The Ultimate Workout For The Environment
Why?
We engage in exercise to strengthen our bodies and enrich our health. However, beyond our personal wellness, the vitality of our environment is equally essential to our collective well-being. Therefore, it is imperative for each of us to actively engage in solutions and advocate for the preservation of our environment.
This workout offers you the opportunity to integrate environmentally friendly habits into your everyday life, step by step, week by week, and explains why every contribution counts.
Much like Arnold Schwarzenegger‘s advice for newcomers to the world of fitness, his words are equally applicable to our environmental pursuits: “My advice to beginners is simple: begin. And don‘t stop until it becomes a routine. For many people, the first step is the hardest. So, find something, anything, that you can do and keep at it.”
WORKOUT GUIDE:
Seven weeks, seven topics: Each week addresses an important aspect for more environmental protection. Sustainable mobility, nutrition, resource management, clean energy, communication, conscious consumption, and a clean environment are essential for our planet.
Set off and choose at least one of the three exercises with different repetitions each week. Integrate them into your everyday life and read about the important contribution you are making. In the best-case scenario, you will stick with it forever and not only do something good for the environment but also for yourself.
WORKOUT TIPS:
• Do you want to train even harder but don‘t know how? For a greater effect: just do one more repetition!
• If you miss an exercise: don‘t be too hard on yourself. Concentrate on doing all the repetitions again next week.
• Working out is more fun with a friend. Go ahead and find a workout partner!
Less Is More
Use a reusable water bottle.
Leave no Trash Behind
Repair something, instead of buying new
Why?
As the world‘s population and economies have grown, the global production of materials such as plastics, paper, and aluminum has also increased significantly. It is estimated that every person on earth produces an average of 0.74 kilograms of waste per day.
However, this ranges from 0.11 to 4.54 kilograms, with high-income countries producing more than a third of the 2.01 billion tons of waste generated worldwide each year. If not managed correctly, this leads to pollution of ecosystems such as rivers, lakes, and oceans. By embracing the 5 Rs – Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot – we can significantly minimize our environmental impact. These principles empower us to make conscious choices that promote sustainability and minimize waste generation throughout our daily lives.
Let’s Get Moving
Why?
Ride your bike to work.
Walk short distances.
Plan your next trip by train.
You Are What You Eat
Buy seasonal food.
Cook a “leftover” meal.
Eat (more) plant-based meals.
Why?
Clean Energy For A Brighter Tomorrow
Why?
Energy is vital for our daily routines, spanning electricity, heat, and transportation needs. Moreover, our economic activities, notably industry, heavily rely on energy consumption.
However, our existing energy infrastructure, predominantly fueled by oil, coal, and gas, is a primary contributor to global warming, accounting for roughly 75% of total greenhouse gas emissions. Thus, it‘s imperative to transition our energy generation and utilization towards cleaner technologies like solar panels, batteries, and heat pumps. However, the best solution is to use less energy in the first place.
Switch to a green electricity provider.
Bye Bye Stand-By:
Switch off your devices completely.
Shower for one minute less than usual .
Reduce, Reuse, Rethink.
Go to a (online) second-hand market.
Borrow something (i.e. camping equipment) instead of buying.
Ask yourself if you really need it before buying.
Why?
Go Local – Support Your Community
Why?
Going local means choosing to buy regional products, support local businesses, and engage with community initiatives. It’s a simple but powerful way to strengthen the local economy, build social connections, and reduce environmental impact. By shortening supply chains and cutting transport emissions, going local directly contributes to climate protection. Research shows that for every 100 euros spent at a local business, up to 70 euros stay in the community – compared to just around 40 euros when spent at large chains. That means more value for local jobs, local ideas, and local solutions to global problems. In the face of the climate crisis, strong and resilient communities are not just nice to have – they’re essential.
Buy seasonal food from local farmers or markets.
Choose a local shop or restaurant over big chains.
Visit or support a local initiative.
Spread The Word – Unite In Action
Visit the AUSTRIAN WORLD SUMMIT 2025 or tune into the LIVE-stream
Tell a friend about your favorite environmental initiative.
UNITE IN ACTION
Why?
The behavior of a few can have a significant impact on the behavior of many. If a small change triggers an abrupt and often irreversible change, then we are at a so-called tipping point. One example is the famous butterfly effect, according to which a flap of wings can trigger a storm. However, such tipping points are not only found in nature; scientific studies have shown that social tipping points can also accelerate societal change.
Research suggests that this critical point of social change is reached when around 20 – 25% of the population is involved. It is therefore crucial that we communicate in diverse and creative ways about our environment and our planet. This way, we can all do our part and work together to greatly accelerate climate-friendly behavior in society.
