“It is important to stress that sustainability is not about perfection but all about progress. You cannot turn every purchase into a win for the planet, but there are more and more ways to reduce plastic use or GHG emissions just by taking small steps. They might be small for individuals, but in the end, a giant leap for humankind if we unite and stay strong together for the sake of a better future,” says Dr Mahyar Kamali Saraji.
The researcher at the Institute of Social Sciences and Applied Informatics of Vilnius University Kaunas Faculty in the field of Energy Economics shares his view on how everyday choices can lead to a cleaner environment. As a researcher focusing on sustainable energy development, he believes that the community of Vilnius University has the potential to significantly contribute to addressing the challenges we face. He emphasizes the importance of studies in the international business, global economics, sustainable finance and accounting and continuous science-business collaboration.
Small steps to big changes
“However, to do so, we need to expand our disciplines and include such areas as environmental, climate, and materials science and practical fields like renewable energy engineering, social responsibility, sustainable investment, sustainability in financial markets, sustainable management and development of each company and of the country as a whole, and transparency in the disclosure of this information. By doing this, we can equip ourselves with the knowledge and skills needed to make a positive impact in the climate action era,” believes the young scientist who is on the career path that allows him to pursue passions for critical thinking, writing, and reviewing. As a scholar, he feels fortunate to find himself in an environment full of curious, inventive, and visionary people who act and inspire others.
Nowadays, the word sustainability itself might sound overused or unattractive, like some kind of stingy, cheap old thing. Still, Dr Mahyar Kamali Saraji believes that it is possible to have an eco-friendly lifestyle without sacrificing your personal views or style. It is more the opposite – one can become even more unique by continuously boosting sustainability knowledge and making green life a silent passion or goal. However, there are many ways, some of which are still unknown, to achieve the green climax. The researcher shares some easy-to-implement ideas on how to turn everyday choices into planet-positive actions and become an eco-champion step by step.
“You could feel the pleasure of green life by adopting a wide variety of things, from a green diet to green travelling. But all we need to keep in mind is meeting our needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It might be slightly confusing how to do that, but there are many actions that society has already taken and proven to work,” says Dr Mahyar Kamali Saraji.
Reusing
Reusing is possibly the easiest way to minimize waste. It is a practical and easy action towards sustainability. Also, it can be adopted as part of your lifestyle and philosophy.
“Thanks to worldwide trends, local and online shops that sell second-hand clothes, shoes, accessories, and antiques are now more popular than ever. Besides the lower price, reusing second-hand stuff would reduce resource consumption, waste production, and CO2 emissions. It is also a way to find unique items and appreciate the artistry of past times. Have you already caught yourself looking into a mother’s/father’s wardrobe for some statement piece that comes with a story?” Dr Mahyar Kamali Saraji raises a question.
Reselling stuff online or in commission shops, as well as donating or swapping, has become a norm. Clothing swap meetings even became a type of social event where participants exchange their valued but no longer used clothing for clothing they would use.
“You could reuse things and materials in various creative and practical ways, from easy crafty ones like reusing a glass jar as a storage container for food or making bulletin boards using wine corks. DIY projects generally focus on reusing materials, from upcycling old furniture to crafting with recycled items. It is also a way to support the circular economy – instead of throwing items away, try repairing, refurbishing, or reselling them, extending the product lifecycle,” says Dr Mahyar Kamali Saraji.
Sharing
The researcher believes that sharing is another casual action leading us towards sustainable living. The growing number of short-term bicycles, electric scooters, motor scooters, or car rental services show relevant city lifestyle changes in many European countries. Also, home appliances, and even luxury items, can be rented for a short period of time if you need them just once.
“People who live in bigger cities increasingly prefer to rent a car temporarily, typically via an app or website, instead of owning a car. This type of sharing would decrease car production and, consequently, reduce direct and indirect harmful effects. On the other hand, sharing would also give this chance to some people who cannot afford to buy a car but are able to rent it for one or several rides, meaning a smaller gap between social classes and more equality in society, ” says Mahyar Kamali Saraji.
Additionally, sharing is a part of tourism that promotes sustainability by utilizing existing housing infrastructure and, therefore, potentially reducing the need for new constructions with a high environmental footprint. People can find accommodation online for free by couchsurfing or by renting some part of a place for a short stay, which is quite popular when it comes to travelling.
Fancy-trendy
“However, if sharing is not your cup of tea – sustainability can still fit your lifestyle! All you need is to own and use eco-friendly products. Fancy? Go for a stylish, sleek electric car that saves the planet one mile at a time,” smiles Dr Mahyar Kamali Saraji and adds that not only second-hand stuff is sustainable. It is all about finding what works for you while keeping it green and guilt-free. Small, daily actions can make a big difference, so every effort counts in building a more sustainable world.
Everyday Must-Do
Save energy. Turn off the lights when not needed, use energy-saving bulbs or energy-efficient LED lighting, and unplug devices when they are not in use.
Conserve water. Take shorter and colder showers, and turn off the tap while brushing your teeth.
Reduce plastic waste. Avoid single-use items by choosing reusable bottles, bags, containers, and utensils.
Invest in quality. Choose long-lasting items, such as sustainable clothing and things made from recycled PET plastic or natural materials like cork or hemp which are durable and grown with minimal water and pesticides.
Choose local and seasonal products. This reduces the environmental impact of transportation, supports local farmers, and often results in fresher, healthier food.
Reduce food waste. Plan your meals, use leftovers, freeze foods, and store items properly to prevent spoilage.
Use local use of infrastructure. Public transport, bike roads, and sidewalks: these are the choices that lower CO₂ emissions and have added health benefits.
Recycle and separate waste. Pay attention to local recycling guidelines, and, when possible, avoid waste by choosing products with minimal packaging.
Educate. Learn more about sustainability, share insights with friends and family, and inspire others to make eco-friendly choices.
Benas Bernotavičius, a third-year student of the Marketing Technologies study programme at Vilnius University Kaunas Faculty, has just returned from a six-month Erasmus Plus exchange programme at Mendel University in Brno, Czech Republic. According to him, it is not only an opportunity to learn from foreign professors and meet students from different cultures but also a great way to test one's knowledge and ability to adapt to a new environment and get out of one's comfort zone while staying close enough to Lithuania.
Assoc. Prof. Giedrius Romeika, the Dean of Vilnius University Kaunas Faculty, Assoc. Prof. Kęstutis Driaunys, the former Dean, and Prof. Dr Virginija Jurėnienė were awarded certificates of appreciation by the Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine and the Rector of the National University of Food Technologies for active cooperation in study and research activities to commemorate the 140th anniversary of the establishment of the National University of Food Technologies. The certificates were awarded by University Professor Svitlana Gutkevych.
