LIST PRO

Personal Actions

Environmental awareness and action manual

Problem: Overproduction of these items can still have significant environmental impacts (e.g., energy and resources used for production).Deception: Marketing creates the illusion that buying these products is inherently sustainable.

Example 1: Buying “eco-friendly” products like reusable water bottles or tote bags excessively.

Problem: Many offset programs don’t actually reduce emissions (e.g., planting trees that may take decades to grow).Deception: It shifts the responsibility from individuals to vague, unverified programs.

Example 2: Purchasing “carbon offset” programs for frequent flying.

• Reduce energy use: Turn off unused electronics, switch to LED lights.

• Cut down waste: Opt for minimal packaging, compost organic waste.

• Adopt eco-friendly transportation: Walk, bike, or use public transit whenever possible.

Effective Personal Actions:

• According to Project Drawdown, reducing household energy use could reduce global CO2 emissions by up to 5%.

• Transportation emissions account for ~25% of global emissions; switching to greener methods has a direct impact.

Justification

Features, O. (2020, November 15). Activism or ‘Slacktivism’: Can social media really make a difference? The Oxford Student. https://www.oxfordstudent.com/2020/11/09/activism-or-slacktivism-can-social-media-really-make-a-difference/

Citizen Actions

Environmental awareness and action manual

Problem: Without additional pressure (e.g., attending protests, contacting representatives), these efforts rarely lead to systemic change.Deception: It creates a false sense of accomplishment without real advocacy.

Example 1: Signing petitions without follow-up action.

Example 2: Believing large companies’ environmental campaigns (e.g., “We plant a tree for every product sold”) without understanding their broader practices.

Problem: Often, these campaigns distract from the company’s significant environmental damage (e.g., pollution, resource extraction).

• Advocate for policy change: Write to representatives, vote for eco-conscious leaders.

• Participate in local environmental groups: Organize cleanups, push for sustainable initiatives in your community.

Effective Personal Actions:

• Example: Greta Thunberg’s climate strikes have mobilized millions and pressured governments to address climate issues.

• Local activism has led to initiatives like plastic bans or renewable energy projects.

Justification

Climate change: Greta Thunberg school strikes began a year ago. (2019, August 20). BBC Newsround. https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/49405357

Professional Actions

Environmental awareness and action manual

Example 1: A company announcing “net-zero” goals for 2050 without immediate, actionable steps.

Problem: These long-term goals often delay action and lack accountability.

Example 2: Offering “green perks” like paperless offices but ignoring larger impacts, like supply chain emissions.

Problem: It shifts focus to minor changes while avoiding meaningful ones.

• Prioritize renewable energy and resource efficiency in the workplace.

• Integrate sustainability into product design and production.

• Promote a culture of accountability (e.g., publishing sustainability reports).

Effective Personal Actions:

• According to McKinsey, businesses that adopt sustainable practices see long-term cost savings and improved reputation.

Justification

What is sustainability in business? | HBS Online. (2018, October 10). Business Insights Blog. https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/what-is-sustainability-in-business#:~:text=According%20to%20McKinsey%2C%20the%20strongest%20motivating%20factors%20to,meet%20customer%E2%80%99s%20expectations%3B%20and%20develop%20new%20growth%20opportunities.

Consumer Actions

Environmental awareness and action manual

Example 1: “Organic” or “natural” labels on products without third-party certification.

Problem: These labels can be misleading, as they may not guarantee reduced environmental harm.

Example 2: Fast fashion brands promoting “eco-friendly” collections while continuing unsustainable practices (e.g., excessive waste, low worker wages).

Problem: Encourages overconsumption under the guise of sustainability.

• Buy less: Reduce overall consumption and prioritize durable goods.

• Support sustainable brands: Research companies with verified environmental practices.

• Embrace second-hand: Thrift shopping and repair culture reduce demand for new production.

Effective Personal Actions:

• The Ellen MacArthur Foundation states that a circular economy (reuse and recycling) could cut waste by over 50%.

Justification

Reuse – rethinking packaging. (2019, June 1). https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/reuse-rethinking-packaging