How can you learn about new sustainability trends through your network?

Sustainability should not be a trend, but a habit, instead. As we know, anything trendy is never sustainable. After aiming for habits, people should focus more on building routines, since, by definition, routines acknowledge the difficulty of changing patterns.

Go to or organize sustainability networking events. Informal gatherings are another great way to connect with individuals one on one and have deeper, more meaningful dialogue.

It is important to note that there are several approaches for a company to arrive at a higher level of sustainability. For some, it is good to start with a big plan that covers the whole company and lists all the measures to be taken. For others, it is better to advance step by step and to develop one measure after the other. For example, you start by projects that are easy to implement and gradually you arrive at successfully tackling more difficult measures.

Webinars have unlocked a huge potential for everyone. You can listen to experts from the comfort of your home for minimal cost. Look for attending effective ones with high impact. Also, events whether online or offline are a great way to network and see the new market benchmarks. Always explore the speaker's bios and learn about them prior to events so you can be focused on your networking efforts.

LinkedIn is a great place to find information about upcoming webinars and other online events in the field of sustainability. Every week, I try to go to one or two of the most interesting events. I summarize my key takeaways on my feed if I think they'll be helpful to others. The comments are often a gold mine of information. These webinars are great for learning and also for connecting with other professionals. I only wish I had more time to attend all the relevant events.

Webinars and sustainability events are like treasure troves of knowledge and connections. They offer direct access to experts and a chance to interact with like-minded individuals who share a common purpose. These platforms are not just about learning; they're also about building a supportive network that can help you navigate the complexities of sustainability. They're a testament to the power of shared learning and collaboration, essential for making meaningful progress in the sustainability journey.

Some universities, such as Harvard or Cambridge, have designed Sustainability programs that you can fully participate in online, and that typically last for a couple of months. They are often rich in content and provide you with a deep understanding of various sustainability aspects in different functions, making them ideal for people who want to transition their careers into sustainability or integrate sustainability into their day-to-day roles. Moreover, they often include group learning opportunities where you can learn from your peers and expand your network.

When I was pivoting into sustainability, I took several sustainability courses and masterclasses. As a big fan of lifelong learning, I’m still looking for new learning opportunities. Fortunately there is a wide range of free online course such as those offered by the UN. Additionally, I recommend earning professional certificates to show your commitment. They can be pricey, but they'll show you're committed.

Courses and programs are vital tools for building expertise in sustainability. They offer structured learning, access to experienced mentors, and the opportunity to connect with a diverse community of learners. Whether you're a beginner or seeking advanced knowledge, these platforms provide a valuable pathway to not just acquiring knowledge but also applying it in real-world sustainability challenges. It's an investment in personal growth and a commitment to being a change-maker in the sustainability journey.

You can use free tools such as Feedly to build a dashboard to monitor the latest environmental news. Feedly is a free tool for you to gather and read all the websites and blogs that you are interested in, using RSS feeds. All you need is to subscribe to a website's feed in Feedly, and you can read the website's latest updates on Feedly without going to the website. This allows you to easily read multiple posts and updates from different websites in one location. You can also create categories to group your feeds. Another way is to use Google Alerts to monitor updates of relevant Google search results (such as news and videos) via email or RSS (and add to Feedly).

In today's rapidly evolving landscape of sustainability, staying well-informed and inspired is crucial. By leveraging your network and tapping into a plethora of resources, you can navigate this dynamic field effectively. Subscribing to newsletters and podcasts offers a convenient way to receive regular updates on the latest sustainability trends, initiatives, and ideas. These platforms not only deliver valuable insights but also provide opportunities to listen to experts and innovators, expanding your knowledge and perspective. So, make the most of your network and stay engaged with sustainability, a field that holds the key to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.

Having podcasts while completing your leisure activities throughout your commute or gym session is a transformational experience. By the way, welcome to adulthood.

To learn about sustainability trends, actively seeking feedback and advice is crucial. This involves engaging with experts, peers, and stakeholders to gain insights into the ever-evolving field of sustainability. Experts provide deep knowledge and experience, peer interactions offer fresh perspectives, and stakeholders in your specific area of interest provide targeted insights. Online platforms and social media communities can also be valuable for gathering advice and engaging with a wide audience. These approaches empower individuals to stay well-informed and navigate the dynamic sustainability landscape effectively.

Seeking feedback and advice is a sign of strength, not weakness. It's a testament to the value you place on learning and improvement. Your network, especially those with expertise in sustainability, can offer invaluable insights and support. It's a collaborative approach that not only builds trust but also accelerates progress in your sustainability journey. It's about recognizing that the path to a more sustainable world is better navigated together.

Correct. As well I would add double check the sources and the reliability. Always look for scientific based evidence and trusted sources. Feedback and discussion within communities is also very important. There are as well nowadays a lot of gatherings that can help you have in person feedback and learn from the experiences of other people.

Whenever you come across a sustainability concept that you're not familiar with, set aside an hour to learn what you can about that concept and then post what you've learnt. I begin my research on a platform like ChatGPT or Google Bard to orientate myself with a rough outline of the subject. I then look for more information about each element from sources that I trust. By taking the final step to share your learnings with your network on LinkedIn you: - increase the amount of information you retain - become more comfortable with the topic by sharing it in your own words - support the wider community to learn about the subject too If you're nervous about "being wrong", simply focus on sharing what you learnt and what that made you think.

One unique way to learn about trends in sustainability is by participating in "sustainability hackathons" or innovation challenges. These events bring together people from diverse backgrounds to collaborate on finding creative solutions to sustainability challenges. By participating, you can gain hands-on experience and insight into cutting-edge trends and innovations in sustainability while actively contributing to positive change. These events often focus on real-world problems, pushing participants to think critically and come up with innovative, sustainable solutions.

As in anything in life, you should become the change you want to see in the world. The biggest changes are sparked by people that ARE what they preach. BE the example, BE sustainable, then you can generate influences around you and that is the ripple effect you can create.