Babke (24): “More sustainable living 
doesn’t necessarily require a big turnaround”

“In Oosterwolde, some people still live largely off their own land. My parents have their own food forest. Many people in the village have a vegetable garden or chickens. And I used to work a lot with animals when I was younger. So I learned from an early age how important nature is. Without nature, we are nothing. But we now treat nature as if its sole purpose is to serve humans. By cutting down rainforests or keeping animals in factory farms.”  

“I haven’t eaten any meat since I was 16. And I have been a vegan for five years now. I also filled my little balcony with flowers that attract insects to improve biodiversity. Many things I buy locally or second hand. And I try to keep the number of packages I order to a minimum.

In addition, I want to make other young people aware about how to live more sustainably. That’s why I joined the Young Climate Movement. There I can further spread my ideas on sustainability. For example, by organising major events where we inspire and inform young people about sustainable living. 

A simple conversation can often make a big difference. I sometimes tell my own friends that I don’t buy dairy because the dairy industry is very polluting. When I then let them taste a vegan dish, they notice that you can also cook delicious food without animal products. 
Living more sustainably doesn’t necessarily require a big turnaround. Everyone can contribute a little bit to a better world in their own way. And all those little bits go a long way.” 

“Not always. As a student, you have no control over many things. For example, many students rent a room in poorly insulated student housing. Then it is difficult to effectively make your home more sustainable. You can’t just put double glazing in your windows or solar panels on the roof. 

In addition, as a student, you have less money to spend than someone working full time. I notice this when buying groceries, for example. Sustainable, plant-based alternatives to meat and dairy are not cheap.

On the other hand, as a student, in many ways I actually have the opportunity to organise my life the way I want I don’t have a permanent contract or mortgage yet. That gives me a lot of flexibility. For example, to change houses or jobs, or to switch to a more sustainable bank.” 

“The big financial services companies choose how our money is invested. They therefore determine which industries are promoted and which are not. I think that comes with a responsibility to make the right choices for a more sustainable world. 

I therefore always check carefully what a bank or insurance company intends to do with my money before I open an account or take out insurance. The same applies to pension accrual. When I will start working after my studies, I want to make sure I will accrue a pension with a party that invests my money sustainably. That might even determine my choice of employer.”

“I always try to stay hopeful. Unfortunately, many people keep living and consuming the way they have always done. That can be pretty disheartening at times. But as long as we are alive, we can still make a difference. Just giving up will definitely get you nowhere.”

How important is the issue of sustainability to other generations? In addition to Babke, we also spoke to writer Christine (50) and entrepeneur Mark (35). Christine writes books on sustainability. Mark finds sustainability important, but also wants to keep enjoying life. Read their stories.