The best thing you can do for your child's future? Help protect the Earth a little!

The earth is suffering and responds with natural disasters

Looking back at recent times: a large part of the Amazon region has been destroyed. There have been floods, and as I write this blog, the terrible fires in Australia are ongoing. Do the children of today understand the climate problem better than most adults? We as adults 'decide' on their future, and the more I think about it, the more sleepless nights I have (and with a toddler at home, I already have enough of those, haha). For years, I wasn't really concerned with climate change. Sure, you'd hear about it now and then, but it still seemed very distant. I was aware of what could happen to a piece of plastic if I just threw it on the street. And I knew that being a vegan and a long-time vegetarian, I was also saving a lot of pollution.

Ever since I became a mom, I've been much more involved, maybe a bit too much?

But for the most part, humanity just continues with everyday life, while it's clear that a lot is going on with the climate. The lungs of the earth were on fire for days, the area that provided 20% of our planet's oxygen. Are we just ignoring this?! News about celebrities breaking up did make the papers. But it took three weeks before the Netherlands was aware that the Amazon area was on fire. Not the entire area, but a worryingly large part. If all this has been destroyed in just a few months, what will the world look like in 100 years? I think by then there might be no humans left on earth and nature will have taken over. Largely our own fault, in my opinion. Practically all scientists see the link between human activity and climate change: people are massively burning fossil fuels –> much more CO2 in the air –> earth heats up –> adverse effects such as more extreme weather and rising sea levels.

The countries that do not have the money and facilities will be the first to succumb to nature. What can we then consider?

• More flooding as sea levels rise. Especially densely populated coastal areas and river deltas in developing countries will be affected.

• Food shortages in areas becoming drier, resulting in hunger and malnutrition.

• Shortage of drinking water and water for irrigation in areas that are becoming drier.

• Decline in biodiversity (the number of different species) as animal and plant species become extinct. This, for example, also has negative consequences for fisheries.

• The oceans are becoming more acidic. As a result, coral reefs are at risk of dying off. Coral is an important habitat for fish and plants.

• There will be more wildfires and more deserts.

• There is a chance of more frequent and longer heatwaves. This is particularly a risk for the elderly and other vulnerable groups.

And then I immediately think: “What will the world look like in 100 years?”

Of course, I won't be around anymore. Should I really be so worried? Yes, definitely, because my little girl will (hopefully) still be here as a grandmother with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren! I think we all need to be a bit kinder to the earth. Every little bit helps, so start with yourself. Try to use less plastic. This is difficult, I notice that myself. Especially since even a cucumber or bell pepper is wrapped in plastic in most supermarkets. It's better to get these at a greengrocer's, at the market, or an organic store. Of course, this applies to more products than just vegetables.

Secondly, something I strongly support is: eating plant-based

If the entire world would eat vegan, it would make the biggest difference for the climate compared to any other step. You can't achieve this in one day either, but with small steps, you'll get there. And it's fun to think about your meals and the products you use in a different, creative way. Do you know what you save PER DAY by eating vegan?!

– 4164 liters of water

– 20 kilos of grain

- 1 animal life

– 3m2 empty

– 9 kilos of CO2 emissions

Moreover, it's also good for your body. Win-win! If you have any questions about this, you can always send me a message. Of course, there are countless things you can do to contribute to a better climate. But I've highlighted two that I am currently applying myself.

Let's all be a little kinder to the earth for the future of our children. Make a difference! Are you joining? What will be your adjustment in your current life?

EVELINE (enjoying scrolling through my Instagram? Click here!)