During these times of uncertainty, many of us will be experiencing heightened anxiety…

…whether it’s finding another ‘interesting’ small talk topic to kick off a Skype call, the claustrophobia of self-isolation, the pressures of social media or (remember that other thing going on) the breakdown of our climate. We know during these times it can be difficult to think that one person’s actions can really make any difference at all. 

Yet, we know this isn’t the case. From the amazing NHS workers on the front-line who’re keeping us safe, to the individuals pioneering the fight for the future of our planet, we know that actions, however small, do play a part in change. 

And, in the famous words of the incredible Greta, ‘no one is too small to make a difference’. 

Not only will the small actions we implement now help us push through this pandemic, but it is going to be the small actions we can still take during our time in self-isolation that can help us save the planet. We know that the immediate focus has shifted as we concentrate on getting through these uncertain times, but we mustn’t forget that our fight against climate change continues. 

With all this time spent at home, there’s no need to feel powerless – let’s make the best out of a bad situation and use our extra time at home for positive change. 

We know that a reduction in carbon emissions is vital in helping to tackle the global climate crisis but the focus also needs to be on how to reduce the existing carbon in the atmosphere. A report from the Crowther Lab states that ‘ecologically speaking, trees are the most effective means to capture and store carbon.’ But, how do you plant trees from the confines of your own home? The internet! 

Plant more trees!

Make a donation to an organisation such as Trees for the Future, whose mission is ‘to improve the livelihoods of impoverished farmers by revitalising degraded lands’ by planting fast-growing trees and other crops in a specifically designed time period. Trees for the Future also partner with a productivity app, Forest, which helps you to stay focused and plant trees as you go. Perhaps needed now more than ever if you are trying to stay productive at home. 

Also, check out our friends over at Cool Earth who are working alongside rainforest communities to halt deforestation and climate change.

Help fight food waste

Another Enviral fave is food sharing app Olio. This enables you to connect with your neighbours and other local businesses to ensure that surplus food can be shared and not thrown away. Given the many empty shelves at the supermarkets at the moment, you may be thinking, ‘What surplus food?’ but you would be surprised. 

We’re absolutely loving seeing communities come together all over the world to support each other through these times! 

Fight fast fashion 

All this time indoors gives us the perfect excuse to spring clean, and finally get round to sorting out our wardrobes.  Rediscover old gems of clothing that you thought you’d lost, get out the sewing machine and upcycle them or mend them. 

List any items that you’re no longer feeling on Vestiaire Collective or Depop or put together a bag for the charity shop. 

A resource from the Centre of Sustainable Fashion and University of the Arts London states that ‘clothing production worldwide has doubled since 2000 and yet the average British or European person keeps their clothing items for about half as long. Globally the vast majority of discarded clothing ends up in landfills or is incinerated, currently, only 20% is collected for reuse or recycling.’ 

Crazy, right? 

Use your voice

Time away from seeing our friends and family means more zoom calls, and more virtual board game nights than you can shake a stick at. But it also means more time to dissect communications and messaging from other sustainability focussed-brands. What messages are these brands telling their customers, and how are they telling them? What content are they using, what platforms are they using and how are these messages being received? This is the perfect time to get inspired and see what elements you can implement in your own brand so you can join others in using your voice for a force of good.

It is these small actions that you can continue to do from home that will build to become something much bigger. Take some of the power back from the situation we all find ourselves in with the knowledge that whatever actions we take now, will help make a difference.

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