We all know that young people are at the forefront of environmental activism, often from a young age. Many children are keen to do what they can to further the cause. However, the obstacles to a sustainable future can seem overwhelming. You Can Change the World aims to change that and make it easy for individuals to take small steps towards change – that can add up to big things!
Australian author, Lucy Bell has done all the hard work for us with a guide that provides practical information, tools, activities, resources and inspirational stories about young activists who have made a big impact.
Chapters range from covering the big issues of plastic, waste, food, ocean health and breaking things down into practical information, steps and tips on how to track your progress.
Find out how to have a plastic free birthday party, make a newspaper bin liner and how to pack an eco-friendly lunch.
There are so many things to contemplate while reading and a number of ways to formulate your next step towards a more sustainable life. For example, once you read about the detrimental effects of plastic straws and the awareness that was created around this issue due to pioneer Molly Steer, Bell suggests that perhaps we can take this further. We all know to bring our reusable cups but how about using one for your takeaway milkshake or juice?
There is an abundance of information on organisations to connect with such as Oz Harvest, Voiceless and Earth Bottles. Along with a page of group activities so you can make it a social event at the same time as cleaning up the planet.
You can also find out what campaigns to support via a comprehensive list of organisations such as Clean Up Australia Day, Responsible Cafes and Australian City Farms and Community Garden Network to investigate.
If you’re wondering where to shop, which charities to support and National Parks to responsibly enjoy (and feel free to clean up while doing so!) this is the book for you.
Beautifully illustrated You Can Change the World is nothing short of stunning – the perfect gift for young people that you can genuinely feel good about handing over. Just make sure you check out the section on gift ideas before wrapping it and wrap using some recycled paper or a piece of cloth like the Japanese art of gift wrapping – Furoshiki.
Quite simply this is the go-to book for anyone who wants to know how to tackle any aspect of everyday life in the most environmentally responsible and aware way.
In conclusion, there’s a section on kindness and sharing, donating and raising awareness. It’s a very fitting final chapter encouraging us to be forgiving, conscious and inclusive. What more can you ask for when looking for a great book to give to the young people in your life?
Purchase a copy of You Can Change the World by Lucy Bell | Read an extract
Lucy Bell is a book editor and music teacher on a journey to live a more ethical, sustainable and mindful life.
After getting her Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Sydney with majors in English and Ancient History, Lucy studied a Master of Publishing. Now she works for a social-purpose publishing house making big differences and helping fund not-for-profits and charities to close the literacy gap.
Lucy grew up on the NSW Central Coast surrounded by four siblings, a cat, two dogs, two sheep, a lizard, lots of guinea pigs and thirteen chickens. She now lives in Sydney and while watering her balcony garden, dreams of one day owning her own country farmhouse.
Leave a Reply