What sustainable habits do you consider important in your daily life?

For me, a sustainable lifestyle starts with conscious decisions.

Firstly, I consider physical activity very important. Since I often have meetings in the university's main building, it's a great opportunity to walk there from the Science building, get in a good number of steps, and spend a few minutes with my thoughts. I prefer stairs over the elevator. I've also been using my own shopping basket for years, which I always take with me to the store.

Gardening and growing my own food have become an important part of my lifestyle. I freeze berries, cook jams, and notice that home-grown food feels more precious — I don’t waste it carelessly, and every bite feels valuable.

At the institute, we've organized challenges around energy efficiency, recycling, waste reduction, and more, which have changed our collective mindset. This has encouraged sharing — if something is leftover, others can use it. Staff are making better and more thoughtful decisions. Personally, ever since our energy-saving challenge, I’ve always turned off the lights when leaving a room — a small step, but a habit that sticks.

Many people justify ignoring sustainable choices by saying one person's actions won’t change anything anyway. How does your behavior help make the world better for yourself and others?

I believe every person’s contribution matters, even if it seems small. Big changes start with small steps and setting an example. I’ve noticed that when one person makes conscious choices, it tends to spread — others naturally follow. It creates a positive chain reaction where small changes lead to a big impact. At home, I try to lead by example for my kids so they grow up valuing thoughtful choices and resource conservation. I involve them in sorting waste and we take things for reuse together. The children regularly pick out toys, books, and other items they no longer need, and we donate them so they can bring joy to someone else. At work, too, I’ve noticed that challenges and shared goals truly bring change. They get people thinking and acting more consciously. In teamwork, it’s important that as many people as possible contribute, and as a leader I try to encourage and support my colleagues so that sustainable choices become a natural part of our everyday lives.

What gives you the strength to find solutions or inspire others when news about the planet's state is worrying?

I draw strength and motivation primarily from being with my family and working in my garden. But collaboration and community are definitely very important to me. At the university, there’s an active women leaders’ club, where we openly discuss even difficult and worrying topics during our meetings. These discussions offer support and help to see that we are not alone in our concerns.

One of the most inspiring initiatives this fall has been the club’s weekly Pilates classes, which help improve posture and movement awareness, supporting both physical and mental well-being. It’s so important to take care of yourself — only then can we truly inspire and support others. Last year, our institute also held a mental health challenge focusing on holistic well-being: mental and physical health and nutrition. One heartwarming example was a compliment jar, where colleagues could leave kind words and encouraging thoughts for each other.

I believe that a safe, caring, and inspiring work environment is key for people to feel good and be willing to co-create solutions. What gives me strength is knowing that everyone can contribute in their role. When I see that my own or our team’s efforts are creating positive change, it gives me energy and confidence to keep going.

In addition, at the Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, we actively contribute to research focused on developing more sustainable technologies, creating healthier food choices, and promoting a circular economy. Knowing that our work truly helps shape a greener future is a major source of motivation.

Give one good piece of advice to those struggling with climate anxiety and hopelessness about the future.

We don’t have to save the world alone, but together we can create change. Change begins with people who don’t get stuck in feelings of hopelessness but instead seek and create solutions — even step by step. You can start with small, realistic steps that are within your control — whether it’s sorting waste, changing your movement habits, or inspiring others. Small changes gradually bring greater impact, giving both yourself and the world a chance for a better tomorrow.