When life is busy, it’s easy to forget the impact our actions have on the planet, so if you’re in need of a little inspo to become a little more green, then take 2 mins to read on. These 3 famous names have done AMAZING things for our planet - from a British national treasure to an American heart-throb and a schoolgirl with big dreams, they’ll undoubtedly inspire you to do more, and make a change:
The one and only: Sir David Attenborough
With his impressive catalogue of documentaries, Sir David Attenborough has been inspiring generations to look after the world we live in. His most recent documentary, A Perfect Planet, looks at how Earth’s animals have adapted to the ever-changing climate and most importantly, how human impact is destroying the vital habitats animals need to survive on Earth.
He shocked the world with his most recent Blue Planet series in 2017, showing how deadly plastic can be to marine life. The David Attenborough effect took flight; the Scottish government banned plastic straws, The BBC has banned all plastic across all sites of their company. Iceland is the first supermarket to go plastic-free, and retail giants Pizza Express, Wagamama and JD Wetherspoons have followed suit.
It’s no wonder he was voted Britain’s favourite person!
You can watch A Perfect Life on BBC iPlayer.
The underdog: Zac Efron
Who knew your favourite High School Musical actor would become an environmental hero? In July 2020, Zac revealed a new side of himself (and a new beard too) with Netflix's Down to Earth, where he and his friend Darin demonstrate how some countries are doing their part to become sustainable.
From showcasing Iceland’s 100% renewable energy to Costa Rica’s small eco-village, each episode sees the pair visiting a different country, learning about its more sustainable means of production. Down To Earth will leave you inspired to do better in your daily routine. Remember, we’re all in this together (get it?)
You can watch Down To Earth with Zac Efron on Netflix UK.
The climate queen: Greta Thunberg
This 18-year-old is unstoppable! The Swedish teenager first started campaigning at 15 years old when she protested outside the front of the Swedish parliament building with a sign that read “School strike for climate”. Her protest went viral online and 20,000 school students from around the world joined her campaigns.
Since then she has inspired an international movement to fight climate change. She even travelled to New York for the UN Climate Conference. Greta refused to fly because of its environmental impact and instead travelled by racing yacht that took two weeks! This where her famous speech took place, “How dare you? You have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words.”
It’s no doubt Greta earned her title as the youngest Time person of the year in 2019.
You can watch her documentary I am Greta on BBC iPlayer.
Feeling inspired to do more? Now it’s time to play your part:
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Take a note from Sir David Attenborough - ditch the plastic wrapping, head to the loose fruit and veg aisle in your supermarket and bring your own reusable bag. Popping to your favourite coffee joint for takeout? Bring along your reusable coffee cup to say goodbye to those plastic tops.
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Be more sustainable like Zac, try going Vegan once a week to decrease your meat consumption. You could even try growing your own vegetable garden, it makes a great hobby and decreases the need for fossil fuel.
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You don’t have to travel 3500 nautical miles, like Greta, to make a difference! Sign as many petitions as you can about environmental issues and share them with your friends on social media to get the government to take notice.
Let us inspire you even more, check out our tips and tricks below to find out the best ways you can save energy around your home: