When the nice summer weather comes in, most people think of heading to the beach. But for us, we often feel like doing the complete opposite. 

It has now become a guarantee that any hot summer day means our local beach gets trashed. Our relaxing beach walks turn into long, depressing beach cleans. It’s hard enough seeing how much litter gets washed up by the tide every day, but the sheer amount of visitor waste that could easily be disposed of correctly makes summer our least favourite time to go to the beach.

But are we destined to spend every sunny day like this, or can we encourage more people to care about the planet? 

Recognising the challenges

First of all, taking action against the climate crisis is something we cannot expect everyone to do. There are people with more urgent needs - like where their next meal is coming from - who are not in a position to add the climate crisis to their list of worries. 

Then there are the people who are causing the most damage - the richest 10% of the world who are responsible for approximately half of all greenhouse gas emissions. They have all the money to take action for the planet but continue to choose not to. It’s important to acknowledge the richest of the world have a lot to answer for but does that mean the rest of us have no power and should take no action?

The power of the people

Many people believe they have no real influence on global issues. Perhaps that’s why their apathy turns to harmful behaviours like littering on the beach - they don’t believe their actions will make any real difference.

But just look at the power of supply and demand. 10 years ago, supermarkets would stock maybe one brand of plant-based milk. Today, the choice of dairy alternatives is astronomical. Look at the ‘Blue Planet effect’, where many people witnessed for the first time the harmful consequences of plastic pollution and started refusing plastic straws. Governments and companies saw this, and change happened. When enough people demand something or change their behaviours, real differences can be made. 

Why aren’t people taking action?

Apathy is a privilege, and so is our location in the world. The countries in the Global North disproportionately damage our climate compared to the Global South. Yet, it is often those in the Global South who bear the brunt of climate change. 

What’s more, people in the Global North often have the benefit of choice, with easier access to bins, recycling systems, vegan food, and beach cleaning groups. We need those with the privilege of apathy and choice to think about the climate crisis, demand more from our governments, and take action. We can recognise that the climate crisis is not solely down to our behaviour, but our behaviour still matters and the fight for our planet requires transformational change on all levels.

Those actively witnessing the damage tend to be more engaged, such as beach cleaners, ecologists, and environmental scientists. But what about the rest of us? Why don’t we see the floods in our hometowns, hosepipe bans because of droughts, and pollution on our beaches as an immediate problem? Is it ignorance or simply a case of "ignorance is bliss"?

Connecting personal joy with environmental care

Since COVID, there has been a surge of people enjoying outdoor spaces in the UK but people’s attitudes seem to be just about taking, and nothing about giving back.

Think about the joy you experience outside in any capacity. A day at the beach, a walk in the countryside, a wild dip, a ski holiday, or even just time in your garden. How often do we acknowledge that it is the environment providing this joy and that we should do more to protect it? 

We’ve constructed a life that removes us from the natural world, both physically and mentally. The sooner we start to think of ourselves as part of the environment, the sooner we’ll begin to take care of it.

Solutions for encouraging environmental care

Arm yourself with knowledge

Climate deniers still exist, and even if you don’t encounter one, you’re likely to meet people who don’t understand the urgency of the climate crisis. That’s why arming yourself with the knowledge to effectively communicate the climate crisis is hugely important.

Look for courses on climate or carbon literacy - many are free or low-cost (we did ours via Protect Our Winters UK as part of the Carbon Literacy Project). They can be an extremely empowering way to learn more about the climate crisis and what you can do. 

Stay up to date with the latest climate science, but make sure you use reliable and reputable sources such as the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). 

On social media, help stop the spread of misinformation. Pause before you share something and check who made it and how accurate it is. You can use a site like Reuters to do this. 

Also, be careful of greenwashing. Many companies are now using terms like ‘environmentally friendly’ to sell their products when this actually isn’t true. Research the company before you make a purchase.

Concentrate on your community

We all have our own circle of influence. It could be your immediate friends and family, your workplace, you might be part of a club, or have an interest in an outdoor activity. 

Find a place where you can talk to people about the climate crisis and once you’ve armed yourself with the knowledge, start doing it. A hairdresser in Sydney is actually training its staff to talk to customers about climate change! 

Encourage people to enjoy nature

When you’ve identified your circle of influence, you can encourage them to start enjoying the outdoors. Ask your family to come for a walk in the countryside, bring your work colleagues to the beach, and meet friends in a park instead of a pub.

So many are disconnected from nature they forget that climate change is not happening in a faraway place, it’s at their front door. And, people are more likely to protect what they love, so get your community outside to enjoy nature. 

Become an example

Start taking climate action to set a great example for those around you. Once your circle of influence sees you doing actions like litter picks, reducing your plastic use, or attending climate action events, they’ll see that they can do it too. 

What’s more, when you start doing more, you’re likely to encounter others doing the same. It gives a real morale boost when you meet like-minded people who are doing their bit for the environment. 

Look after yourself

Climate anxiety is real, and it can be easy to reach a state of burnout when you feel like you’re shouting from the rooftops and no one is listening.

Make sure you take some time for yourself to rest and get out in nature to remind yourself why you love the planet you are trying to save.