2023 has been a wonderful year for many, but I think we can safely say that on a global level it’s been pretty awful. The war in Ukraine continues, there have been an increasing amount of natural disasters that are directly related to climate change, and I don’t even want to get started on the atrocities going on in Gaza.
In Australia the headlines have been pretty dire too – COVID-19 drags on (anyone else infected by the recent 8th wave?), cost of living is through the roof and those interest rates keep rising and rising.
It’s enough to make us all feel pretty depressed. But it’s the end of the year and who wants to finish 2023 on a downer? Not me!
I’ve been inspired by many of my clients this year. As I only work for businesses and organisations that care for others, I am privileged to see the best in people daily. Some of my clients are doing amazing things for other people.
One thing I know is that if enough of us do small things, we can make a big difference. Here are some small things we as individuals and businesses can do that will make a big difference in 2024.
1. Get solar
We know clean energy is the future. At COP28, they pledged to triple renewable energy and stop adding carbon dioxide to the atmosphere by mid-century. In Australia, 1 in 3 suitable homes have rooftop solar panels. This means Australia has the highest uptake of solar in the world. But 2 in 3 don’t (including us and that is on my list for 2024).
2. Get composting
We started composting this year and I can’t believe how much less we throw into our red bin. Instead of three overloaded garbage bags being lugged into the bin each week, we struggle to fill one bag. I’m not kidding. If you can’t do compost, look into sharewaste or work out if it’s something you can share with a neighbour.
3. Eat local and reduce food miles
This study says 19% of global food system greenhouse gas emissions are caused by transportation. So it makes sense to eat locally as much as possible. We buy our fruit and vegetables through Box Divvy and it’s the best thing we’ve done for the environment and our weekly shopping bill. Our local hub works together to buy local, seasonal food in bulk. You don’t have to go to the markets or anything like that – it’s all done through an app.
We’ve also started growing our own vegetables but considering so far the crop is only two green tomatoes, we’ve got a fair way to go…
4. Only buy from companies with sustainable and ethical sourcing
While you’re at it, take a look at the businesses you’re buying from, both individually and within your business. Where does their money go and what do they support? Whether it’s an interest in fossil fuels or supporting a war you don’t believe in, consider taking your business elsewhere.
5. Embed Social Justice in Business Practices
One of my clients this year is a union, so I wrote a lot about wage theft and the unfair conditions some people are forced to work in. If a business wants to make a difference in 2024, make sure they’ve got their finances sorted. Pay fairly, offer equal opportunities for all employees regardless of background, and actively promote diversity and inclusion within the workplace.
6. Give to charity
Many of my clients have amazing charitable giving programs within their companies. Some set aside a percentage of profit or donate a proportion of sales to nonprofit organisations that align with their values.
Although I have always donated regularly to charity, I have become more purposeful this year and have recently sponsored a child. I chose this way of donating for two reasons –setting a child up for life could make one of the biggest differences in the world.
Plus, I want to show my own children about the importance of giving. This is an easy and tangible way for them to see it and even contribute by writing letters and learning more about our sponsor child’s way of life.
7. Get volunteering
One of the most poignant conversations I had with a client this year was about how donating money is one thing but giving our time can make an even bigger difference. Many of my clients have volunteer initiatives where they offer paid time off for volunteering, organise team volunteer activities, or match employee donations to charities.
Volunteering is such a wonderful way to increase the sense of community, spread compassion and fuel change. If you’d like to volunteer but aren’t sure where to start, you can look for opportunities at GoVolunteer.