Ekvilib

Ekvilib institute is guided by numerous values that we want to effectively build into our daily operation, and also extend them outside our organization.

We believe that change starts with each individual, and that is why we would like to highlight and promote awareness of the responsibilities we all have as individuals in global development. We want to spread examples of good practices, a part of which we try to be as well and show that even a small change is a step towards visible results.

We list a few suggestions of small everyday changes each of us can make. These changes do not require much effort, time or money, but they certainly reflect our awareness of global responsibilities.

• Water: Because drinking water is starting to present a major challenge and problem facing many countries in the world, a prudent use of it is a responsibility of each of us. Do you really need to keep the water the whole time you’re washing your teeth? Is it really necessary to wash only a few peaces of clothes in a washing machine?
• Electricity: by replacing standard light bulbs for low energy ones you can reduce power consumption. Simple and effective changes are also: switching off the lights when we do not need it, switching off electronic devices such as computers, TVs, etc..; lowering the room temperature; reduced and controlled use of household appliances and buying devices that have lower power consumption (eg Class A).
• Separate your waste (recycle), as by doing this you contribute to reduction of energy consumption, CO2 emissions and therefore a cleaner environment. Much garbage, which ends up in the landfill, can be reused.
• Environment and health friendly products: People spend more and more time killing microbes and bacteria in our environment, without thinking of the negative consequences caused by aggressive use of these products on our health and environment. These products are found in most of articles we use every day: cosmetics, detergents and cleaning products, etc. We should try to avoid these aggressive products, as many alternatives, that are based on natural production, are now widely available, many of them are organic, and thus do not require unnecessary testing of products or ingredients on animals.
• Healthy nutrition: A balanced diet is crucial for our health and well-being. However, few of us eat according to a balanced diet regularly. Reducing meat can be the first step to a healthier diet. Few people are aware that mass livestock production is one of big contributors to CO2 and methane pollution. Our menu should include as much seasonal and organic food as possible. In this way we can support many smaller, local farms. This also contributes to local development and unnecessary transport of food.
• Fair Trade: We as consumers rarely know about the origin of the products we buy. By buying Fair Trade products we support and contribute to the empowerment of smaller, weaker producers who normally would have been exploited by international trade.
• Mobility: In Slovenia, over 20% of greenhouse gas emissions come from transport. If the route requires the use of a car the drive should be effective and economical. When purchasing a new car it should have the lowest possible emissions of CO2. As often as possible, we should use public transport such as bus and train. Of course, most environment and health friendly is using a bike or simply walking.
• Transfer of habits and good practices: Individual action does not end at home. Each of us has the possibility to spread examples of good practices into his or her wider environment, including family members, friends, acquaintances and colleagues. Small changes can lead to strong bonds, which only strengthen our interpersonal relationships.

And again: Get active: support a non-governmental organization that works towards long-term structural changes, be it a human rights organization, environmental organization, animal welfare, etc. You can show support as a volunteer, supporter, member, or by donations and signing various petitions.