Developing an Environmental and Sustainability Mindset: The Need to Start from Within

An Eye-Opening Conversation on ESG in Personal Life

Today, I had an interesting conversation with a key stakeholder in a company specialising in developing ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) solutions for various organizations. During our chat, I asked him if he consciously makes an ESG effort in his personal life. The question caught him off guard. I clarified further: "Do you ever consider the carbon emissions from your daily activities? Do you drive an electric car, use public transport frequently, or order food from restaurants regularly? Do you consciously choose eco-friendly products in skincare, clothing, or everyday consumables?"

The Disconnect Between Expertise and Personal Choices

This line of questioning genuinely surprised him. He acknowledged the dichotomy between his professional and personal life. Despite being an expert in the field of sustainability, he hadn’t considered how his lifestyle impacts the environment. This conversation made me realize that many of us, including experts in the field, often fail to integrate eco-friendly practices into our personal lives. It’s not necessarily a lack of knowledge but a missing shift in mindset.

Understanding Our Carbon Footprint

Let’s take a closer look at our daily carbon footprint. The average carbon emissions of an Indian, American, and citizen from developed countries vary greatly:

- The average Indian emits around 1.9 metric tons of CO2 annually.

- The average American emits approximately 15.5 metric tons per year.

- In developed countries, it averages 8-10 metric tons annually, with some nations much higher.

Major Contributors to CO2 Emissions

So, what are the primary contributors to these emissions? Energy use, transportation, and consumption habits like food and clothing top the list. For instance, driving an electric car, which might seem eco-friendly, has its hidden carbon costs. While the car itself doesn’t emit CO2, the process of mining and processing the lithium-ion battery and manufacturing the car still contributes significantly to global emissions. In India, the carbon footprint of manufacturing an electric vehicle can range between 6 to 9 tons of CO2. The numbers may vary, but the point remains: even our most eco-conscious decisions aren’t without an environmental impact.

The Hidden Impact of Our Everyday Consumables

Let’s consider the daily consumables that contribute significantly to our carbon footprint:

1. Transportation (private cars)

2. Electricity consumption

3. Meat and dairy products

4. Plastics (packaging and products)

5. Air travel

6. Textiles and clothing

7. Paper and printing

8. Water usage

9. Imported goods (long supply chains)

10. Processed foods

The bulk of our emissions come from things we don’t even think about because they’ve become integral to our everyday lives.

Realizing My Impact

I, like the professional I spoke to, am no exception to this. Sometimes, we don’t realize the environmental toll of our actions. How often have we talked about extreme weather? This year alone, Delhi experienced 51-52°C temperatures. Similarly, Bangalore faced unprecedented heat levels. Such extreme weather patterns, experienced worldwide over the last decade, are undeniable evidence of climate change. Yet, instead of merely talking about it, we must start acting—not just at the national or international level, but personally.

Shifting Our Mindset: Small Steps Matter

To create real change, we need to develop an internal mindset shift. We must start thinking about the carbon emissions associated with everything we consume and every activity we engage in. It’s essential to stop living in the comfort of convenience and begin making small changes. Even minor shifts in behaviour, when compounded over time and spread across communities, can make a significant difference.

The Carbon Footprint of Food Delivery

For example, consider something as simple as ordering food through a delivery app. Did you know that a single meal delivery emits around 1-3 kg of CO2? The packaging, transportation, and processing all add up. Compare that to cooking at home or dining out at a nearby restaurant, which can cut down on emissions and is also a healthier, more sustainable option. We don’t need to blame anyone for the situation we’re in, but we do need to take personal responsibility.

The Hidden Impact of Single-Use Plastics and the Need for Upcycling

We often overlook the impact of single-use items such as plastic straws, carry bags, and other disposable products that contribute significantly to environmental degradation. These one-time-use items may seem convenient but carry a long-lasting burden on our ecosystems. Plastics, in particular, take hundreds of years to break down, and during that time, they release harmful chemicals into the environment. The production of these plastics also generates significant CO2 emissions. For example, the average person in the U.S. is responsible for about 0.19 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually from the use of single-use plastics alone, including bottles, packaging, and utensils. Globally, single-use plastics contribute to over 130 million metric tons of waste per year. One way to mitigate this impact is through upcycling and recycling. By consciously repurposing products or opting for reusable alternatives, we can reduce the waste that ends up in landfills and cut down on the carbon footprint associated with creating new products. Incorporating these practices into our daily lives is an important step toward achieving sustainability.

Becoming a Green Warrior Starts from Within?

Becoming a green warrior isn’t just about choosing eco-friendly companies or aligning with global initiatives; it’s about fighting within ourselves. It’s about curbing our own comfort-driven decisions, whether it’s ordering food for convenience or over-relying on personal vehicles. The change should come from within. Our New Year’s resolutions often include goals like “getting healthier,” but why not add, “becoming carbon neutral or negative” by making everyday conscious decisions?

Leading by Example: Companies Making a Difference

Some companies are already leading by example:

- Patagonia has long been a champion of sustainable practices. The company is committed to environmental activism and has gone so far as to tell consumers not to buy its products unless necessary.

- IKEA has committed to becoming climate-positive by 2030 by focusing on sustainable sourcing and reducing waste.

The Health of the Environment is the Health of Humanity

We all grew up hearing the saying, "Health is wealth," and while many of us are focused on eating healthy and maintaining physical fitness, we often forget that the health of the environment is equally crucial. The environment directly affects our well-being. Many doctors and therapists recommend visiting hill stations or nature-rich holiday destinations—not just for their beauty, but because these places remain relatively untouched by urbanization, providing cleaner air and tranquillity. In the book Ikigai, the authors emphasize how people living close to nature, such as the residents of Okinawa in Japan, enjoy long, healthy lives due to their harmonious relationship with the environment. Studies have shown that people living in areas with high air quality, like Switzerland or the pristine mountains of Bhutan, tend to have better overall health. The natural settings of these places provide ideal living conditions, offering both physical and mental calmness, far removed from the chaos of urban jungles. Prioritizing environmental health is, therefore, not just an ecological concern, but a direct investment in our own physical and mental well-being.

Conclusion: A Mindset Shift for the Future

In conclusion, being an environmental warrior is about changing our mindset. It’s about recognizing the carbon footprint of our daily habits and making eco-friendly choices, no matter how small they seem. If we practice this religiously, we’ll not only improve our present but also pave the way for a more sustainable future.