Sustainably Yours Photo Competition, 2019

Many of goods and services contributing to our quality of life and well-being exert pressure on the environment and global climate. The way we consume and produce (and discard) these goods and services releases pollutants, damages natural habitats and contributes to climate change – all which in turn harm our health and life on Earth. In fact, supported by over-arching European Union policies, many authorities and organisations across Europe are already taking action to reduce negative impacts. To highlight the importance of living sustainably, the European Environment Agency is organising the photography competition Sustainably Yours.

Every year, the EEA organises a photo competition to raise awareness about an environmental issue and allow Europeans to share their takes on that issue. This year’s competition Sustainably Yours focuses on the importance of living sustainably.

Sustainably Yours aims to highlight challenges and opportunities linked to three of the main key systems: food, energy and mobility.

Participants can submit photographs depicting any of the following three categories:

1. Sustainable food
Along with clean air and drinking water, access to nutritious food at affordable prices is a key factor determining our health and well-being. But a significant share of our environmental impacts comes from what we eat. To produce our food, we use key resources such as land and water, complemented by fertilisers and pesticides to increase yields. We catch more fish than the seas can replenish.

Before reaching our plates, our food often gets processed, packaged and transported – all of which also use resources like energy and water. We also waste food at each step through this journey, including at home. From grazing cattle, chicken farms, endless corn fields, organic tomatoes and slaughterhouses to supermarkets, all are part of the food system. Is eating organic food or less meat the key to sustainable food? Can you capture how the food system impacts the environment? Can you share inspiring initiatives or solutions to reduce its impacts?

2. Sustainable energy
Energy is essential for many of our economic activities. We use it to heat or cool our homes, wash our laundry, cook and produce food and to manufacture products ranging from computers to clothes. Cars, planes, trains, electronic devices including mobile phones all need energy. Today our energy need is largely met by fossil fuels, including oil and coal, which have substantial impacts on the environment and global climate.

In fact, from solar to wind, renewable clean energies have increasingly been put to use in everyday activities. New homes and appliances come with energy saving features. What are the ‘road blocks’ ahead? Can you capture the clean energy sources around you?

3. Sustainable mobility
Moving around is essential part of our lives. We go to work, to school, to visit family and friends, or we go on holidays to discover new places. Just like us, many of the goods we use and consume get transported from far and near. The mobility system today connects people and cultures through a web of flight and shipping routes, rails tracks, roads and even cycling paths. Our assessments show that the transport sector contributes to climate change and environmental degradation, including poor air quality and noise. And the demand for transport is expected to increase, resulting in more flights, more emissions, more cars on the road, more time spent in traffic jams... From planning more compact cities to efficient engines and clean fuels, can you capture the challenges and opportunities towards sustainable mobility? Can you walk or cycle instead of driving? Is electric-car sharing or using public transport a better alternative to owning a car?

For more information please visit the following link:
Sustainably Yours Photo Competition, 2019