180 Degrees Consulting Lund
  • Blog
  • Who We Are
  • Get In Touch
  • Support Us
  • Blog
  • Who We Are
  • Get In Touch
  • Support Us

PLOGGING IN SWEDEN; How It All Started

5/13/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
Based on the interest shown by people, I decided to write more on this topic. So let’s answer some important questions below:

Who started Plogging?
Erik Ahlström started plogging in 2016! He started plogging in Stockholm (the capital city of Sweden) when he moved from Åre ski resort. 
Picture

​Erik has a website Plogga, which is used for organizing plogging activities and encouraging volunteers. You can become a member
here. And here is a link to his LinkedIn profile. I respect what he does so much that I feel like dedicating a full blog post to his BIO.

​What does Plogging mean? My last blog post talked more on this, click to read.

How Can I Safely Pick Up Litters While Jogging?
To pick up litter either in your neighborhood or along the road, you must take some precautions while doing that. Some of the few but very important safety tips are:
  • Practice social distancing: as COVID-19 is still much around, we should try and keep ourselves safe by maintaining a good social distance from others. “To practice social or physical distancing, stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arm lengths) from other people who are not from your household in both indoor and outdoor spaces.” (CDC)
  • Wear bright colors if you will be litter-picking by the roads. This is to ensure you are seen clearly by people, for safety and to possibly pique their interest to join.
  • Wear a mask and use your gloves. It is advisable to use disposable gloves (nitrile gloves) as this helps to prevent dirt or litter from sticking to your skin. You can as well use trash pickers like grabbers to avoid too much contact with the trash.
  • Once the gloves come off after the plogging exercise, sanitize or wash your hands. 
  • Do not use your gloved hands to touch any parts of your body while plogging.
  • Food is important; ensure you eat well before the activity to avoid feeling sick. If you are not feeling well, do not go for plogging. 
  • Finally, ensure you properly dispose of every litter. I am sure you will!
PictureBanggood.com

Recommendation: Some people do not have the free time for plogging but how about donations. Have you thought about donating to plogging clubs? It is also a form of volunteerism. You can either donate plogging materials or funds. Think about it! ​

​TITILOPE OLADIRAN

Master student in Media and Communication at Lund University. The author holds a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication Studies from the University of Ilorin. Titilope is an Editorial Director at 180 Degrees Consulting Lund.
0 Comments

Plogging: Volunteerism for Sustainability

4/30/2021

2 Comments

 
Picture
Photo by cottonbro from Pexels
What is Volunteerism?
Oxford Languages define ‘Volunteerism’ as the use or involvement of volunteer labour, especially in community services.

Wikipedia says ‘Volunteering’ is a voluntary act of an individual or group freely giving time and labour for community service. Many volunteers are specifically trained in the areas they work, such as medicine, education, or emergency rescue. Others serve on an as-needed basis, such as in response to a natural disaster.

Volunteering is the ability and practice of offering your skills, knowledge, and time to help and benefit others, without expecting a financial benefit in return. Most of us usually think that to promote sustainability, we must give it a whole lot financially. This is not to deny that funds play huge roles in environmental sustainability, however, the main point I am emphasizing is that everyone can play a role in this, even if we don’t have the funds to give. Every individual has one skill or knowledge that can become an effective contribution to protecting our environments and making them as sustainable as possible.

One clear example of volunteerism that does not require you giving money is ’Plogging’. After reading about this activity, I got so much interested. Plogging is a combination of jogging and litter-picking. The Swedish verbs ‘plocka upp’ and ‘jogga’ which means pick up and jog respectively gives the word ‘plogga’ from which we got ‘plogging’. This activity started in Sweden in 2016 and has spread to other countries (Nigeria, being one of them). Read more here. You can look to join one of such plogging clubs in the community/country.
​
The essence of this blog post is to remind you of how important volunteerism is and how it goes a long way in environmental sustainability. There are many volunteer activities you can be involved with; subsequent posts will address that. However, for now, I want you to seriously consider doing this for your community. It doesn’t have to take all your time or prevent you from doing other things, remember that ‘every little effort counts’.
 
