A manual for
saving the planet

1. Talk

What

Start a conversation with five people around you about anything eco, from smart green living ideas, to eye-opening reads.

Why

It’s easily the most impactful thing you can do, as Seth Godin says in his latest book, The Carbon Almanac.

How

• Breathe in, open your mouth and share a personal eco-experience with someone.
• Stuck for ideas? Try this line: “I swapped my regular steak for a whole roast cauliflower the other night. It’s delicious!”
• Breathe out. Now go back to step one and repeat.

2. Fix it

What

We need to fix the climate. But that’s a massive job. Why not start by fixing our mindset and repairing the things around us?

Why

Prolonging the lifespan of what we have saves valuable raw materials and cuts down on production and transport emissions. The easiest fixes? Our clothing. So bring your shoes to the cobbler and mend that rip in your jeans. Sew simple!

How

• Thread a needle, tie a knot in the end and pull the needle back and forth until the tear comes together.
• Choose a bright colour to wear your mend with pride.
• A visible mend is a great conversation-starter! (See tip number one, above.)

3. Dance

What

Drop what you’re doing and dance.

Why

What does dancing have to do with saving the planet? It’s a fun way to boost your mood that doesn’t involve consumption. So give retail therapy a miss and get your groove on instead. The buzz lasts longer than any new buy.

How

• Choose your favourite song and whack up the volume.
• Go wild!
• Need some moves? Look to nature’s most famous dancers… bees! So get busy and wiggle it to their waggle dance.

4. Go outside

What

Remind yourself that trees do not only exist on desktop wallpapers – and engage with the real thing outside.

Why

Being in nature reconnects us with the world that is our home – and connecting is the first step to caring. So go outside and wake up your inner eco-warrior.

It’s also a win for you. A recent study in Nature reveals that spending at least 120 minutes in the great outdoors per week significantly boosts health and wellbeing.

How

• Going outside and interacting with nature doesn’t have to mean a week-long camping trip in a remote wilderness. It can be a quick stroll around your local park.
• Want some company? Take your dog/child/parents/grandparents/neighbour along.
• Up your impact and collect plastic litter en route. Or how about some guerrilla gardening: planting a few (native, organic) wildflower seeds along the way.

5. Commit

What

Eco action is only a decision away.

Why

It’s easy to want to take action… someday. But unless you consciously decide when that is, it tends to be tomorrow. So why not make tomorrow happen today? Right now?

How

• Think of three things you’d like to do for the planet. Start with what feels doable, or involves your natural skills. That way you set yourself up for success – a great motivator for more action.
• Write down your three things. Behavioural science shows that writing down the changes you want helps you commit to them.
• Now write down the benefits: for the planet and for you. These changes may cut your carbon emissions, or reduce waste, but they can also make you happier, healthier, add purpose to your life and save money too. Say hello to the new you!