CHALLENGE 33 – Professional Pursuit of Sustainable Development
#WeEmerge - One project ends, a whole new journey begins
The goal of challenge #33:
- Participate in Purpose Driven Communities
- The Do School Webinars (#WeEmerge)
- General support of Sustainable Development Goals
In a blink of an eye - challenge 33 is here!
Here we are 7.5 months later! My final challenge looks at getting involved with professional communities focused on sustainable development in a business / entrepreneur context. I am really excited to be writing about this as it’s quite a leap from what started out as small, individual habit change challenges, so before I dive into the topic itself I am going to take a glance back to see how I got here.
Back in September 2019 my aim was 33 weeks of small, manageable lifestyle changes to become more environmentally and socially responsible. To avoid being overwhelmed, the plan was to focus on a single topic per week to make manageable and attainable steps. The goal was progression, not perfection and I hoped to encourage people to feel proud of their actions however big or small, because essentially taking any positive step is better than doing nothing when it comes to self-improvement. I can say for sure that I lead a more sustainably conscious lifestyle today than back when I started – and will absolutely strive for further improvement!
How have I gone from little changes at home to entrepreneurship you ask!
Whilst my initial focus was on individual habits and activities, I have been massively inspired by the many projects and businesses surrounding the purpose economy which I have discovered through my research. These are people like you and I, that have been brave enough to follow their visions of a more considerate future. Already back in week 11, I specifically mentioned wanting to focus my professional consulting and contracting activities on sustainable development projects. In week 22 I wrote: I have taken inspiration from an ever-growing tribe of people across the globe who are stepping away from the status-quo to put a sustainable and fair future at the very centre of what they do – in the products they make, the services they provide and the communities or businesses they are building. Step-by-step in each of their fields they are building elements for a brighter future, and I plan to support their vision in any way I can in both a personal and professional capacity.
Joining purpose driven communities that walk the talk
Whilst I am still a firm believer in the start of positive change beginning with ones self, it is important to keep in mind that big achievements are rarely established through the work of one person alone – it takes a combined effort. For me, this is great as I am fascinated by culture, diversity and our countless different perspectives. I take great enjoyment from working with others to explore these different views and use them to glean new and helpful insights into the projects I work on.
There is a lot of power in finding your tribe and over the months I have joined several professional networks surrounding the purpose driven economy. These are groups that focus their efforts on enabling collaboration and innovation for a new model of considerate business for good – B-Lab, The Do School and Purpose to name a few.
The Do School - #WeEmerge
All of the networks mentioned are great and worth checking out as each has a slightly different focus and approach towards supporting purpose driven business, but I find The Do School has a particularly pro-active approach towards community building. Here is the link to the Do Community for more information.
During week 33 I took part in two webinars by them, both of which were incredibly insightful and thought-provoking. The latter was titled #WeEmerge Stronger: Chances for a greener economy and comes under a program of activities which look at how the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic has presented us with an opportunity to re-assess our actions both personally and in the work we do.
I will not go into the details of the individual webinars, but definitely encourage you to check them out. Becoming active in such networks has opened my eyes to so many motivating ideas. The question of how #WeEmerge is an incredibly important one for society as a whole regarding the pandemic, and a particularly poignant one for me personally as I develop my direction being self employed. The philosophy presented by The Do School, in that each one of us can play a part of creating something better through the work we do, aligns closely with my own views.
33 sustainable-living challenges - a whole new perspective
My Better Me Green activities have certainly given me a new level of consideration and absolutely broadened my horizon on the subject of sustainability. I am far more conscious of the fact that each of us is already shaping the future in the decisions we make each day! The question of ‘if’ we individuals can impact the sustainable future of our planet does not come into the equation – fact is we ARE already impacting it with each choice we make! We need to take responsibility for our actions, and realise with that responsibility comes empowerment and opportunity to make better decisions for the future.
Here are just a few of the valuable lessons I have learned:
- Start doing something!
However small you start, know that it will lead to a bigger, snow-ball effect of positive impact. - Use your professional power
From the office Intern who chooses to order sustainably resources FSC certified paper for the printer, to the HR Manager that puts sustainable pensions schemes in place for all employees – our profession offers us another platform to be a sustainable advocate – use the opportunity! - Talk to people about your sustainable improvement goals
We can and do help one another to become better. By sharing your intentions openly you are already championing a change in mentality that we so desperately need – be proud of that! - Question your habits and day to day routine
Doing what we know is easy and comfortable – we are creatures of habit – but more often than not, there are better sustainable options out there. Think about the products and services you buy, as well as the companies, people and infrastructure behind them. Every decision counts, every purchase is an opportunity to support fair, sustainable and purpose driven initiatives. - Listen and follow your inner conscience
I believe we are born with an inherent sense of right and wrong, this applies to us as consumers too. We know unnecessary packaging when we see it, we know what is enough and what is excessive. In todays world of convenience and consumerism we are encouraged to pursue more, more, more.
Stop and think! - Find your sustainable tribe!
There are so many people out there doing amazing things for a happier, healthier world. If you don’t know any people like this currently – find them and join them. I promise you will never look back. You could start with joining Better Me Green on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram 😉.
For me, the end of this 33 week challenge is just the beginning of a much bigger journey. Already in a short space of time I have been able to collaborate with some fantastic groups, as well as work with inspiring companies who are committed to creating a kinder, more considerate future. It has been exhilarating and I simply cannot wait to see where the path will lead!
Thanks for reading
Your Better Me Greener
Charlotte
