The experts on our team regularly bring you a selection of recommendations and insights related to environmental and social responsibility. Whether it's an enticing book, an intriguing article, a project supporting a great cause or a helpful tool, we'll share our thoughts on why this particular piece spoke to us and why we think this particular topic is important.
Let us know what you think about our recommendations and insights, or whether you’d like to share some of your own tips with us - we’d love to hear from you.
Did you know that volunteering improves both mental and physical health, strengthens social connections, provides a deeper sense of purpose, and at the same time supports career development? These principles are at the heart of Act2Protect (A2P), an organization dedicated to environmental and animal protection that approaches nature as a system of interconnected and interdependent components. Its mission is to support the health of the Central European ecosystem as a whole through a holistic and coordinated approach that enables more effective and longer-lasting results than isolated, fragmented activities. Act2Protect connects experts, non-profit organizations, and the public, creating a network of people who can contribute to nature conservation in ways that match their individual capacities – either directly in the field or through expert collaboration. Thanks to this initiative, I personally took part in an excursion following the tracks of large wild carnivores in the Brdy Mountains and experienced firsthand how powerful the connection between personal experience and practical nature conservation can be. There are many ways to get involved: volunteering in field projects, offering your expertise as a freelancer or specialist, becoming a trained ranger, building long-term expert partnerships, or contributing through financial donations. Act2Protect thus provides a meaningful framework for how each of us can contribute to real, tangible change.
I love cut flowers—they bring joy either to yourself or to someone else. They’re beautiful, they decorate a space, and they lift your spirits. But what really matters is where the flowers come from. There is no limit on pesticide levels in cut flowers in the EU, so they can be toxic and hazardous to health. This issue began to receive more attention in the EU earlier this year due to the case of a French florist whose daughter died of cancer, and authorities confirmed a link between her death and exposure to pesticides during pregnancy. More than 85% of flowers in the Czech Republic are imported, mostly from third countries where pesticide use is barely regulated (we’ll talk about the extreme water consumption in flower cultivation another time…). So where should we buy flowers if we want a sustainable and health-safe option? Unfortunately, the Czech Association of Florists and Floral Designers does not address this issue, but there is the Výkvět Platform, which brings together farmers who grow flowers without pesticides or other harmful chemicals and prioritize ecology and sustainability in their cultivation practices. On the platform’s website, you’ll find a map of pickup locations where you can purchase flowers from these conscientious farmers.
Sustainability is a great topic, but let’s be honest—it’s often hard to talk about without people immediately getting defensive. If you’re looking for inspiration on how to communicate environmental issues with ease, without the scare tactics, and in a way that truly resonates with people, I have a tip for you: the Klimatomluva project, led by Daniel Kortus. Daniel is a huge inspiration for anyone who wants to learn how to tactfully debunk myths and talk about sustainability through positive benefits that we can all relate to. His approach isn’t about bans or restrictions; it’s about finding paths that make sense and actually improve our lives. If you’re like me and trying to spread the word about sustainability—whether at work or in your private life—definitely check out his project or listen to one of his interviews. It’s a masterclass in how to turn a "heavy" subject into something that brings people together instead of driving them apart.
In textiles, the debate often focuses mainly on waste. For companies, however, product-level data will become just as important. Sustainable fashion will not be built only on claims such as “eco” or “circular”, but on the ability to provide specific information: material composition, origin, durability, repairability, recyclability and chemical safety. The EU is already clearly moving in this direction through ecodesign, extended producer responsibility and digital product information. My practical tip for companies is simple: start collecting product data systematically now. Without it, it will become increasingly difficult not only to report properly, but also to credibly explain why a product is truly more sustainable.
Do you know how to spot a company that truly embraces sustainability? Look for the "B" logo! Together with Ayna Pirkuliyeva from Matchstick—which is also B Corp certified—we set out on a slightly unconventional shopping trip: our goal was to find as many B Corp-certified products as possible. And I have to say, we had a blast showing that once you know what to look for, sustainable shopping is surprisingly easy!
There are so many eco-labels out there today, and it’s no wonder people get confused and don’t really trust them. But B Corp certification is a different story. Behind that little “B” lies the rigorous B Impact Assessment—where an independent audit examines how a company truly treats its employees, community, customers, and the planet. No greenwashing, just verified responsibility. And what’s more— B Corp companies create such inspirational stories in sustainability that you can't help falling for them!
So next time you’re shopping—try looking for the “B.” You might be surprised by how many you find!
Recently, I started getting involved again in my previous work after a several-month parental leave. Maintaining know-how, professional contacts, mental balance, and self-confidence has a long-term impact not only on individuals but also on companies, which don’t lose experienced people this way. Not all parents want or are able to stay professionally active during parental leave, but those who would like to—or need to—should have the opportunity.
A great resource is the platform Mumdoo. It connects companies with qualified professionals seeking flexible forms of collaboration. It helps companies find experienced talent for part-time roles and project-based work, while offering women on parental leave the chance to stay active, continue developing, and remain connected to their field.
For inspiration, I also recommend their podcast Mámy to chtěj taky, which openly addresses topics of work and parenthood and offers real-life experiences as well as practical advice that you don’t usually hear elsewhere.
Involving parents during parental leave is not just a “nice to have,” but a best practice in social sustainability—it helps companies retain talent, strengthens diversity, and supports both the economic and psychological stability of families. Data shows that most parents are interested in flexible work, but real opportunities are still lacking. And let’s not forget that we’re talking about both mothers and fathers.
https://www.mumdoo.cz/
https://www.mumdoo.cz/podcast
