For this World Environment Day 2021, the UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) have published a practical guide for ecosystem restoration. A 10-year plan to prevent and reverse damage to the world’s ecosystems and create, for us all, a sustainable future.

While it is up to the big corporations to reduce their substantial impact on our planet, we together and individually can also work to change our habits for the better. You can follow #generationrestoration on socials to find out the latest news and how to take part.  Remember that your impact matters.

---

Volunteering

Volunteering can benefit the planet, and your own wellbeing. There are many different volunteer projects that you can get involved in. With many of them having moved online from last year; it’s easier than ever to take part if you want to expand your interests but don’t have the time to travel.

Check out the work of World Land Trust and Planet Patrol (our nominated charities for this year) and get involved.

---

Join a clean up

Clean ups have become very popular recently – from combing beaches to bagging rubbish in your local park. You wouldn’t believe some of the items that people have left behind that now need collecting and throwing away.

Whatever the weather, you can join a local group or do it with your friends.

---

Plant a tree/ Pick up some plants

We will always need more trees. You can plant a tree in your garden or even donate to a local trust who will plant that tree for you in a specific area.

Not only do plants look great in our homes, but they also help to reduce the stress in our lives and have long term environmental health benefits.

Learn more about the benefits of plants by reading our blog – Best reasons to add greenery to your student home.

---

Watching what we eat

Eat more plant-based foods. Overfishing is such a problem that it has even been featured in the recent Netflix documentary ‘Seaspiracy’.

Eating a wider variety of food is also good for the environmental impact of our food systems. Having knowledge about where our seafood comes from and how it’s treated is important too.

---

Buying sustainable products

It’s the little things that can make a big difference. If you think about some of the things that you use every day. Your morning coffee? Stick it into a reusable cup. Stopping by the supermarket? Take a cotton shopper bag instead of using the plastic bags in the store.

Fast fashion may be easy to buy, but it isn’t good for the environment. If you want to save money on clothes and accessories, look at thrift shopping; shops are popping up all over the UK.

And of course, everyone has seen the Vinted adverts- sell your clothes or buy something in good condition at a reduced price. You may luck out -often some of the items available to buy have never been worn.

---

However you choose to get involved for World Environment Day, you can share your efforts on social media using the hashtags #GenerationRestoration and #WorldEnvironmentDay.