The Ultimate Guide to Kicking Off Your Sustainable Journey from Scratch

Written By Danny Bartlett

Alright, folks, it's time to don our eco-warrior capes (preferably made from organic cotton) and embark on the grand adventure of living sustainably. But don't worry, you won't need to live in a treehouse or knit your own hemp underwear. This guide will break it down into manageable chunks with the help of guides, apps, YouTube channels, and more. Ready? Let's save the planet, one sarcastic comment at a time.

1. Guides to Get You Started

  • The UN’s Lazy Person’s Guide to Saving the World If you prefer a bit of laziness with your activism, this guide is perfect. It’s full of simple actions you can take without leaving the comfort of your sofa. Think of it as eco-saving for couch potatoes. Link to Guide

  • Green Choices: How to Be an Eco-Friendly Consumer This guide covers the basics of making environmentally friendly choices in your everyday life, from the products you buy to the energy you use. Link to Guide

  • BBC's Guide to Sustainable Living A comprehensive resource that provides tips on how to reduce your carbon footprint, save energy, and live more sustainably. Link to Guide

2. Apps to Keep You on Track

  • Klima Offset your carbon footprint with a few taps. It’s like paying indulgences but for the environment. Plus, you can feel smug about it. Link to App

  • Earth Hero Personalised sustainability tips and challenges. Because nothing says ‘I care about the planet’ like a good old challenge badge. Link to App

  • WWF My Footprint Track your environmental impact and get tips on how to reduce it. It's like having a tiny panda whispering eco-friendly advice in your ear. Link to App

3. YouTube Channels for Visual Learners

  • TED-Ed Offers educational videos on a variety of topics, including sustainability. Perfect for those who enjoy learning through short, engaging videos. Link to Channel

  • Our Changing Climate In-depth analysis and discussions on environmental issues, climate change, and sustainability practices. Link to Channel

  • Living Big in a Tiny House Focuses on tiny house living and sustainable living practices. Great for inspiration on downsizing and living more eco-friendly. Link to Channel

4. Podcasts for Eco-Multitaskers

  • Sustainababble An irreverent look at the week's environmental news. Funny, sarcastic, and informative – perfect for those who like their news with a side of banter. Link to Podcast

  • The Minimalists Podcast More about simplifying life, but with great tips on reducing consumption. Because owning less stuff means less stuff to destroy the planet. Link to Podcast

  • Wardrobe Crisis with Clare Press A deep dive into sustainable fashion. For those who want to save the world while looking fabulous. Link to Podcast

5. Books for the Bookworms

  • "No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference" by Greta Thunberg Short, punchy, and to the point. Like Greta herself. Link to Book

  • "How to Give Up Plastic" by Will McCallum Tips on ditching plastic without losing your mind. Spoiler: it’s harder than you think. Link to Book

  • "There Is No Planet B" by Mike Berners-Lee A pragmatic look at the environmental crisis with a dose of dry humour. Perfect for those who like their reading with a side of British wit. Link to Book

6. Websites for the Digital Savvy

  • Ecosia A search engine that plants trees. It’s like Google, but with a conscience. Link to Website

  • Good On You Rates fashion brands on their sustainability. Because who wants to buy clothes from companies that trash the planet? Link to Website

  • Recycle Now The go-to guide for recycling in the UK. Because throwing stuff in the right bin shouldn’t be that hard. Link to Website

7. Social Media Accounts to Follow

  • @zerowastehome (Instagram) Bea Johnson shares practical tips on living a zero-waste lifestyle. It’s like a masterclass in minimalism. Link to Instagram

  • @sustainableman (Twitter) Hilarious and informative tweets about living sustainably. Because saving the planet doesn’t have to be boring. Link to Twitter

  • Sustainably Vegan (YouTube & Instagram) Tips and tricks for a low-waste lifestyle. Follow for the eco-inspiration, stay for the vegan recipes. Link to YouTube Link to Instagram

So, there you have it. Your ultimate, not-too-serious guide to starting your sustainable journey. Remember, it’s about progress, not perfection. Every little bit helps, and with these tools in your eco-arsenal, you’re well on your way to becoming a bona fide planet-saving hero. Now, go forth and make Mother Earth proud!

Danny Bartlett
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