All eyes on Carlijn

In this 'All eyes on you' Carlijn shares her view on sustainability. Carlijn is 38 and lives with her husband Bart and 2 children in Haarlem. She studied criminal law and now works for the government. With her conscious choices, she lives according to the philosophy of Trashious: Where some see trash, we see opportunities. But what does that mean to her? And how does she keep everything in balance?

Trashious' pay-off is: Where some see trash, we see opportunities. How does this resonate with you?

When you are still a child, this slogan is written on everyone's body. The trick is to keep seeing those opportunities. Being innovative and creative and persevering in that suits me well, but what specifically appeals to me is the sustainability that goes hand in hand with this; waste products that are given a new life! Beautiful bags that are a conscious choice.

When do you feel strongest? (Other than opening a jar of pickles without help.)

If my life is in balance: work, children, relationship, friends, health etc. If one of these factors is unstable, I have to make choices that restore this balance. I can feel extra powerful if, for example, I give a presentation with confidence that is well received.

Who or what gives you that kick in the butt when you need it?

That's often me, but also my husband and girlfriends. That kick in the butt can also be a mirror; a different view of a situation or an attempt to slow me down when I'm doing too much.

How do you minimize your footprint on the world? (For example, are you good at eating leftovers?)

We are part of the problem, but also part of the solution, I am very consciously working on that. Cycling instead of driving (or driving electric), sustainable and second-hand clothing, heating low, consuming less meat, etc. Our neighborhood will eventually switch to heating with solar heat, which we would like to join. If we as consumers make good choices, then the most polluting companies will also have to adapt.

What's the best advice you've ever received or given?

Daring is losing your balance for a moment and the opposite of uncertainty is not certainty, but trust. But also not to forget: do not start a discussion with someone who comes home hungry.

What was your first job?

I think it is important to work for your money as early as possible and learn the value of money. For me, that started with babysitting and working in the pastry department of HEMA, complete with sexy visor.

What is the best compliment you have ever received?

The bad thing is that I can easily recall some nasty comments word for word, but only remember the gist of the nice compliments. You should really write them down! It's wonderful to hear that I'm doing well as a mother, but actually every compliment you receive, no matter how small, is just as valuable. A small compliment can set off a chain reaction of positivity.

In which 3 hashtags would you describe yourself?

#Go-getter #Naturelover #Laughterroar

In which 3 hashtags would you describe Trashious?

#Wastewarriors #Statementpiece #Bagswithagreenfootprint Want to be in the spotlight and be part of All Eyes on You? Share your story here .