Embracing simple ways to do better
Today’s younger cohorts are reshaping their approach to everyday transportation, diverging from traditional car-centric lifestyles. Instead, they gravitate towards walkable communities and embrace micromobility solutions like bikes and scooters, seeking efficiency and sustainability. Moreover, Gen Z individuals are carving out spaces in urban settings, where they find respite from the digital overload by indulging in simple, nature-oriented hobbies. These activities provide a break from the hustle and bustle of modern life and foster a deeper connection with the environment. By recognizing and participating in these shifts, you can become part of a movement toward a more balanced and harmonious way of living. So, delve into the details below to explore how to engage actively in this transformative journey!
Walkable cities & micro-mobility
Euronews, along with a 2024 Compare the Market Australia report, unveiled a fascinating discovery: Europe gives home to nine of the world’s most walkable cities! Picture yourself strolling through the romantic streets of Venice, Italy, or getting lost in the enchanting alleys of Prague, Czech Republic. Feel the vibrant energy of Split, Croatia, as you wander through its historic streets. In Munich, Germany, a staggering 86% of the population lives within walking distance of a car-free space, making it a haven for pedestrians. And let’s remember Amsterdam, Netherlands, where walkers and cyclists reign supreme, exploring its charming canals and picturesque streets.
Speaking of Amsterdam, Micromobility Europe, taking place June 5-6, will be jam-packed with opportunities to ride the most innovative new electric scooters, bikes, boards, and buggies. The conference will explore critical issues redefining urban mobility: the energy crisis, post-COVID street space, last-mile delivery, WFH trends, 15-minute cities, supply chain disruptions, urban sustainability, and more! IKEA may have lead at the forefront of this trend in 2020 when they tested a parking lot-free store in Vienna to encourage walking, biking, and mass transportation. The retailer’s urban strategy centers on smaller stores and green features, enabling car-free shopping, aligning with their goal to operate “climate positive” by 2030. IKEA believes today’s labor force wants to live in urban areas, ditch automobiles, walk, or take public transportation.
Young people, old hobbies
Have you noticed trendy Gen Z types of bird-watching, urban fishing, and foraging in cities on social media? You have made the right observation. Young people are embracing this trend of “slow living” with “old” or “grandpa” hobbies, attempting to connect with nature and cut down on screen time. With 362.4M posts on TikTok, one hobby is experiencing a surprising renaissance: bird-watching. Gen Z seems to feature a cohort of ornithologists, connecting with birds as a type of mindfulness to help distract and calm the mind. Modern birding apps are becoming popular for bird-watchers on the go, iBird Pro Guide to Birds. In London, Leica Camera hosted a recent urban bird walk with conservationist Ella Kaye and the Feminist Bird Club. The Urban Birder World offers remarkable bird tours, from urban birding in Mongolia to migration watching in Lesvos, Greece.
Gen Z gone fishing? Fishing-centric content on TikTok has also taken off, with searches for terms like #streetfishing, #carpfishing and #predatorfishing on the rise. Similarly, fishing has become a popular leisure activity on the Chinese TikTok sister app Douyin, with related posts gathering over 80 billion views. Then, some celebrities are fueling the calming reputation of fishing, including Rihanna and Rita Ora, who say angling relaxes them. Londoner Ora has taken advantage of Fishing Booker, offering more than the Thames and three types of fishery in the city, including rivers, canals, and stillwaters.
Staying on the topic of urban pursuits, foraging has surged in popularity. People have realized that cities abound with edible vegetation, including tree nuts, plant roots, mushrooms, and even flowers, growing freely. Experts suggest that beginner hobbyists get familiar with local laws and what has been deemed safe to consume/harvest. The demand for wild food educators has grown so rapidly they’re cropping up with safe foraging tips and techniques. How about a foraging tour in Berlin by Edible Alchemy?
Do just one thing
Danny Seo, a global environmental lifestyle expert, believes you can make more conscious changes one at a time. A permanent guest on The Drew Barrymore Show, he recently published Do Just One Thing: 365 Ideas for a Better You, Life, and Planet.
At Symrise, we believe in empowering you to make better daily decisions. Please share some of the positive chanwges you have made recently and comment below!