Action Point: Are you ready to volunteer for the sustainability of your environment? Search for volunteer programs within your community and sign up today. You can do it! 
TITILOPE OLADIRAN

Master student in Media and Communication at Lund University. The author holds a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication Studies from the University of Ilorin. Titilope is an Editorial Director at 180 Degrees Consulting Lund.
2 Comments

CLIMATE CHANGE AND AVIATION; THE BAN OF LOCAL FLIGHTS IN FRANCE

4/15/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
A few days ago, while reading up news on sustainability and climate change, I came across this news story and this explaining how French lawmakers passed a bill to cancel every short domestic flight that can be covered by train in about two and half hours. And as my interest in sustainability and climate change actions has been growing these past few months, I couldn’t help but write a post on it. Although there were some criticisms about the timing of the Climate Bill (considering the COVID-19 pandemic) I see this step as a great one towards climate protection. However, that is for France, what actions are other countries taking to protect our dear climate. ​
Picture


Talking about aviation in climate change is a very controversial topic, however, we cannot ignore the fact that aviation emission also contributes to climate change and global warming. As controversial as it might be, it is the responsibility of each country and government to decide and take practical steps in reducing aviation’s negative impact on our climate. When it comes to aviation emission, individual countries have to take up ‘their cross’. As we know, the CO2 emissions from domestic flights are part of that country’s emission accounts. No wonder, France is already taking ‘her cross’ on that. 

International aviation can not be easily considered because the question is ‘Under which country will its emission count?’ nevertheless, it still counts. For me, this emphasizes the reason why moderation of domestic flights should be taken seriously. I will talk about this from two aspects: the developed and developing countries’ aspects. 
​

Aviation accounts for about 2.5% of the global CO2 emissions (source). Another instance is what Sweden is doing currently with the transport sector, especially with aviation. Like Wikipedia said, Sweden’s long-term goal is to reduce 85% greenhouse gases by 2045 and the short-term goal is to reduce 70% emissions coming from the transport section by 2030. The question is ‘what has been done so far’? 

Climate change actions are necessary, they are good but sadly, only if the country has the capabilities to do so. I challenge more countries to take up the initiative to protect their climates, however, I wonder where that leaves the developing countries whose struggles are more than ‘a cup of tea’ and cannot even think of climate change actions right now. 
To take climate actions, can we really have one world? I still have a lot to say, however, I must drop my pen here. Ciao!!!

How can I contribute to SUSTAINABILITY? This is a question you should ask yourself and as well, seek answers to and work on every day. Here is a list that can help (link).
​

​
​TITILOPE OLADIRAN

Master student in Media and Communication at Lund University. The author holds a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication Studies from the University of Ilorin. Titilope is an Editorial Director at 180 Degrees Consulting Lund.

0 Comments

‘How Can I Contribute To The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?’

4/7/2021

6 Comments

 
Picture
PC: IEC e-tech
Do you know the number of SDGs we have?

I bet you got the number of SDGs right. If you didn’t, the picture says it all that we have 17 SDGs. Yaay, now you know. LOL....

What are the sustainable development goals?
According to UNDP, the SDGs are also known as ‘Global Goals’ and were adopted in 2015 by all United Nations Member States. These goals are all integrated such that the development of one lead to the progress of the others. The SDGs stand as a universal call to action to terminate poverty, protect our environment among others, all aimed to end by 2030.
 
Why we need individual efforts and support
To reach the ambiguous SDGs, we all are needed to contribute the little and the most we can to promote awareness and achieve them. Your creativity, technical know-how, or financial resources are all important.

How to contribute to these goals
  • Turn off your appliances when not in use and put off lights during the day to save electricity. P-S. If the natural light is sufficient for you during the day.
  • Always recycle papers, plastic, glass, and so on.
  • Stop wasting water by spending too long a time in the bathroom.

More than half of death and injury cases globally are results of road accidents and we all can do something to reduce this death/injury rate by doing the following:
  • Do not drive when drunk and do not drink while driving.
  • Do not text or surf the internet when driving.
  • Always drive within the speed limit.
  • Always follow all traffic rules and regulations (I had a recent experience using the zebra crossing. I presumed the car was going to stop since it was a zebra crossing but it didn’t and fortunately, I was just walking up so I immediately paused and waited for the car to go. I understand the car should have followed the zebra crossing rule, but it did not.)

