Haskoning: Babette Porcelijn

In this compelling talk, designer and sustainability author Babette Porcelijn unpacks the eye‑opening findings from her book The Hidden Impact. With clarity and conviction, she reveals how much of our environmental footprint is hidden—ranging from the products we buy and the meat we eat, to the water and energy consumed “out of sight.”

Babette shares gripping insights: the biggest environmental impacts for the average Western consumer aren’t air travel or car use, but buying “stuff”—electronics, furniture, everyday items—that carry huge hidden costs.

Throughout the talk at Haskoning, she masterfully blends powerful infographics with actionable steps—“Better, Different, Less”—to empower people to reduce their footprints. She also reflects on her own lifestyle changes: shifting to a vegetarian diet, ditching car and flights, and choosing minimalism for both health and happiness.