In our series, we let real people speak who choose sustainability every day. From small entrepreneurs to conscious consumers – their stories inspire, motivate and show how we can make a positive impact together. Because you don't have to be an eco-perfectionist, but it starts with every small step we take.
Meet Joosje
Hi! I'm Joosje, 24 years old and I live with my boyfriend in the beautiful city of Groningen. I'm always looking for ways to make my life as sustainable as possible. For example, I work in the sustainability team of a large organization and I have a master's degree in Sustainable Entrepreneurship. But above all, I love vegan cooking and baking, and I love discovering new vegan restaurants. I keep track of everything I like in my own cookbook (read on for a delicious recipe!). In this way, I try to make the world a little greener and more animal-friendly wherever I can. Fortunately, there are more and more brands that make it easy for me: a real recommendation is Hands off my chocolate!
My sustainable drive
Sustainability is more than just a term for me, it is a belief that as humans we are not above nature and animals, but next to them. I believe that we are part of the bigger picture and that we should have more respect for the world around us. Too often people see the earth as something we can take from endlessly, without giving. But I believe that if we all do our bit, big or small, we can create a greener future. My love for animals plays a big role in this. The more sustainably we live, the less the world pollutes and the fewer animals suffer from this. This is my main motivation to consciously deal with what I consume and the choices I make in my daily life.
A small selection from my daily life
I try to make as many sustainable choices as possible. One of my habits is taking my own tea cup to work. I only clean it at the end of the day and only rinse it with cold water in between, if really necessary. In my opinion, this is the most sustainable way to drink a cup of coffee or tea! It may seem like a small thing, but if you consider how many disposable cups I save by doing this, the impact quickly becomes greater. When buying gifts, I also make conscious choices. I like to give sustainable gifts, such as a birdhouse or plastic-free care products. This not only makes the recipient happy, but also nature! In addition, I avoid single-use products and choose organic and local products when I go shopping.
I have challenges too
Of course, I also encounter challenges along the way. One of the biggest challenges for me is the conversation about sustainability with others. People often have an aversion to change or do not want to hear my message. Remaining steadfast, but at the same time kindly and patiently explaining why I make certain choices, sometimes requires a lot of patience. However, I believe that by remaining respectful and understanding, you can ultimately plant a seed with others.
Another challenge is finding truly sustainable clothing. I am aware of the damage the fashion industry causes, such as pollution and exploitation. That is why I consciously avoid certain brands. But finding sustainable clothing that fits my style and is affordable remains difficult.
And greenwashing doesn’t make it any easier. Nowadays, many brands and products claim to be sustainable, while in reality they only take small, superficial steps. That’s why I spend extra time researching products and brands, to make sure they really contribute to a better world. This can be frustrating, but it also gives me a good feeling when I know that my choices really make a difference. But it is a very time-consuming process and sometimes I don’t know when I’m greenwashing. That’s why I’m so happy that The Sustainable Superstore now removes this uncertainty by only offering a platform for truly sustainable products! It gives me the confidence that with my purchase I’m contributing to a better world.
My tip for you: start small, make a big difference
For anyone who would like to live more sustainably but doesn't know where to start, I have a few tips:
- Start small: for example, bring your own cup to work, like I do. Or bring your own reusable shopping bag. These may seem like small steps, but they add up. Doing something is better than nothing!
- Discover new vegan places: food can have a big impact on the environment. I use the app HappyCow to discover new vegan restaurants, which is not only better for the environment, but also incredibly tasty and fun!
- Choose organic products: organic food is often more expensive, but by choosing consciously and buying locally, you can still make a positive impact. Or buy your fruit and vegetables at the market instead of the supermarket.
- Avoid fast fashion: look for second-hand clothing or vintage shops. This way you can be sure that your choice will not further burden the world.
- Cycle, walk or use public transport!
- Cook with seasonal vegetables: I have a very handy calendar that shows which vegetables or fruits are in season each month, very handy and also fun to try vegetables that you don't often cook with!
My future dream
My biggest goal is to contribute to a world where we do not exploit nature and animals for our own desires. Instead, I want us to strive for a society where we are all aware of our impact and try to contribute to a positive change.
The Sustainable Superstore can help by offering a place where you can be sure that the products are truly sustainable. No more hassle with greenwashing, just a reliable source for sustainable gifts, clothing, inspiration and more.
Together we can make a difference step by step. Let's put impact first and choose a world where respect for the world and our fellow human beings comes first!