​Other actions you can take towards promoting SDGs are:
  • Avoid food waste at all costs; ensure you buy only what you need at a period as you decide and freeze your food both fresh and leftovers.
  • You can as well help reduce inequality by supporting the inclusion of all, socially, economically, and politically regardless of age, race, sex, religion, culture, or disability. Respect all! How can we do this? We can start by having an open mind and embracing everyone we encounter.  
  • Support slow fashion, shop from slow fashion brands, and encourage second-hand clothing stores. Click here for more details.
  • Support the local businesses in your neighborhood/community.
 
Check this previous blog post to read up on things you as an individual can do to promote SUSTAINABILITY.
https://www.180degreeslund.org/blog/things-you-can-do-to-promote-sustainability
​
Picture



​​ I want to leave you with the words: ‘Always remember that change starts with YOU!’. I hope you will adopt the tips mentioned above into your everyday life as I will also do the same.  
TITILOPE OLADIRAN

Master student in Media and Communication at Lund University. The author holds a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication Studies from the University of Ilorin. Titilope is an Editorial Director at 180 Degrees Consulting Lund.
6 Comments

Fast Fashion vs Slow Fashion

3/31/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
The last piece I wrote was on Slow Fashion and I know for some, the question is ‘Why Not Fast Fashion?’ Fast sounds cool, right. Yes, it does sound cool when it comes to productivity and some other related areas, however, fast is not a cool word for sustainable fashion. I will say for this, ‘slow and steady wins the fashion race’ if everyone will give huge contribution and support to SLOW FASHION.
Here is a simple calculation of these two concepts, it is left to you to make a good choice for yourself and your environment.
SLOW + FASHION= hand made garments, slow production pace, environment-friendly garments, long-lasting garments, etc.
FAST + FASHION= low quality fabrics, fast and mass production, and complete opposite of slow fashion’s results.
Read more about Fast Fashion vs Slow Fashion here

How You Can Contribute to Slow Fashion
  • Awareness Creation: Yes, let’s all talk about it. People usually leave this role to the professionals or rather, wait for some kind of big campaigns/rallies to create awareness which should not be. Every little talk and chat about the said ‘topic’ counts and matters, you really don’t have to wait for such big events. Just like sustainability, slow fashion is still in its early ages and not everyone knows about it which is our talking about it is very important. Talk about slow fashion and implications of fast fashion to your friends, colleagues, acquaintance, and even strangers because we all live on this planet together. And the responsibility to improve it and keep it going fine all lies on every one of us, stranger or no stranger (well, try not to piss a stranger off..LOL).
  • Patronising Slow Fashion Brands: What better way to show your support than to go for brands that stand for Slow Fashion? You should shop for clothes and other accessories from them as that will also encourage them to produce more at the right pace. You can research about brands to know the type of fashion they are promoting and as I will address later on, there are some brands that practice Slow Fashion in Sweden. However, if you are not in Sweden, you can research for your country and will surely get something.  You can get such information from the company’s website, social media as well as valid sources (like news publications).
  • Other actions you can take are:
  • Go for quality clothes.
  • Only buy clothes when you need them, no unnecessary purchase
  • Always check the clothes materials when purchasing; synthetic fibers, polyester, and plastic are not good because they are not biodegradable while materials cotton, silk, line, and wool are better options and some as well state on the label if the material is organic or not.
  • Donate your used/unwanted clothes.
  • Repair your clothes and accessories rather than going for news ones.
 
Scandinavian Brands That Promote Slow Fashion
  1. Woron: This is a slow fashion brand for lingerie and lounge wears. Every of their fabrics is made from Lenzing Modal, a smooth fiber. Link to their website.
  2. Asket: The brand uses low-impact dyes to produce the best mens-wear wardrobe, check it out here.
  3. Nudie Jeans: as the name implies, this fashion brand gives you the truth about denim, that is, ‘the naked truth’. Nudie Jeans use eco-friendly materials to produce long-lasting and good quality designs and click on this to get to their website.
Other Scandinavian brands that promote slow fashion are:
  • Dedicated
  • Filippa K
  • Organic Basics
  • Aiayu
  • Armoire Officielle
  • Swedish Hasbeens
I hope you got two or more from this piece. My next post will address this interesting question ‘How can an individual contribute to sustainable development goals?’ so be on the lookout. Ciao!

​
TITILOPE OLADIRAN

Master student in Media and Communication at Lund University. The author holds a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication Studies from the University of Ilorin. Titilope is an Editorial Director at 180 Degrees Consulting Lund.
0 Comments

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES!

