Ripples to Waves Project

INDIVIDUAL ACTIONS LEADING TO BIG PLANETARY IMPACTS

OUR MISSION

is to galvanize individual actions towards sustainability through data-driven recommendations.

WHO IS THIS PROJECT FOR

Those who are passionate about sustainability and want to know how to most effectively reduce their personal impact on the planet.

WHAT DO WE AIM TO DO

Inspire individual action based on data-driven suggestions on what could lead to the most impact from the perspectives of climate change mitigation, pollution and waste reduction and biodiversity loss prevention.

WHAT WE DO NOT AIM TO DO

Shift responsibility from governments and industry towards consumers. We believe their role is critical for systemic change, but want to lay out what you can do today to both reduce your personal impact and accelerate that change.

THE PROBLEM

Humanity is on an unsustainable consumption trajectory enabled by resource overuse and supply chains that, while economically efficient, typically have significant climate and environmental footprints. This leads to climate change, environmental pollution and biodiversity loss. By some estimates…

...TODAY’S LEVEL OF CONSUMPTION AND WASTE REQUIRES RESOURCES AND THE LEVEL OF REGENERATION OF 1.75 PLANETS.
WE ONLY HAVE ONE.

SYSTEMS APPROACH

In order to reduce our impact on the planet and climate action is required by all groups. Environmental challenges today are not something that any one person, organization, or government can solve in a vacuum.

BUSINESSES

can implement sustainable practices across their operations, innovate in green technologies, and lead by example in influencing their supply chains.

GOVERNMENT

action, too, is non-negotiable in achieving the scale of change needed, as governments have the unique ability to influence various aspects of citizens’ lives to be more sustainable, as well as incentivize businesses towards more environmentally friendly practices.

Individuals, governments, and industry have the opportunity to influence each other to reduce our collective impact on the planet.

THE FOCUS OF THIS PROJECT IS ON WHAT YOU AS AN INDIVIDUAL CAN DO TODAY TO DIRECTLY REDUCE YOUR IMPACT AND INFLUENCE THE OTHER PARTIES.

OF CONSUMERS WANT THE WORLD TO BECOME MORE SUSTAINABLE

OF GLOBAL EMISSIONS ARE A RESULT OF HOUSEHOLD CONSUMPTION DECISIONS

OF GLOBAL FARMLAND CAN BE REDUCED BY HALVING OUR MEAT CONSUMPTION

INDIVIDUAL ACTIONS MATTER

but they should be based on what can make the most difference.

We have analyzed more than 200 original sources to measure the impact of lifestyle changes across
3 DIMENSIONS:

CLIMATE CHANGE
POLLUTION & WASTE
BIODIVERSITY LOSS

Our analysis resulted in TOP 10 ACTIONS to reduce your individual impact on the environment and climate change.

As well as a a SET OF PRINCIPLES for any area of your life.

IMPACT

We drive impact in two ways:

DIRECT CONSUMER EDUCATION

through social media, webinars and climate events participation.

Connect with us to arrange a webinar or see us at

and other events.

PROVIDING DATA TO PARTNER ORGANISATIONS

In 2024, for instance, we partnered with Pledge for the Planet, a platform that fosters community climate action through sports and activity challenges that participants pledge to join.

During the 48 Hour Mission we enabled 1600+ pledges and helped avoid

Kg of CO2e

pieces of waste

2025 has barely begun, yet there have already been major developments for the climate and environment. From confirmation of the planet warming faster than expected and the devastating consequences that follow, to uncertainty in climate finance and a few positive policy steps forward, it’s clear the stakes are higher than ever. Let’s stay informed and keep pushing for change. 🌍💪

Happy New Year, everyone! This year, we launched our page not only to raise awareness about climate and environmental crises but also to share hard data on how individuals can make a difference and even catalyze systemic change. Thank you for being part of this journey and supporting us!✨

2024 also saw a number of climate and environmental wins, and the examples above represent some of the most encouraging and hopeful developments. While progress may seem incremental compared to the scale of the crisis, every breakthrough and success story builds momentum. By learning from these examples and scaling up what works, we reinforce hope that meaningful, global change remains within reach 🌍💚

