out different solutions to tackle humanity’s most pressing challenges. The following Sustainability trends will give you an idea in which direction we are heading. You’re more than welcome to join us!

Applying systems thinking doesn’t have to turn into rocket science. The simple basis is to understand the concept of systems then you’re sweet to go. Systems thinking provides new opportunities by understanding the situation and scope of a problem. It is a holistic approach to developing solutions that fit. How to intervene and achieve the best outcomes by incorporating all aspects of a system is one of the many strengths of systems thinking. It builds a base for continuous improvement and makes it easier for us to achieve our Sustainability goals. I’m looking forward to showing you an easy approach to applying systems thinking!