3/27/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture

Buying Locally

Oftentimes, when people order a product online, it is easier to get it from a global marketplace such as Amazon or Ebay. However, especially with the current pandemic, it is important to support your local businesses as well. 

What does it mean to buy locally?
With “buying locally”, I mean a scenario where, instead of buying from a global marketplace or international conglomerate, a shopper buys their product or service from a business that is either completely locally sourced or locally situated. For instance, instead of buying at Lidl, opt for a local, small-scale grocery store.

Why buy locally?
Instead of ordering, let's say, your dish soap at the internationally owned supermarket, think of buying from a local supplier. Not only do you directly support the local economy and community by buying locally, it is also a great opportunity to save on shipping costs and international taxes. However, arguably  the most important reason for local purchase is SUSTAINABILITY. Buying locally is more sustainable!
Besides the economic sustainability in your local community, buying locally is also an excellent way to contribute to reduction of global shipping. A paper published by MIT researchers found that the ‘impatient shoppers’, or the people who more often than not opt for fast shipping, increase their carbon footprint threefold over that of local shoppers. 
Also, the material usage for packaging is significantly less damaging for the environment, which is an added advantage. This is often the case because it does not need to be shipped in bulk packaging across the world, but can instead be transported locally, or not even at all!
​

Local recommendations
Now, we will try to outline and showcase some of the locally sourced or located stores, products, and services that might be a good alternative to the globally sourced items. Note that this list will of course not include all of the local alternatives, but is instead a highlight of some particular alternatives!
​

Skosh
As one of the brands that 180 Degrees Consulting Lund works with currently, we can not help but recommend this as an excellent alternative to your usual cleaning supplies. Where Skosh differs from others is that it is not only a Lund-based startup, straight out of the Lund University Venture Hub, it is also a very sustainable solution to one of the biggest problems of current cleaning supplies. Where regular cleaning supplies that you would normally buy at a grocery store are 97% water, Skosh gives you spray bottles and tablets. By cutting down on this incredible amount of water weight, the carbon footprint of the transport and shipping is cut down drastically. The products are currently available on www.Skosh.se.
Picture
Skosh
Africa Daily Market
Tucked away in the centre of Lund, right by Botulfsplatsen, Africa Daily Market is an excellent place to do some shopping for African food or spices, or to get an amazing meal. The products in the store are very affordable, and the staff is incredibly friendly, willing to help you with any need or question you may have. Besides this, another highlight is the incredible food that is sold there. The owner will passionately tell you about all her dishes, while serving you a luxurious amount of deliciously prepared African food. Whenever you need some incredible food and a comfortable atmosphere, do not hesitate to check it out!

Broder Jakobs Stenungsbageri
Another gem in the centre of Lund; Broder Jakobs offers delicious, locally-sourced coffee and various goods and pastries that are prepared and baked in-house. With arguably some of the best kanelbullar and kardemummabullar in the city, you should definitely try most of their menu items. The staff is incredibly friendly and the atmosphere in the café is similar to that of a big family living room. This may be because it is a family-owned business, but seeing the staff together and with their customers makes you feel truly at home. If you want to further support their business, they also offer various merchandise for their café.

I hope you enjoy some of the local alternatives, and truly wish for everyone to support their local business in these tough times. However, do remember that in the current pandemic, do what you can to minimize risks!!​
PIM KASTERMANS

Master’s student in International Marketing and Brand Management at Lund University. The author holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Amsterdam. Pim is a Marketing Director at 180 Degrees Consulting, Lund.
0 Comments

SUSTAINABLE FASHION: A Good Time to Go Slow

3/11/2021

4 Comments

 
Picture
P.C: Ocean&Me


Seeing this topic, tell me, what was the first thing that came to your mind? Or let’s start with this-why does this lady keep writing about sustainability?

At 180 Degrees Consulting Lund, we are passionate about social impact which is one of the major reasons for our consulting services. Sustainability is one of the vital ways to impact our environment and yes, we will keep talking about sustainability, social impact, consulting, social services, promotion, and support of non-profit organizations. 
​

Check here to see some of the projects we are working on in creating a more sustainable future.
To create more awareness about making our present and future more sustainable, I wrote on the topic of SLOW FASHION. To have a concept called ‘Slow Fashion’ means that there is another concept called ‘Fast Fashion’, right? Fast Fashion is a topic for some other time. The following are some of the questions that people ask on this topic:

What is Slow Fashion?
Slow Fashion is the opposite of Fast Fashion and it simply means ‘Sustainable Fashion’. Slow fashion refers to a slow movement of fashion; such that fashion is made considering the people and the environment, that is, an environment-friendly fashion. Slow fashion encourages local production of clothes with the use of eco-friendly materials. It deals with the use and reuse of clothes to promote a sustainable environment.

