While it may seem impossible to make an individual difference in tackling climate change, there are actually loads of personal actions we can take to help. Grace Tighe explains.

What can Chartered Accountants Ireland students do in the face of the climate emergency? Many say we should drive less, fly less and eat less meat, but others argue that personal actions like this are a drop in the ocean when set against the vast systemic changes required to prevent global warming. 

However, research has shown that individual actions can have a wider, knock-on effect by influencing others and changing what’s viewed as “normal”. We can shift the dial and present a new normal for generations to come. 

Small steps 

Small things can often change norms. With rising inflation, it can be hard for students to afford organic produce or switch to an electric vehicle. Here are some cost-effective ways to live a more sustainable lifestyle: 

• Sharpen your recycling skills by learning what is recyclable in your area. This alone makes a huge difference in how much is sent to a waste plant that can actually be recycled. 
• Pay your bills online. You are saving trees one invoice at a time! 
• Treat yourself. If you love fashion, try getting fewer higher quality items when you can. They will usually last longer than fast fashion items, which reduces the amount of waste we produce every year. And look into the second-hand clothing and accessories market. 
• Unplug electronic items that you don’t use regularly. Over time, this can save you a good chunk of change and help reduce your carbon footprint: two birds, one stone.
• Love grabbing coffee in the morning? Have reusable coffee cups ready to go. Some places even give you a discount if you bring your own cup – such a good deal; less money and less pollution.

Company charity days

Some companies have days in which employees can take off to dedicate time to a charitable cause. Using these days will reflect well on you as an employee. 
There are many eco-friendly ways in which the charity day can be used, such as participating in a beach clean-up or contacting one of Ireland’s many environmental charities to volunteer your time and expertise.

Find a cause you care about

There has been an exponential growth in sustainable finance in recent years.  The most significant area of focus has been funding projects that seek to reduce or eliminate greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere. 

Take time to think about your career after your training contract. If you’re interested in the environment, there are green jobs and sustainable career options that can help you make a positive impact. 

If you decide to stay in your training firm or take a role in the green or sustainable sphere after qualifying, there is always the opportunity to increase environmental awareness within the companies you work for. 

In 2015, the UN released its sustainable development goals; 17 interlinked global goals designed to be a “blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all”. Many Irish companies, such as An Post, Musgraves and Vodafone, have chosen specific goals for their company to work towards. You may decide to work on some of these goals in your workplace or introduce the program in your firm. The options are limitless.

Grace Tighe is Chair of CASSI.