Coaching Column: Creating a sustainable life in the city
Sam Mednick is a professional life and executive coach based in Barcelona (www.blueprintcoaching.ca). A Canadian native, she’s been living in the city for eight years working with companies as well as individuals focusing on transitions, communication, leadership training, time management and productivity, as well as emotional intelligence development. For more coaching tips, tune into her Podcast.
SAM SAYS... CREATE A SUSTAINABLE LIFE IN THE CITY
Dear Sam,
I just moved to Barcelona from California where I led an extremely ‘conscious’ life (for lack of a better word) when it came to the environment, my carbon footprint and the food I was eating. I know ‘farm to fork’ is all the rage right now and this is something that I truly embodied when living out west. What I’ve been struggling with since moving here is how to incorporate these values into my lifestyle. I realise it’s a different city and culture, but I do see restaurants and shops catering more to people who care about these issues and I was wondering if you had any tips or advice.
Thanks so much for your help.
Striving to be Sustainable
Hi Striving to be Sustainable,
Thanks for bringing this topic to the table. It’s something we’ve touched on briefly in this column but have never delved into. You’re right that terms like slow food, organic, ecological and 0KM are very much on trend, and although it might not be as obvious or as overt as in the States, there is a movement in Barcelona to be more sustainable. As this isn’t my area of expertise, I’ve brought in Guillaume, co-founder of Barcelona Slow Travel, a company dedicated to sustainable tourism, to help answer your questions.
Q: How can I live a more sustainable life in Barcelona?
Guillaume: There are plenty of ways and it usually comes down to just improving or adjusting our habits. To get started here are a few main areas to focus on:
• Transport: Try walking or biking whenever possible. Barcelona has ramped up its bike lanes quite a lot and it’s a lot easier to cycle throughout the city now. If you don’t have a bike, sign up for Bicing, it’s economical and easy to use.
• Purchases: Frequent ‘slow shops’ for more sustainable shopping. These stores offer everything that’s local, ethical and organic from clothes to children’s toys. Gràcia is a great place for sustainable shopping in the city.
• Be a ‘DIYer’: Create your own furniture by reusing old materials. If you’re not up to the challenge there are many shops in town that make incredible handmade recycled pieces.
Q: Where can I source my food (meat and otherwise)? Do you have any suggestions or any specific farmers or people I should get in touch with?
Guillaume: Try to source food from small, local and, if possible, organic producers.
Here are two small producers that I personally like:
• Horta Pla de Munt: They grow most of their local veggies and some seasonal fruits, and all of it’s organic. You can also shop online and they will deliver once a week to your home in Barcelona.
• Cal Roio: They have a great sustainable project in which they produce organic chicken, and they also sell other meats. If you order a lot they’ll deliver straight to your door, and if not there are many shops and cooperatives where you can find their products in Barcelona.
Q: Is there anything I should stop doing that’s not helping me lead a more sustainable existence in Barcelona?
Guillaume: I’d say the essential thing to stop doing is thinking negatively (which it doesn’t sound like you do). For example, if you think that ‘whatever I do won’t make a difference’, this isn’t true and definitely isn’t helpful. Any small step towards increased sustainability is a small victory in and of itself and will encourage others to follow your path.
To share your thoughts on this column or ask Sam a question email sam@blueprintcoaching.ca, or write to Metropolitan at editorial@barcelona-metropolitan.com.