Make A Meaningful Impact is an interview series about people – like you and me – who make a difference in our world. All of us are deeply concerned with the state of the world, but we cannot solve the world’s challenges ourselves. Therefore, I created the series Make A Meaningful Impact, where I invite different people to an interview to show us what they do to make our extraordinary world a livable and enjoyable home. They found their journey and role in contributing to a better future – a future to look forward to.

Change is inevitable. What should we do when a number of people cling to a system that is harmful but the norm? Economic degrowth is mocked by the corporate world and governments. Although it seems irrational to continue an economic system that is based on exploitation and destruction, there is little openness to rethink our global economies. Does a remedy exist? Imagine what a future that favours prosperity and sustainable development could look like. I have difficulty imagining a sustainable global economy. Let me introduce you to degrowth and the tragedy of the commons. Two concepts not paired before!

Sustainable development has a very carbon-heavy taste to it. It has already been recognised that we need to move beyond the carbon-only approaches; to achieve effective, sustainable outcomes. What we experience globally is a Carbon Tunnel Vision. It’s a clever play on words to highlight our selective attention on mostly Net-Zero Goals. The Carbon Tunnel Vision framework aims to open our eyes to other human and natural crises. Global warming is only one part of the interconnected crises. Let’s not get trapped and miss our chances to fight our challenges effectively. I want to show you how easy this can be by taking a more holistic and collaborative approach.

Forward-thinking leaders need a vision for a sustainable future to implement into their business structures. Innovative ideas and strategies for implementing sustainable business practices are a great foundation, but they can become easily unfruitful if the team is not aligned. With a sustainability mindset, leaders can drive meaningful change and contribute to a prosperous future. They recognise that sustainable practices are not only beneficial for the planet but also for their team. Focussing on solely reducing one’s carbon footprint and minimising waste scratches the surface of the pool of opportunities. Embedding sustainability thinking into a business structure sets the tone for a new era.

It’s not always obvious how we can achieve our Sustainability goals. A big help is principles we can use to help us. In the Sustainability space, the Rs of Sustainability have established themselves to be a successful way. Can you easily relate to the three common Rs of Sustainability: Reduce, reuse, and recycle? Sometimes I feel like those principles are not easily applicable in my life. Don’t worry, I found an effective way to personalise your own set of Rs of Sustainability. It won’t only help you to implement Sustainability easier but also embrace the diversity of what you can do to achieve Sustainability.

Sustainability affirmations help you find your role in the world. You become more mindful of what you need to do to help make sustainability the norm and dismantle unsustainable practices. Actions are crucial, but sometimes all you need is a different perspective to understand what the future holds for you. A sustainable lifestyle has a lot to offer and can contribute to your overall well-being. That is sometimes all you need – feeling good. A game changer is to understand your potential and how your well-being connects to the natural environment and the decisions you make along the way.

Embrace your inner eco-hero and embark on a journey to redefine sustainability. It’s time to go beyond the traditional definitions and become a champion for a more holistic approach. It’s about becoming an agent of change, weaving your personality into sustainable actions- from small daily actions to larger systemic shifts. So, put on your eco-hero cape, ignite your passion, and join the movement towards a more sustainable and thriving world. Together, we can redefine what it means to be an eco-hero and create a brighter, prosperous and just future. Let’s unleash our superpowers for a sustainable planet!

Climate anxiety is a relatively new phenomenon. It occurs when people increasingly see, hear or read bad news about environmental impacts in connection with the climate crisis. Consequently, people are scared of the consequences that make the future look grim. Negative emotions like distress, anger and hopelessness contribute to a spiral of worries that might have a bigger impact on their life than the effects of the climate crisis. Luckily, there are different and simple ways to deal with climate anxiety. No one has to suffer in silence, but it means taking action and taking matters into our hands.

Discover the wisdom of nature: resilience in the face of challenges, interconnectedness that binds us all, efficient resource utilisation, adaptability to thrive, and regeneration for a sustainable future. Let nature’s lessons inspire you. You can reimagine a future that draws from the timeless wisdom of nature, forging a path towards sustainable transformation. Unlock your transformative power of nature’s wisdom and embark on a journey towards a thriving and resilient planet. That is all we need: a planet that has the capability to regenerate itself and the ability to flourish in difficult situations. It is that simple.

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.