A Sneak Peek into Slow Fashion’s History
According to Wikipedia & Filosofiala, the term ‘Slow Fashion’ was first coined in 2007 by Journalist Kate Fletcher; it was used in her article in the British publication ‘The Ecologist’. However, the idea of Slow Fashion was widely spread because an article titled ‘Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Clothing’ was published by Elizabeth Cline; this created more awareness about the dangers of fast fashion.

Why Slow Fashion?  

​I would say the next important thing for us to know as long as we know what Slow Fashion means, is its importance. As humans, we will never do something unless we identify the need for it and its benefits. So let’s dive straight into the need for Slow Fashion in our world:​
PictureP.C: WTVOX

  • Fights Climate Change: I honestly think this should be the biggest reason/motivation for us in choosing Slow Fashion and as well, in promoting it in our communities. Fashion makes a huge impact on climate with a large amount of its greenhouse gas emission. McKinsey research shows that the sector was responsible for some 2.1 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2018, about 4 percent of the total global emissions. 
  • Slow Fashion ensures that clothes are manufactured with quality materials which means our clothes will last longer than usual. This means that we will have more well-made and long-lasting clothes in the fashion industry and there will be almost no worries for new clothes.
  • It uses organic materials as well as those made from recycling. Therefore, Slow Fashion is ethical, sustainable, green, and very eco-friendly. And for you who want to contribute to sustaining our world, then Slow Fashion should be your go-to fashion.
  • It embraces the use of local products/materials and biodegradable textiles which has very little or no adverse effects on our environment and so these products can be easily recycled and can as well return to the ecosystem.

​Fashion can turn ugly considering how it pollutes our water supply, causes overconsumption, and tend to exploit those in the industry and most importantly, its negative effect on sustainability and climate change (due to greenhouse-gas emission). However, Slow Fashion is our chance to ensure all these are minimally reduced to the barest minimum. Therefore, it is our responsibility to do this together. Are you willing to promote Slow Fashion? 
CHALLENGE/ACTION POINT: Be more conscious and deliberate about your fashion, clothes and disposal of garments!!! 

QUESTION: Do you know about the Slow Food Movement?

If any other questions come to mind outside the ones addressed above, kindly ask in the comment section and I will be glad to answer them in the next episode. Thank you.
The next episode will be on Fast Fashion vs Slow Fashion, how you can contribute your quota to Slow Fashion, how it can be adopted in developed and developing countries among other subsections to come. Watch out!!!

TITILOPE OLADIRAN

Master student in Media and Communication at Lund University. The author holds a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication Studies from the University of Ilorin. Titilope is an Editorial Director at 180 Degrees Consulting Lund.
4 Comments

SOLVING A CASE/PROBLEM WITH THE 7 STEP-FRAMEWORK

2/26/2021

4 Comments

 
Picture
As a consultant who has been hired to solve an organization’s problem, what do you think is the first step to take? As an individual who has a challenge/problem to solve in your personal life, what do you think is the best way to do that? 

This blog post provides all the necessary details you need to answer such questions.
I attended ‘eeeBoosted’ where a lecture was given by yours truly ‘180 DC Lund’ on how a case can be solved. The lecture was tagged ‘How To Crack A Case’.

I never had the intention of writing a blog post on this, however, the lecture was so educative that I thought this should also be shared with a wider audience. It was very interesting and educative, I for one, have more understanding of how cases should be solved. The interesting part of it is that these steps apply to consulting cases but are not limited to that. They can as well be adopted in another context as long as you design them to fit well within that context. So in all, it is much more useful for all and sundry.

​This post will give a short but detailed explanation of these 7 Step-Framework for cracking/solving a case. Let me start with a definition of framework. 

What is a framework? In very simple terms, a framework consists of a particular set of ideas, rules, or tools that provides guidelines and processes for dealing with a problem and proffering solutions. 
At 180 DC Lund, we have a 7 Step-Framework we use as a foundation for solving problems and these steps are:

​
Picture
These 7 steps as shown in the diagram above starts with problem definition and then goes on to end with developing recommendation.