#ClimateWins #Sustainability #HopeForThePlanet #ClimateAction #GreenFuture #EnvironmentalSuccess #Biodiversity #RenewableEnergy #NatureBasedSolutions #UrbanResilience #GlobalChange #ActOnClimate #TogetherForOurPlanet #PositiveImpact

2024 is yet another year when the urgency of the climate and environmental crises are undeniable. We’re witnessing the impacts of climate change and pollution unfold in real time, alongside setbacks in our efforts to combat them. The stories of extreme weather, the complexities of international negotiations, and the weakening of corporate commitments are all defining this year’s narrative. Here’s our roundup of this year’s most significant challenges 💔

#ClimateCrisis #ActOnClimate #ExtremeWeather #Sustainability #ESGGoals #NetZero #ClimateAction #GlobalWarming #EnvironmentMatters #GreenFuture #TogetherForOurPlanet

Day of Christmas food? Eh, we prefer day after leftovers! 🫣🎄🎶🕯️🔔

#holidays #food #sustainable

Everyone loves a good wedding, so why not make it sustainable? Here are some of our favorite ways to ensure that your wedding is as earth friendly as possible 🌏🌱🎂💞🍾

#wedding #2025weddings #greenwedding

Here are some of our favorite non-plastic decoration ideas inspired by Instagram creators:
🍊 Dried foods like oranges are biodegradable and compostable
✂️ Origami adds a touch of creativity with recyclable or reused paper
🕰️ Vintage decor reduces waste by repurposing pre-loved treasures
🌸 Dried plants and flowers give natural materials a second life
Let’s decorate sustainably this season! 💚✨

#SustainableDecor #EcoFriendlyLiving #LowWasteHolidays #CreativeReuse #ConsciousDecor

Your birthday can be so much more than a party—it’s a chance to connect, learn, and give back to the planet! 🌍💚 By swapping throwaway goods for meaningful, eco-friendly experiences, you’re creating memories that last AND making a positive impact. 🌿🎉

#SustainableCelebrations #EcoFriendlyBirthday #CelebrateWithPurpose #GreenLiving #PlanetFriendlyFun

Looking for thoughtful and eco-friendly gift ideas? 🌿✨ Here are some sustainable gifting inspirations for the season! 💚

#SustainableLiving #EcoFriendlyGifts #GiftIdeas #GreenGifting #SustainableSeason #MindfulGifting #PlanetFriendly #EcoChic #ConsciousConsumer #ZeroWasteGifts

It’s the season of giving, so why not give the planet a break too? 🎄💚 Dreaming of green holidays? Check out these simple tips to celebrate sustainably 🤓🌍

#GreenChristmas #SustainableLiving #EcoFriendlyHolidays #ConsciousCelebration #LowWasteLiving #PlanetLove #HolidayTips #ClimateSmart

Personal celebrations like holidays, weddings, birthdays, and others can leave a big mark on the planet 🌍—from energy use to waste and resource consumption. Let’s rethink how we celebrate! 🎉✨

#SustainableLiving #EcoFriendlyEvents #GreenWeddings #LowWasteLifestyle #EcoFriendlyCelebrations #ClimateAction #SustainabilityMatters

Holidays are here, so this month we’ll be tackling EVENTS! From food waste to encouraging your guests to choose better transport options, we’re excited to share all of our best tips! 🎉🍾🪅🪩

What part of events do you find hardest to make sustainable? Comment below and let us know ⬇️👇

Did you know that how we travel impacts biodiversity? 🌱 🚲✨ Let’s explore local alternatives, share rides, and protect our planet together. 🌍💚

#SustainableTravel #ProtectBiodiversity #GreenChoices

Supporting biodiversity might seem a bit elusive for those living in more urban environments, but a lot of the actions that you already take for the climate ALSO help biodiversity!

In particular, minimizing unnecessary purchasing of products that require metals and minerals can help decrease the environmental burden of mining on ecosystems around the world!

#appliances #electronics #recycle #greenliving #action

When thinking biodiversity, remember your BANKING and you BUYING!

#biodiversity #nature #animals #plants #earthfocus #sustainability

Are you traveling this holiday season? Here are three easy tips to be a more biodiversity-friendly traveller!

