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Photo credit: Otto Mendelsson

As we head into Mental Health Awareness week with much uncertainty about the current state of the world, it becomes increasingly important that we can feel safe and secure within our job roles. Within this blog, I will delve deeper into how purpose-led employment can be a source of wellbeing, beyond just economic security, and how a strong organisational culture can provide positivity throughout your life.

Finding purpose and community

The climate crisis impacts all of society differently, but since working with The Carbon Literacy Project, I have realised how interconnected we all are. Once I was aware of the carbon costs of our daily activities, I had my ‘lightbulb moment’ and was instantly welcomed into the larger-than-life Carbon Literacy community. It gave me a sense of purpose in a way I could never have imagined.

This symbiotic relationship with Carbon Literacy has made me realise that, since the beginning of my journey, I was never alone. With loneliness growing year on year in the UK, it is vitally important that our communities provide a sense of escapism, comfort and inclusivity. The Mental Health Foundation has found that more than 40% of 18-24 year olds have reported feelings that Climate Change has had a negative impact on their mental health, with 25% of those aged between 25-44 reported that it made them fear the future.

Building a movement for good

Being in the sustainability space, it often feels like there is a certain sense of responsibility on our shoulders. The growing, global Carbon Literate community provides me with an overwhelming sense of hope for the future, knowing that we are helping establish a zero-carbon society, with the help of our 1,000+ certified training professionals worldwide.

Not only does the power of taking action improve overall well-being, but the knowledge learned along your journey can prove to be multifaceted. Realising the connections between the broader issues faced today and the climate crisis has helped me appreciate the unique position we are in. Working with a plethora of organisations, we share the same aim of establishing more adaptable and resilient organisations with a happier and healthier workforce. Through education and hope, we can combat negative ideologies, creating a truly inclusive future for all.

Creating a nurturing future

Despite the global inequalities of the climate crisis, we must all play our individual roles in creating a brighter, more equal future for us all. As the Project has now instilled knowledge in over 160,000 people and 14,000 organisations, our population has never been more equipped to plant carbon reduction actions across society.

Organisations are realising that the benefits go beyond net zero or sustainability plans. Creating a culture of Carbon Literacy gives their employees a sense of purpose and fulfilment, improving job satisfaction as well as attracting and retaining talent. A study by Deloitte (2024) found that environmental sustainability is continually among the top priorities for Gen Z and Millennial workers.

Whilst at the Project, I have worked with organisations from all seven continents who want to support their people and meet these needs. Working with these organisations has given me a nuanced approach to future trajectories, whilst remaining overwhelmingly positive about our pathways there.

Building positive climate action into daily life

At the end of Carbon Literacy training, we ask learners to pledge two meaningful actions. One that you can complete on your own as an individual, and another that can be completed within a group setting. I will take you through two lifestyle changes I have embedded within my daily life, following Carbon Literacy training that make a meaningful difference – not just to the planet, but to my own wellbeing.

1. Sustainable travel

Following a move to the German capital last year, I was able to return to my family roots whilst working remotely with the Project. Although settling into a new culture and living far away from home wasn’t easy, it was inevitable that I would return home to see friends and family. In my mind, doing this sustainably was non-negotiable. Despite this being a 2,200km return journey, I was able to utilise public transport, allowing for a slower-paced travel, providing both a sustainable and economic alternative to flying. I became a regular on FlixBus and even more so on the Eurostar. These times helped me realise that a holiday is about the journey, not just the destination. You can read more about my travels/findings on a previous post here.

2. Dietary choices

A second lifestyle amendment I have made was through my dietary choices. Growing up, we had always eaten a healthy, varied diet – but it almost always contained meat. Returning home from my year abroad in Sweden, I told my family I had given up eating meat. My parents were initially surprised but eventually respected my decision. Across Sweden, vegan and meat-free alternatives are subsidised and actively encouraged across society.

This choice also impacted my social life, as I would go round to friends’ houses and experiment with different low-carbon vegan festivities, examples including a Midsommar spread, a Seder plate for Passover, and even a Christmas Dinner (to name a few!). Cooking with friends and collectively appreciating the need for low-carbon meals helped me settle into a Swedish society, stay positive for the future, and share the love of food from cultures from across the globe.

Maintaining hope in difficult times

Processing news from across the globe can often be very difficult, making meaningful steps to make a difference seem impossible or even futile, but everything begins with a small step. Find your passion, share your thoughts and how you feel you can change the world around you (no matter how small it may be!). More often than you think, those closest to you will be interested and up for trying something new.

I signed up for Carbon Literacy training on a whim. Now, 5 years later, its teachings have been embedded in my daily routine. The course has enlightened me to become aware of my surroundings, and the Train-the-Trainer (TtT) course really helped me implement these changes within communities worldwide.

The more experience I gain in this sector, the more I understand how my personal role is part of a larger project happening worldwide. Your individual role in this movement should never be understated. The sooner you start, the greater the impact you can have. This revolution is well underway, even as the powers that be try to thwart it. Start your journey today.

This revolution is well underway, even as the powers that be try to thwart it. Start your journey today.

Please feel free to reach out with any questions about my journey. It would be lovely to connect with others and gain insight into some of your own personal ventures!