Q1 Review — Looking Back on Your Actions

“Small changes over 12 weeks — you’ve already shifted.”

Green Signal — Episode 13

✏️ Columnist: Changhee Baek | ⏱️ 7 min read

“Already three months — time really flies.”

This morning, I caught myself saying that while looking at the calendar. Our first quarter with Green Signal has come to an end. Maybe you’ve had similar thoughts: “What did I actually do?” “Did anything really change?”

Today, let’s pause and look back on the last 12 weeks. You’ve changed more than you think.

📊 Why a Midpoint Check Matters

Companies review results every quarter. The core of ESG management is also about setting clear goals and managing outcomes systematically. Personal ESG actions work the same way.

Why does checking in matter? Cutting your carbon footprint shouldn’t be a short sprint. It needs to become a lasting habit. When you record quarterly changes, you can see progress in numbers — and build stronger motivation.

💡 Did you know?
A helpful way to stay motivated is to track your own baseline and measure improvement. (If you have access to local or national carbon calculators, try comparing “then vs now.”)

🔍 Our 12-Week Journey — A Quick Review

Let’s summarize the road we’ve walked together. As you read, check off what you’ve tried — even once.

📋 Q1 Checklist

1️⃣ I understand what ESG means

2️⃣ I noticed ESG in everyday life

3️⃣ I started using reusables

4️⃣ I recognized the urgency of the climate crisis

5️⃣ I believe small actions can ripple outward

6️⃣ I made a personal ESG scorecard

7️⃣ I used a tumbler / tote bag consistently

8️⃣ I learned proper recycling basics

9️⃣ I practiced saving electricity

🔟 I tried plant-forward meals

1️⃣1️⃣ I increased public transit / cycling days

1️⃣2️⃣ I reduced household waste

How many did you check? If it’s more than half — that’s truly impressive. Even 3–4 is meaningful. What matters most is direction. You’re clearly moving in the right one.

🌱 The ESG Value of Your Q1 Actions

🌍 E (Environment)

Reusables help reduce single-use items. Energy-saving habits reduce emissions over time. Better sorting and recycling improves material recovery and lowers waste.

🤝 S (Social)

Public transit eases congestion and supports shared access. Plant-forward choices can support more sustainable food systems. Waste reduction also lightens the burden on community sanitation work.

⚖️ G (Governance)

A personal ESG scorecard is a form of self-governance. Recording and reviewing actions is the same logic as transparent management: accountability, consistency, and responsibility.

📈 How to Measure Your Progress

In ESG, credibility grows with data. You can do the same at the personal level. Here are simple ways to measure your Q1 progress.

💡 Measurement Guide

Step 1: Track in numbers (★☆☆)

Compare your current utility usage with three months ago. Count how often you chose reusables. Track your public transit days. Numbers make progress visible.