🌟Find a Unique Destination — as more amazing locations around the world go viral, communities are often not prepared to manage the number of tourists, straining natural resources and ecosystems. By going somewhere a bit "off the beaten path" you can have a unique experience without contributing to overwhelming the environment in a particular destination

🌟Leave No Trace — when you’re roaming around cities, beaches, mountains, and parks, be mindful to not leave anything behind (trash or otherwise) as items can often get carried away to places they don’t belong by wind or water

🌟Respect the Local Customs — local communities know their environment best, as they’ve been caring for it for years! Eating local foods and using local means of transport (ideally shared public transport if available) are great ways to embrace a new place and make sure you’re taking care of the environment

For more tips on protecting biodiversity and other environmental topics, follow @ripplestowavesproject

Here’s a closer look at how your food choices can make a difference in protecting biodiversity 💚🐍🐢🤍🌲🥗🥙🍤🍣🥑🍓🍎🍋🥝🍉🥦🥒

Why is nature so important? It’s best described by the concept of ecosystem services, or vital benefits humans receive from nature, including resources, environmental regulation, cultural enrichment, and foundational support for all life. See a few examples of that in this reel 💚

As the saying goes, “follow the money,” and that’s exactly what we did. In our previous post, we outlined how governments and the private sector are addressing biodiversity loss. However, given the results we’re seeing and the global financial flows, it’s clear that these efforts fall short. Current funding for nature-based solutions stands at $200 billion ($165bn public and $35bn private), dwarfed by the nearly $7 trillion ($1.7tn public and $5tn private) directed toward activities that harm nature. A transformative shift is essential: the financial system must reduce funding for nature-negative activities to truly address the biodiversity crisis 💚🌿☘️🤑💰

Here are some practical steps you can take to lessen the impact of your lifestyle on biodiversity loss. 🌍 In upcoming posts, we’ll dive into why each action is important. Plus, see what industries and governments are doing to protect our planet’s species. 🐾

Here’s a summary from experts and analysts on the key ways Trump’s election could influence climate and nature.

The latest Living Planet Report is a wake-up call: wildlife populations have dropped by an average of 73% in just 50 years. It’s a powerful reminder of the strain our planet is under from the climate and nature crises, threatening the very systems that support life. These declines aren’t just numbers—they’re urgent signals that we must act to protect our ecosystems before it’s too late 🌍

#LivingPlanetReport #ProtectNature #ClimateAction #Biodiversity

As the UN Biodiversity Conference wraps up in Colombia, we’re kicking off November with a focus on biodiversity! It is at a turning point, facing big challenges from human activities, and we want to break down why it matters so much for a sustainable future. This month, we’ll dive into the latest numbers on human impacts, showcase some inspiring conservation efforts, and talk about the steps we all can take to protect our planet’s amazing ecosystems 💚🌴🌲☘️🌿🐸🐍🐢🐛🌳

The intersection of climate tech and AI is fueling groundbreaking startups that use innovation to tackle climate change. Here are some of the companies we are most excited about that are making a difference in this area.

🌍 As tech reshapes our world, policy evolution is crucial to address its growing environmental impact. Our summary highlights key global and country-specific policies—though progress is being made, gaps persist. From e-waste management to energy-hungry data centers, there’s still a long way to go for truly sustainable tech. It’s a step forward, but we’re not there yet. 🌱💻

Not sure what to do with your old electronics? Donating or recycling them can give them a second life! 😆🙌🏼📲📸💻🔋

To learn more about the sustainability options in your life, join our Ripples to Waves Community 💙💚

What was the last time that you REPAIRED something? 😅 While technology and other products can be pretty complicated, you may be surprised to find that there are many things that you and I can repair, especially with the help of @repaircafefoundation!

🔧🪛🔩 Repairing products is an amazing solution as it avoids new emissions and mining associated with new product manufacturing, while also avoiding the incremental emissions related to recycling of a product. ♻️🌏🏭

So next time you’re having trouble with your phone, laptop, alarm clock, or watch, check out a repair cafe near you!

Looking for a way to be quirky and stand out from the trends? 🤔 Try keeping your current phone for more than 3 years!

Decreasing hardware lifetimes means that electronics like phones, tablets, and TVs contribute not only to GHG emissions, but also the growing amount of e-waste globally.

Stick with us over the next few weeks as we dive into solutions to keep our hardware functional yet sustainable!

#technology #circulareconomy

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