Tips and inspiration
- Established news digests are available from platforms such as Mongabay.com, The Guardian and Grist. Not-for-profit or independent media organisations set their own agenda to publish trustworthy content.
- For first-hand facts and data consider academic sources, such as The Conversation. University experts and journalists work together to produce its Imagine newsletter.
- If you’re prone to getting stuck in negative news stories or doomscrolling, look for publications with a positive focus such as Positive News or Happy Eco News.
- To feel more connected to your community, seek out updates from where you live. Search for local nature partnerships, Wildlife Trusts and conservation groups who will be eager to add you to their mailing lists.
- Consider signing up for newsletters by organisations including Extinction Rebellion, Friends of the Earth or Humanist Climate Action for updates on climate action and suggestions for how you can make a direct difference.
- Our monthly Planet Fixers email combines tips on living sustainably with inspiring stories and upcoming events such as Generation Hope. Sign up to join our community of Planet Fixers.
The big picture
It’s more important than ever to actively seek reliable news and advice. Learning more about the environment can help you to make informed choices and motivate you to make a difference. A research study found that “environmental education positively influences students’ environmental concern, willingness to be environmentally friendly and volunteer attitude”.
Source:
Option or necessity: Role of environmental education as transformative change agent
Image © Zamrznuti tonovi/ Shutterstock
Why is this action beneficial?
Become more informed
Regularly reading about environmental issues and potential solutions can help you to make the best personal choices to protect our planet.
Improves health
In 2023, researchers at the University of Essex found that reading positive news stories about acts of kindness counteracted the negative mental health impact of consuming bad news.
Strengthens community
Staying in the loop with environmental concerns, whether local, national or international, helps to bond communities and galvanise collective efforts to make changes that are in everyone’s interest.
Spreads the word
We all have the power to influence our friends, family and colleagues through everyday exchanges. Sharing stories and facts from reliable sources within your social circle can help clarify debates around environmental issues.
Supports local or independent organisations
Newsletter subscriptions can directly support skilled independent journalists working to raise awareness of environmental issues. They also provide a platform for charities and specialist organisations who champion essential conservation work and community initiatives.
Opportunity to learn a new skill
Newsletters produced by environmental organisations often contain details of how to make a direct difference. Not only can these tips act as regular reminders that your actions count, some can also give you new skills. For example, you could learn how to identify wildlife, find out how to cook plant-based recipes or get involved with community gardening.
Similar actions
More ways to get involved
Fixing Our Broken Planet
The Find Your Climate Action tool is part of our Fixing Our Broken Planet programme, which is designed to inspire people to take action to help the planet. The programme also includes a new gallery as well as experiences and events.
Join our community
Sign up to our new monthly Planet Fixers newsletter for tips on living sustainably as well as interesting articles and upcoming events.
Funding
We thank all who have generously contributed to Fixing Our Broken Planet. Learn more about our sponsors and donors.