I don’t know about you, but I’ve spent many sleepless nights worrying about the state of our planet. The more I read, the worse it gets. Perhaps stupidly — perhaps arrogantly —  I sometimes feel like it’s all on me to fix this. Then I tell myself that individual action can’t possibly move the needle on climate change; it’s the responsibility of governments and large corporations, and so we’re all doomed. Time to dive under the covers. But we don’t have to leave it up to others to ensure the health of our planet.

In March 2023 UN Secretary General António Gutteres delivered a speech in which he said, ”Our world needs climate action on all fronts — everything, everywhere, all at once.” I found it inspiring: While I can’t control what big businesses and institutions do, I have the power to make meaningful adjustments in my own life: In the clothing I buy (or don’t), the places I visit (or don’t) and the way I raise my children.

The problem is that it’s hard to find solid and reliable information on what things we should actually be doing to make the biggest difference — which is where our Eco Experts come in. For this series, we have gathered expert voices that offer practical advice and useful information we all can implement every day. It’s not about telling you to invent your own electric vehicle or become a UN representative — it’s about small but impactful choices like reducing kitchen waste, banking in a greener way, and reducing your fashion footprint.

Erin Brockovich, Cyrill Gutsch, Anne-Marie Bonneau and More

The Eco Experts are nine journalists, creators, scientists and activists who have curated Storyboards on everything from disinformation in the beauty industry (did you know that “clean” doesn’t mean green?) to the best ways to make your home greener. Cyrill Gutsch, founder of Parley for the Oceans, shows us inspiring stories of how we can take creative approaches to the fight against climate change. Consumer advocate Erin Brockovich highlights some of the most inspiring activists that are working for change. And Meaghan O’Connell, features editor at Romper, shares an invaluable selection of articles covering how to parent through the climate crisis.

We hope that these collections will give you new ideas for how to approach your own action against climate change. Remember, you’re not alone — we’re in this together. 

A Truly Sustainable Home, by Eco Expert Ethan O’Donnell

Celebrating Positive Climate Stories, by Eco Expert Cyrill Gutsch

Debunking Misinformation About Green Beauty by Eco Expert Jen Novakovich

How to Green Your Money, by Eco Expert Ben Howard-Cooper

How to Take on Big Fashion’s Environmental Toll, by Eco Expert Harri Weber

Parenting Through the Climate Crisis, by Eco Expert Meaghan O’Connell

Superman’s Not Coming, But We Can Still Save Our Planet, by Eco Expert Erin Brockovich

The Travel Conundrum, by Eco Expert Dheandra Jack

Your Guide to Zero Waste Cooking, by Eco Expert Anne-Marie Bonneau

— Aileen Lalor, lifestyle editor, is contributing to Climate Change and You.