Hedonist vs altruist -walk the talk

We like to look out for our advantage, that is natural. Where do I get the best offer – where can I get more for less – where do I get more comfort – what is annoying and how do I get rid of it? We think in terms of our interest. Sure, we are against global warming and we like Greta, and while this is important it may not be enough right now. Because we reached a critical point, the world economy is struggling and the recession is already knocking at our doors, so it is time for us to take action, and maybe learn one thing or another from the past generations.

We can no longer pretend that everything is ok, or that everything will be ok and that it is not really our fault because „they“ are to blame (whoever „they“ are).

Crisis what a crisis?

We are seeing the first effects of the energy crisis and it will get only worse. We may (justifiably even) expect our governments to fix it, but we believe that it is time for us to start doing our part a bit more seriously. Not for the likes or the sympathy and approval we seek from others on social media, but out of a genuine concern for our planet and because it is the right thing to do. Many of us have the reach and follower base to set a meaningful example, so let’s do it. Let’s try to live a little as our parents did.

We don’t need avocado toast and rose syrup with a double shot espresso for breakfast and a warm kimchi bowl with spicy broccoli and sesame scallion wild rice for lunch every day, we don’t need the car more than once a week, we don’t need new clothes every month, we don’t need to be consuming energy 24/7, we don’t need brands that exploit underdeveloped countries and kill our local competition, we don’t need to save a buck by buying cheap on digital giants that are destroying small and mid-sized businesses.

Let’s walk the talk

So here’s an idea we like to share; Walk the talk.

Nothing against flaunting, but if we do so, let it be with purpose. Let’s all be a little introspective and look where we can help our countries and economies to overcome this serious energy crisis and therefore fight the recession. And let‘s share these ideas and their results.

It is time for a serious collective.

Did you know?

• Internet energy consumption contributes to global climate change because nearly 80% of the power supply comes from fossil fuels.
• Fossil fuels generate greenhouse gas emissions during the combustion phase. Carbon emissions are the leading cause of climate change and cause atmospheric degradation.
• The internet is an energy-intensive digital sector, consuming up to 307 gigawatts of electricity annually.
• Global internet users consume about 6.2% of the worldwide power supply.
• Millennials get online with an average of 2.8 devices and spend nearly 4 hours online via PCs, laptops, or tablets each day. 
• Streaming is the big villain looking at electricity consumption alone. The original Shift Project figures imply that one hour of Netflix consumes 6.1-kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity. That is enough to drive a Tesla Model S more than 30km, power an LED lightbulb constantly for a month, or boil a kettle once a day for nearly three months.
• YouTube, with over 1 billion viewing hours a day –consumes over 600 TWh a year (2.5% of global electricity use), which would be more than the electricity used globally by all data centres.

If each of us commits to reducing the online time by one hour, we could save absurd amounts of energy. 

Some ideas:

• Reduce one hour of internet usage a day.
• Cut all usage of light during the day.
• Going to bed earlier to save energy.
• Put energy-saving lamps at home.
• Turn off devices instead of stand-by modus.
• The Fridge and freezer are great energy users. Try not to use the freezer or, if you do, defrost. Don’t leave refrigerator doors open.
• Try cooking recipes where you do not need to preheat the oven.
• When using the stove, you can save by cooking with residual heat.
• The fewer cooking areas on your stove you use, the more energy you save.
• Use the kettle to bring your water to boil it uses less energy than the stove.
• Take shorter showers.
• If you are brave enough, take cold showers.
• Use less heating and more pullovers at home.
• Don’t use air conditioning.
• Wash your clothes at max. 40o. Do not wash half-full loads. The same goes for dishwashers.
• Turn off the GPS tracking (location), Bluetooth, WIFI, and data on your phone when you don’t need it.
• Delete unnecessary apps.
• Use dark mode.
• Reduce the brightness on your devices.
• Most people unplug their device but leave the charger plugged in the socket. Few people know that the plugged-in charger still consumes energy.
• Instead of using electrical rollers and electric bikes in the city, go old school and choose to pedal. And if not, walk you save a ton in medical bills as well.
• If you commute, share a car. Or better, use public transportation.
• Sign petitions for your city to shut unnecessary lightning in monuments and public buildings.
• Ask acquaintances who are shop owners to cut lights at night.
• Buy less on discounter supermarkets and more sustainable and „real“ food.
• Buy in bulk and longer-lasting food.
• Cook at home. Prepare food for the whole week at once, saving energy.
• Take the stairs, forget the elevators.
• Turn off every unnecessary device (water sprinkler, automatic vacuum cleaner, etc.) and go old school with a broom and watering can.
• Stop arguing online. It is a waste of time and energy.

Have friends and family over, cook together, talk, have fun and find more great ideas on how to save and spread the movement. This is our chance to show that we have what it takes to walk the talk.

Image @artgrid