How sustainable are you? Use these free sustainability tests to quickly find out more about the negative impact of your behaviour. Measuring = knowing! Do you already know these handy tests?
Sustainable tests to map your footprint
How bad are those fun outings and holidays? And your diet? How well - or how badly - are you doing? And in that wardrobe of yours, something new might also relativise... The Dutch are big consumers of the earth. We buy and consume too much. And in doing so, we contribute above average per person to global warming and pollution and resource scarcity. And while we are doing this, research by Babette Porcelijn (The hidden impact) that we are remarkably bad at assessing our own behaviour. For instance, we think we are doing better than we actually are. And we are also bad at judging what the real culprits are. We might get worked up over a plastic wrap around a cucumber, but go shopping by car. To get a better idea of your behaviour, there are some free tests you can take online. Interesting! Because measuring = knowing right?
Test #1: How many earths do you consume?
How many earths would be needed if everyone lived your lifestyle? Chances are the answer is three to four earths per year, because that is what an average Dutch person consumes per year. That many? And we only have one. So this outcome says that an average Dutchman would have to sacrifice three quarters of his (luxury) lifestyle to get back within the carrying capacity of the planet. The biggest culprit is usually our stuff purchases. We buy way too much. How is that for you? So you can find out when you take the free test: My hidden impact.
Based on a comprehensive questionnaire, a profile of your behaviour is formed and you find out how many earths you consume and what causes it all. What many people don't realise is that much of this negative influence is invisible. As a result, many people have a skewed view of their behaviour. You may think you are doing something sustainable because you use little energy and separate waste, but if you still buy a lot of stuff or eat a lot of meat, you are not doing so well. Even though you are trying really hard. Understanding your own behaviour helps you take the next step. Handy: you get a result per category, so you can quickly see where and how you can make improvements!
Test #2: how climate-friendly is your diet?
The Nutrition Centre has developed a very fine test to map your food footprint. After answering 15 quick questions, you will know where your ‘kiloknallers’ are and how you can set yourself up with a more sustainable and kilo-friendly diet. Spoiler: climate-friendly = animal-friendly. How climate-friendly is your diet? Take the test now!
Test #3: mapping and offsetting CO2 emissions
It's obvious to offset air travel, but why not offset more like all the kilometres driven, your energy consumption and the stuff you bought? The Trees for All site lets you calculate how much CO2 you emitted with a particular action. You can then offset your CO2 emissions on the site by planting trees. Will you offset (part of) your CO2 emissions at the end of the year as a good new habit? Calculate your CO2 emissions and plant trees!
Two outcomes of the tests. Left: My Hidden Impact, right: Food Centre's My Food Footprint.
More sustainable tests?
With these tests, you are going to get a nice impression of your behaviour. It is also fun to do it every December with family, friends or colleagues and give each other tips on how to improve things. Think of it as a wrap-up of the year, a lasting checkup And a good resolution for the new year. Have you come across another great free trial? Then be sure to let us know about it! You can find the e-mail button at the bottom of this page and pass it on to us. We are curious!
More useful sustainable tips from thegreenlist.nl
- Do you also want to get started with a sustainable lifestyle? Then read the interview with Manu, the founder of Climate Talks.
- Also useful: sustainable apps that help you live more sustainably.
- In the context of good intentions: You can also choose your health insurance more sustainably! We checked it out!
Photo credits: Kampus Production (Pexels).