​



​

Having a structure for the problem helps in breaking the problem into small achievable bits. Problems can also be solved without breaking them down, however, every consultant will agree with me that breaking the problem down into bits will make it easier and faster to solve. It will furthermore help sharpen your focus on the problem and possible solutions.


Why is this framework important?
In solving problems, we sometimes mix the whole thing up and proffer the wrong solutions when we are not certain of what the exact problem is. What do we make of solutions that do not address the problem it should solve?

This framework will help guide you in defining the problem as this makes it easier for you to tackle the problem head-on. The problem and how you define it should be Specific, Measurable, Action-oriented, Relevant and Time-related (SMART).

It prevents you from misinterpreting the problem you are to solve or the client you are working for. It is imperative you confirm the problem and other details with the client before and all through the 7 steps when there is a need for it. Never center your information and work process on assumptions as they can be right as well as wrong. 
​

It helps reduce the complexity and ambiguity of what you want to solve and as well prioritize the problems (in a situation where you have more than one problem to solve) since it is very difficult and almost impossible to solve all problems at the same time.

How can it be applied?
The 7 Step-Framework is mainly for consultants to use in solving cases presented to them by organizations, companies, and other institutions. However, I want to give you this tip, you can as well adopt it to solve problems in other contexts as long as it works. 

A big thanks to our consultants for the great lecture given at eeeBoosted on this 7 Step-Framework for Case Solving. If you want to know more about eeeBoosted, check them out here http://eee.lundaekonomerna.se/eeeboosted/ 

I really don’t want to bore you with a long post so I have to end this right here, but I sure hope you got two or more helpful tips from this. 


TITILOPE OLADIRAN

Master student in Media and Communication at Lund University. The author holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication Studies from the University of Ilorin. Titilope is an Editorial Director at 180 Degrees Consulting Lund.
4 Comments

THINGS YOU CAN DO TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABILITY

2/10/2021

8 Comments

 
Picture


What can I do to promote sustainability in my community?

How can I promote sustainability in my home, workplace, and business? 

How can I live a sustainable life? 

What things can I do to promote sustainability?

These are few of the questions many people ask about sustaining their environments.
​
​
Sustainability starts with individuals and then extends to groups, hence the reason why we all as individuals must contribute our quota to it. For this write-up, I will mention some of the important and easy efforts each person can make towards promoting sustainability.


The roles, actions, and things you can do to sustain your community and promote sustainability are:
​
​1. 
Recycling: You can contribute to recycling management by helping put waste in the proper channel. Most countries (except developing countries) have rules and processes for recycling. The most basic rules for recycling are: ​

Picture

  • Do not put the recyclables in plastic bags, paper bags should rather be used.

  • Do not include food and drinks in your recyclables.

  •  Properly divide your trash and put in the right trash bins. 

Asides these rules, it is pertinent you follow other rules given in your country. For example, I live in a housing area where we have a separate shelter for waste disposal in a bid to make recycling easier. There are trash bins for various waste categories, e.g. food waste, plastic, paper, etc therefore we are expected to put each waste in the appropriate bin. Adhering to these rules and not mixing up the waste is an effort made towards achieving sustainability which should come easy for everyone who has the best interest of the environment in mind.


2.  Grow Your Food/Have a Garden: one of the helpful tips of growing your food is that you tend to appreciate food more, considering the efforts you put into growing the food. And when you appreciate your food more, food wastage reduces. Growing your food also encourages you to take more vegetables and fruits. Some of the foods and plants you can easily grow are lettuce, tomatoes, herbs, etc. Your garden does not have to be a big one, a windowsill, hanging basket, or small space on your backyard soil will work fine. Do not think it is a big farming scale thing and then get discouraged.
Picture
3. Food Management: You can be creative with your leftovers and don’t have to throw away food all the time. Also, you can use food waste as fertilizer for your gardens rather than throwing them away. It is more advisable to use food waste as compost/fertilizer for your garden than using chemical fertilizer. According to the Environment and Natural Resources Publication, chemical fertilizers, if not properly managed, negatively impact the environment, plants, animals, and humans. 
​

