Simple yet effective ways to act on climate change – tips for everyday life
In 2019, during the first year of her master’s studies in the Creative Sustainability (CS) programme, Rinna Saramäki together with her publisher Otava released a book on 250 climate actions to save the world (‘250 ilmastotekoa joilla pelastat maailman’). The books gives readers clear and easy to follow steps for taking climate action, whilst also providing readers with the facts that the actions are based on.
Saramäki’s book is written for people who would like to act in a sustainable way, but are too busy to look up the details of every decision.
‘When people haven’t done their research, they tend to take up random habits that they believe enhance sustainability. This is not very effective,’ Saramäki notes. ‘My goal was to write a book that offers effective actions with sound background research already done for the reader.’
The writing of the book coincided with the development of AaltoSDG mobile application. The mobile application supports Aalto University’s work on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and aims to bring sustainable actions closer to people's everyday lives.
Both Saramäki’s book and AaltoSDG aim to build the users knowledge on sustainability topics alongside suggesting concrete actions.
‘I hope us students will normalize climate action in our future workplaces. The more people see climate action as a normal necessity, the easier it is to take action,’ says Saramäki.
Sustainability during social distancing
Saramäki believes that sustainable lifestyle changes can be made during the coronavirus pandemic.
‘The current situation has showed us that we can change our habits, even in a larger scale, when we have to do so. For example, there has been a clear shift in people’s travelling habits this spring as many holiday flights and work trips have been skipped, says Saramäki. ‘This shows that we are able to learn new practices for both work and leisure.’
In addition, the newly found free time can be used to take action for the environment. For example, Sarimäki participated in the AaltoSDG biking challenge and says it was nice to get a reminder that something so common has a positive climate impact.
‘Now is also great time to find inspiration for cooking by trying out new climate-friendly recipes. Food is one of the largest emission sources for households,’ notes Saramäki. ‘Eating in a climate-friendly manner is no harder than eating in a greenhouse gas intensive way. The hardest part is the transition period.’
Follow Rinna Saramäki’s climate action tips on Instagram @200ilmastotekoa.
Check out the AaltoSDG app by downloading it from or .
Read more /en/sustainability/aaltosdg-mobile-application.
AaltoSDG has been created by Aalto Sustainability Hub, Aalto University IT, Aalto University Student Union and Aalto University Campus and Real Estate (Aalto CRE) in collaboration with Geniem.
Text: Aino Saarelainen, AaltoSDG trainee and master’s student in CS & Emma Sairanen, Aalto Sustainability Hub trainee and master’s student in biotechnology
Read more news
Summer digest for doctoral students
Suggestions and reminders for the summer months
FITech Network University's new project increases the network’s capabilities in continuous learning
FITech's new FITech FORWARD project aims to develop the member universities’ ability to create offerings of continuous learning and micro-credentials to meet the current skill needs in the field of technology. Besides Aalto University, also Tampere University, University of Oulu, and University of Vaasa are involved in the project.
Celebrating 30 Years of Innovation: Aalto University's Information Technology Program Turns 30
This summer, Aalto University’s Information Technology Program (ITP) celebrates its 30th anniversary. Founded in 1995, ITP is a full-time, three-month (30 ECTS) summer minor that brings together students from around the world and across disciplines.