Public welfare business consultant Anja Haider-Wallner on the energy crisis: “The crisis can be a motivation to save energy”

"I decided to stop driving my car in the run-up to Easter, regardless of the energy prices. But I also notice a certain level of comfort in my everyday life." Anja Haider-Wallner is a management consultant in the context of the common good economy, game leader at "Living for Grandchildren" and author of the guidebook " How to Save the World ". She gives some tips for the current times of crisis.

Ms. Haider-Wallner, are you actually happy about the high energy prices because people are now starting to think differently?

Anja Haider-Wallner: I am happy when people think about alternatives to get from A to B or to heat their house. It would be cynical to be happy about the high prices, as it affects many people who do not yet have any (affordable) alternatives. 

What options are there to save money without investing?

Anja Haider-Wallner: I like it warm, we usually heat the room to 21.5°C. In view of the gas crisis, we have lowered the temperature by 1°C, which corresponds to savings of 6%. I am surprised myself that I am not cold. I do a lot of sport, which warms you up from the inside, as does a cup of ginger tea. Or I wear an extra layer of clothing. 

How do you react to the high fuel prices?

Anja Haider-Wallner: Regardless of energy prices, I decided to fast from cars in the period before Easter. Although I am careful about my resource consumption, I also notice a certain convenience in my everyday life. When time is short, I hop in the electric car even for short journeys. In the weeks leading up to Easter, I use public transport even more than usual, walk or cycle. The pleasant side effect: I feel fresher, more relaxed and fitter. Of course, this is not so easy, especially in the countryside, where public transport is limited. However, statistics also show that almost half of all journeys made by car are under 5 kilometres. A distance that can easily be covered by bike. If the crisis now motivates you to try it out and you realize how much quality of life you gain - great! Maybe there is something to the saying after all: In every crisis there is an opportunity - in this case for a good future for our grandchildren's generations. 

This all sounds so positive, but shouldn't we just be angry or afraid in view of all the crises that threaten our usual lives?

Anja Haider-Wallner: Of course we all experience these feelings. I advocate not getting stuck, but making the best of it and exploring your own creative freedom. Whether I help people fleeing Ukraine, or buy a small wood-burning stove and store pulses and pasta for times of need. Whether I convert my bike into an e-bike, sell my car and reduce my working hours to spend more time with the children... We almost always have the choice of seeing the glass as half full. I can see it as a sacrifice not to buy a trendy new wardrobe every year, or I can look forward to discovering very special items at the flea market, in the vintage shop or at a clothing swap. Everyone can make a difference in their immediate environment. Maybe we won't save the whole world straight away, but many small actions in many small places can make a big difference! The book " How to Save the World " is full of inspiration.

Book tip:
Anja Haider-Wallner and Mona Haider: How to save the world (compact guide). Small changes with a big impact. The official ideas book for the “Living for Grandchildren” initiative. Mankau Verlag, 1st edition February 2020, paperback, 11.5 x 16.5 cm, color, 158 pages, with enclosed game plan poster (41.6 x 32 cm), 12.00 euros (D) / 12.40 euros (A), ISBN 978-3-86374-550-9

Link recommendations:
Further information on the compact guide “How to save the world”
More about the author Anja Haider-Wallner
More about the author Mona Haider
Our social networks − for questions, criticism, suggestions
To the website of the initiative “Living for Grandchildren”