RCD People

TAKING

THE STAGE

We kick off this first issue of 2022 with a special feature about sustainability. Sustainability has been a hot topic for years – and will only become more so. We paid a visit to entrepreneurs based at the CIC in the Central District’s Groot Handelsgebouw to get their top sustainability tips.

CARLIJN GEERSE (26)

“I think more cooperation between the public and private sectors is crucial to make our world more sustainable. The government should be providing guidelines and parameters for businesses, which can then develop innovative solutions. As a sustainability consultant, I try to improve cooperation between the two sides.”

ANDREA BARRERA (30)

“Sustainability is a way of life. It’s linked to every choice you make. Where you buy clothes, what you eat and how you get around. I’m always on my colleagues’ case to not use plastic, to take along their own mugs and recycle what they can.”

ALEXANDER ONIA (42)

“We have to realize that what we do will affect generations after us. They should have a habitable world to grow up in, too. Personally, I try to make sustainable choices wherever possible. Using a reusable cup at the office for coffee, tea and water, for example.”

FATIH CINGIR (27)

“A sustainable world means not destroying the next generation’s future. It’s important to think about the impact your choices have on nature and other people. But still, I’m constantly wondering: am I doing the right thing? Sometimes what you think is a sustainable choice turns out to have all kinds of adverse effects you wouldn’t expect.”

JEREMY RAES (37)

“Sustainability always makes me think about the future. For a long time, no one paid much attention to the real impact our consumer society was having on the planet. Now, we have to rediscover how to live in harmony with flora and fauna. I got rid of my car at the beginning of this year and have been electric carsharing since then. That’s good not only for the environment, but also for my wallet.”

PUCK DEKKERS (19)

“To me, sustainability means consciously thinking about the consequences of choices you make. What are the impacts on the climate? Growing up, that’s something I learned to always keep at the back of my mind. Not taking long showers, for example, or running the tap unnecessarily.”

GAEFAN ANTONIO BLANC POUGET (30)

“Sustainability is a big part of my work. I try to show companies that sustainable choices can also pay off financially. Using less fuel not only cuts pollution but is also cheaper. You generally have to invest in sustainability first, but in the end it saves money.”

HENRI VAN AVEZAATH (50)

“Sustainability, to me, is about how you interact with the world around you. Consumption patterns play a big role. For me, that means buying ecological products where possible, keeping an eye on my energy use and on recyclability. I order groceries from Pieter Pot, a package-free supermarket, for example, which cuts down on my waste.”