4. Conservation of energy: As an individual, you can conserve energy in your home by ensuring that your utility bill is not too high. The best way to achieve that is by ensuring there are no leaking water pipes/faucets, wrong wiring, amongst others. It is important that you turn off lights and other appliances that use energy such as AC/heater when leaving the home, unplug appliances when not in use and close the windows when the AC or heater is on. All these little things matter a lot and as minute as they seem, they contribute hugely to sustainability.
Picture

5. Use Public Transportation More: This will help reduce carbon emissions in the environment, as hard as it might sound, we should consider using more public transport than our private cars. You can also use a bike which does not emit carbons.  However, due to the current state influenced by the pandemic, public transportation might not seem like the best option so you can opt for bike-riding. The most important thing here is to stay safe whether you use private or public transport. 
For example, a new tramway system was recently introduced in Lund, Sweden in December. This is also an effort made by the country towards creating and maintaining an urban transportation system friendly to the environment. You can read more about the tramway with the link here

6. Contribute to projects, organisations and community services promoting sustainability: Such organisations are not scarce these days. I am pretty sure if you look around you, you will find one. Therefore, there isn’t meant to be the excuse of not finding such an organization, it depends more on your willingness and interest in joining these groups. If you are interested in promoting sustainability, I encourage you to join one of these organisations/NGOs. It is important to have it in mind that helping in organisations will go a long way in promoting and sustaining our dear communities, societies, and environments.

There are many other things we can as well do to promote sustainability individually and collectively but if you have not been making efforts before, start with the ones listed above. If you have been doing these and much more, kudos to you, it is indeed good to help the society grow and survive. So, the main question I have for you is:

ARE YOU WILLING TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABILITY IN YOUR ENVIRONMENT?


​
TITILOPE OLADIRAN

Master student in Media and Communication at Lund University. The author holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication Studies from the University of Ilorin. Titilope is an Editorial Director at 180 Degrees Consulting Lund.


8 Comments

'I can do it'; An Important Mindset for 180 DC Consultants

2/3/2021

2 Comments

 
Picture
Can you tell us about you?
 
My name is Hanna and I am studying MScs in Development Studies. I really love hiking and nature. About my dislikes, I cannot come up with anything else than paprika.
  
Can you tell us what working as a 180 DC Consultant entail?
 
In the beginning of the program, the consultants were divided into teams and assigned a company to work with. I got a chance to work with five smart and cool people, who composed my team. We were given the contacts of our company and then our work begun. Together with the company, we identified the problems of the company and worked towards the solutions (which in our case were market entry and communication strategy for the company to enter new markets). To keep other consultants updated in our progress, we had weekly meetings, where we presented our progress. Moreover, as we were supervised by professional consultants from our partner consultancy, we also got a chance to receive feedback and tips from them.
In the end of the project, we presented our results in a final event and wrote a report for the client.
On a less professional level, working in 180 DC meant finding great friends, having a beer, going hiking and playing online games in zoom- It was very fun experience. 

​What was the biggest challenge you had as a 180 DC Consultant?
 
The biggest challenge in the beginning was to keep up with the amazing people in the program and especially to my team. I remember thinking countless times, that wow, she or he’s so smart. Luckily, when I eventually got over myself and started to express my ideas, they were valued, and I felt that everyone’s contribution to the team was very important and irreplaceable. So, as my great friend from this program said- just believe in yourself, you have a lot to give!
 
How did this experience benefit you as a person?
 
Well, it gave me as close of a professional consulting experience as possible and I really loved it. I learned practical skills like problem-solving, pitching, communicating with client, teamwork, how to develop communication and new market entry strategy. This experience will definitely benefit me in the job market. 

Picture
How fun was it being a 180 DC Consultant?
 
I know this sounds nerdy, but through work and learning, I found really good friends from 180 DC Consulting, so I think this is the fun I am grateful for.
 
What advice will you give someone looking to apply for this position?
 
 “You can do it” mindset is a must have for applying to this position. Also, be ready to work in a team, have an open mind and contribute your free time and effort into finding solutions for the company you’ll consult.
 
Hanna, thanks a lot for giving us time to do this. 


​TITILOPE OLADIRAN

Master student in Media and Communication at Lund University. The author holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication Studies from the University of Ilorin. Titilope is an Editorial Director at 180 Degrees Consulting Lund.
2 Comments
<<Previous

    180 Degrees Lund 

    Largest student consultancy in the world, with the goal to help organizations and to create social impact

    Archives

    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.