At The Usual, we believe change doesn’t always require a grand stage. Most of the time, it starts with the "usual" things, done with a little more heart. This is our Season of Impact: 31 small acts that create endless ripple effects. We’ve organised these acts into four categories so you can uplift the world, your community, and your own purpose, any time of the year.
The 31-day ripple effect
Your guide to a Season of Impact all year round
F O R T H E P L A N E T :
Clear your (digital) space, shrink your footprint.
Deleting old files and emails helps cut down cloud energy use. Did you know that The Cloud now has a bigger carbon footprint than the airline industry, and a single data centre can use as much electricity as 50.000 homes? (Source: MIT Computing)
Travel smart by @TheGreenList
City trip? Plan a route along second-hand shops, vegetarian restaurants & more sustainable hotspots. This way, you’ll naturally find yourself in the fun (local) neighbourhoods, far from mass tourism.
Seasonal sips
Try our seasonal favourites: Hot Chocolate, Pumpkin Spice Latte, and Mulled Wine. Bring your own cup for 10% off your takeaway. Because small choices brew big impact.
Impact in numbers
Remember: every direct booking at The Usual removes 1 kg of river waste via CLEAR RIVERS. Together, we’ve removed 15,926 kg so far!
Zero waste bites
Try a recipe made with leftovers.
Tip: Soups, stir-fries, and frittatas are perfect ways to reinvent yesterday’s meals.
Reusable Swap Challenge
Swap one single-use plastic item for a reusable alternative today.
Tip: Try a reusable water bottle, coffee cup, shopping bag, or cutlery set.
Compost Magic
Turn kitchen scraps like coffee grounds, eggshells & veggie peels into nutrient-rich soil.
Tip: Start your bin with wood chips at the bottom; it keeps airflow flowing, worms happy, and your compost smelling sweet.
Local shout-out to @Groentenzondergrenzen
Looking for inspiration? Groenten Zonder Grenzen (Rotterdam) is a brilliant project to check out for sustainable, vegan recipes. They're dedicated to helping you cook delicious meals while achieving Zero Food Waste. Their mission makes a huge local impact.
Partner spotlight - @RamonKnoester from Clear Rivers by @GiselaBoersma (ESG manager @The Usual)
Partnering with Ramon, founder of CLEAR RIVERS, means working alongside someone deeply committed to restoring the world’s rivers. His approach goes far beyond cleanups alone: Ramon brings together young minds to create circular solutions that transform river waste into new products. By combining environmental action with innovation and education, he’s building cleaner rivers while empowering the next generation to rethink waste and responsibility.
Plant Power
Plant a tree, flowers, or even a small herb garden. Even a few pots on a balcony or windowsill count: herbs, succulents, or wildflowers can make a big difference over time.
F O R O U R C O M M U N I T I E S / C I T I E S :
Kindness brew
Buy a coffee for a stranger today; caffeine & connection go a long way. Mention this post to one of our hosts and receive 10% off.
Agents of change - Daniel from Modern AfriQa
"I’m Daniel Grmazion, founder of Modern AfriQa (which was born after my sabbatical and travels to different countries in Africa in 2022), which is a platform I created from a deep desire to rebuild the sense of community we’re losing in an increasingly digital and individualised world. By reclaiming our narratives and reconnecting with the communal values of the Afro-diaspora."
Smile Challenge
Smile at five strangers today. Count how many smiles you get in return.
Say thanks
Tell someone from your team, neighbourhood, or circle that you appreciate them.
Agents of change - @AlbaPregja from @Womadebrussels
"WoMade is a women-focused coworking space and community creating safe, inspiring spaces for women entrepreneurs to connect, grow, and build with confidence. Rooted in the heart of Brussels, WoMade empowers women through collaboration, creativity, safe spaces, and monthly events."
Donate a scarf or gloves
A little act of kindness can warm a whole winter.
Pass it on
Leave a kind or fun note for a colleague, guest, or friend.
Cocktail time
Treat yourself to our Sip with Pride cocktail (or 0.0 mocktail), 50% of the profits go to COC Nederland and çavaria, who support LGBTQIA+ initiatives that uplift and protect communities in the Netherlands & Belgium.
Tip by @ElizeBeen
Give one compliment today to someone you don’t know. Kindness is the most sustainable source of energy there is.
Did You Know? (Rotterdam)
Rotterdam is a true melting pot, home to 174 nationalities! Only about half the city’s population is ethnically Dutch, making it one of the most diverse cities in Europe. Every corner tells a different story, and that’s what makes this city and our neighbourhood so vibrant.
Did You Know? (Brussels)
Brussels is the comic book capital of the world, with over 50 giant murals celebrating iconic characters like Tintin and The Smurfs. You’ll find them along Rue de l’Étuve, Rue de la Buanderie, and Rue du Marché au Charbon, turning the city into an open-air gallery of pop culture.
Support local talent (Rotterdam)
Today, we’re shining a light on a local artist in Rotterdam. Every brushstroke, every handmade creation, every local venture strengthens our community and keeps the city vibrant.
Support local talent (Brussels)
Today, we’re shining a light on a local artist in Brussels. Every brushstroke, every handmade creation, every local venture strengthens our community and keeps the city vibrant.
The Bougie Blanc Candle has a soft, fresh scent that’s perfect to start your day. Light it up in the morning during breakfast or while working, it gives you an instant bright mood!
Unplug the power. Reconnect with people.
Give your screens a break and your conversations a spark, because real connections don’t need Wi-Fi.
Tip: Try a round of conversation cards or a simple “would you rather” game.
Vision board
Set your 2026 intention: Create a quick mini vision board today! Clarity is the fuel for big change.
Fun Fact: Just 15 minutes of visualising your goals helps prime your brain for success. Find three images, three words, or a graphic that represents your best year yet!
Share a song
Music has the power to lift moods and spark joy. Today, share a song that makes your day brighter…and maybe discover a new favourite from someone else!
World Meditation Day
Take a moment to pause, breathe, and reset. Meditation reduces stress, boosts focus, and helps you reconnect with the world around you.
Reflection moment
What’s one small thing you did this year that made a difference?
Cosy moments
For those who celebrate Christmas (or simply love the season), today is for cosy moments, warm drinks, and time with people you care about. Enjoy the little joys, however you celebrate.
Impact is about the small choices we make every day. The most effortless choice? Where you choose to stay.
When you book directly at The Usual, your stay does more than just provide a room; it removes 1kg of river waste through our partnership with CLEAR RIVERS, and we donate 100 litres of clean drinking water to the Water by Women Nepal project via Made Blue. It’s the simplest way to turn your travel into a ripple of good.
➝ Ready to explore Brussels and Rotterdam? Book your room now.
Our stories.
The 31-day ripple effect
The Usual’s Guide to a Perfect Christmas Weekend
From coffee to mushrooms. Can waste really feed the future?
The Usual Impact Report 2024
Sip with Pride
Kickstart Your New Year
Sustainable Living: Simple Tips to Help the Planet
Our Green Roof Project
Louise's Brussels Favourites
Unwind in Rotterdam with Sabrina Starke
Green Key Gold for The Usual Rotterdam
How The Usual Minimizes its Environmental Footprint