Interview with Karlijn Visser
Karlijn Visser is the co-founder of Holistik, an online lifestyle magazine for the stylish and sustainable do-gooder. So who else would we ask for their insights on sustainability? Being green is an important part of Karlijn’s life. We wanted to know more.
1. What was the reason you decided to start living more sustainable?
The realization that I do not live in this world alone, and that probably more generations after me will have to live on earth triggered me to live more sustainably. Another reason is these horror videos on worldwide pollution, due to plastic, which is causing a higher death rate of fish and animals. It can’t go on like this! And I know for sure that one person can make a huge difference.
2. How did you get started? What were the easiest and the hardest part in the beginning?
Little changes in your lifestyle can have a huge impact. I always try to have as few appliances on standby as possible. This saves electricity as well as money. That is the fun part of a sustainable lifestyle; it often saves you money as well. I am a huge supporter of using the bike in the city. Even when it rains, I won’t order a taxi. Another tip: always have a small, cotton, re-usable bag with you to work. Just in case you want to go to the supermarket after work. This saves you from having to pay and use a plastic bag.
3. How can people easily make small changes to their lifestyle to make it more sustainable?
Commit to not throw away clothing anymore. Invest in more (expensive) clothing of which you know the charity and second-hand stores are willing to take them in after you are done with them. I love wat Urban Goddess yoga wear does with clothing that their customers don’t want to wear anymore. To have the old clothes returned to them and they recycle it. The reward is an extra discount on your next buy in their store. A great initiative!
What I also keep in mind (even though I can’t always do it because of work) is traveling. Go on 1 or 2 big holidays a year instead of several smaller ones. That is better for the environment. If we are talking about care products: when you can, don’t use spray-type products because of the c02 exhaust. Another great thing you can do: share subscriptions. In our editorial office we share all kinds of magazines. It is a great way to save paper, and therefore trees.
4. A lot of people, and especially woman, are prone to impulse buys. One in three items we buy never sees the light of day. What would you recommend are the best 3 questions to ask yourself before you buy anything:
1. Do you think that you are going to wear that item more than 30 times? If yes, go for it!
2. Can you combine it with other items in your wardrobe with ease? If yes, then you don’t have to buy an extra top for the new leggings.
3. Is the product you want to buy made in a fair, ethical way? So, not made by children or with material that is bad for the environment?
5. Some people find it hard to see what kind of fit or colors suit them. One top could look great on me, but not so great on you. What would your advice be?
Invest in a couple of sessions with a personal shopper / stylist and start with a wardrobe detox. I recently did that with Bodo Breg. It was embarrassing: I had at least 7 garbage bags full of clothing that I took to the vintage shop. When your wardrobe is sorted on color and type you will have better overview. Bodo was able to tell me exactly which items I should combine, which colors made me shine and which items showed off my figure in the best light. With these sessions we created a sustainable basis for the all the future shopping trips in the next couple of years. I would recommend it to everyone!