I’m a 12-year-old conservationist – there are five things we can all do to live more sustainably

No matter who you are or where you live, you can help to make a positive difference, writes Brooke Carter

Young people are the driving force for environmental change and sustainable development. We are the least to blame yet will suffer the most (EarthxTV)

I’ve been filming Wild Wonders with Brooke on EarthxTV since I was nine years old. Three years later, I feel more urgently moved to act than ever, before my wild buddies’ conditions get worse. The show makes me feel like I can give the animals and ecosystems a voice, and I hope there are people out there ready to listen to it. I’m able to entertain people as well as inform them with stories from the real heart of conservation.

After spending most of my life with the world’s greatest and bravest conservationists on the frontline of protecting our planet, I’ve realised that no matter who you are or where you live, you can help to make a positive difference. The change starts here – with every single one of us.

Young people are the driving force for environmental change and sustainable development. We are the least to blame yet will suffer the most. Our voice has the collective potential to create masses of change amid the ongoing planetary crisis we’ve inherited from previous generations. Most importantly, we are the ones who will be taking over from the conservationists of today.

I really believe that small changes can have huge impacts. People often ask me what these small changes can be, so here are some simple things I recommend any young person concerned about or environment could do, starting today.

1. Reduce, reuse, recycle

Sustainability always starts with the classic 3Rs. It might sound like a cliche to reduce waste by avoiding single-use plastics. Still, we can begin with better meal planning, using eco-friendly packaging and supporting local, sustainable produce and our farmers. In the cost of living crisis, preventing waste in the first place also keeps money in our pockets.

Reusable and recycled items are also important to living sustainably. Repairing, upcycling and breathing new life into what we used to throw away is actually cool and stylish – both your creativity and your money are safeguarded within the mission to save the Earth.

2. Support ethical brands

We live in a world where our wildlife – and more importantly, whole ecosystems – face an unprecedented crisis, and conservation efforts are stumbling in the dark. It might seem hard for individuals to end harm to wildlife and ecosystems on our own, but there are many things we can do together in our daily lives to improve their living conditions. Many NGOs and websites offer up-to-date lists of cruelty-free brands we could switch to, as well as those falling behind on animal welfare. Making conscious consumer choices for good is the key to reshaping the market from the other end.

3. Keep track of your carbon footprint

From wildfires to floods and droughts, the rise of carbon emissions has had a devastating impact upon every corner of our mother planet, leaving wild species closer to extinction than ever. Being aware of one’s personal carbon footprint means a lot – when you notice what you eat, what you wear and where you go, there’s always a greener and healthier alternative waiting for you to start right away.

Why not begin by opting for a more balanced diet with more fruit and veg? On top of that, sustainable commuting options such as public transport, biking or walking are an easy switch for your and the planet’s health. “Greenness” can be extended to every aspect of our lives, and a simple move can result in a huge improvement if lots of people make that change.

4. Respect natural habitats

Each and every part of our ecosystem is interrelated and indispensable, including us and all other local habitats around us. So rather than simply sharing a moment of natural beauty on your social media, actions like sticking to the footpath to avoid stepping on the plants or disturbing animals and not littering can make more substantial contributions to protecting our biodiversity. Remember, without healthy ecosystems, we can’t have any of the wildlife we love so much.

5. Learn about sustainability

In fact, this should come before anything else, and it should be an ongoing process! We must know what’s currently happening with our planet, why it’s happening, why we should care and, most importantly, what we can do to combat this. In addition, we must keep in mind that each of us is not isolated, and we are all part of a whole ecosystem pattern that is now in danger of falling apart.

Collective change is what we need – and the sooner, the better. After all, a quantitative change will give rise to a change in quality. So, if you wish to learn more about change-making and my efforts in wildlife conservation, remember to tune into Wild Wonders with Brooke, and join me on my mission to make fundamental changes.

Brooke Carter is an African wildlife conservationist. EarthxTV is available to audiences in the UK and Ireland on Freeview Channel 79 and Sky HD channel 180