Highland Eco
When I was in elementary school, my parents took me to the library every Wednesday evening. Back then, the only limitation to my reading was my strength; I could check out as many books as I wanted, as long as I could carry them on the mile-long walk back home.
By middle school, things got more complicated, and I no longer had the free time or the freedom to read what I wanted. I stopped going to the library on Wednesdays—and, quite frankly, I haven’t been since.
What’s this have to do with the environment? The first step to addressing environmental issues is understanding them, and they unfortunately aren’t going to pause until I have the free time to crack open a book. To combat this, I have to learn on the go.
I’ve found Instagram to be my greatest ally. By following inspiring and informative activists and organizations, I’m able to learn about the environment simply by scrolling. Here are a few accounts worth your follow.
Activists
- Leah Thomas (@greengirlleah)
Leah Thomas is an eco-communicator who inspires people of all backgrounds to fight for climate justice. On her Instagram account, she highlights the latest environmental news and shares lifestyle choices she makes to help the environment.
In a recent post, she said, “…you do not need a degree to care for our planet or be aware of the impact of environmental justice in your community. Environmentalism is for everyone.”
- Jane Goodall (@janegoodallinst)
Dr. Jane Goodall is an activist known for her research on chimpanzees. She shares her Instagram account with her organization, the Jane Goodall Institute. The account advertises upcoming events, shares highlights from her recent interviews, and features some of her motivational quotes.
A recent quote particularly inspires me; it said, “Work out what you want to do, how to do it, and then roll up your sleeves, and get out there and take action.”
- Greta Thunburg (@gretathunberg)
Greta Thunberg is an 18-year-old climate and environmental justice advocate. With 10.5 million followers, her Instagram account reminds me that even people my age can have a significant impact on our world.
She shares important information on timely environmental issues, as well as her take on them.
In a recent post about climate change, she said, “We can’t solve a crisis until we treat it like a crisis.”
Organizations
- United Nations Environment Programme (@unep)
The UNEP works to help the environment by “inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.”
I like the organization’s Instagram account because it covers a wide array of issues, such as food waste, environmental health, and ecosystem restoration. I also follow the organization’s Spanish account (@unep_es) because it exposes me to even more issues.
- Intersectional Environmentalist (@intersectionalenvironmentalist)
Intersectional Environmentalist works to dismantle systems of oppression in the environmental movement through intersectional environmentalism, which they describe as “…an inclusive version of environmentalism that advocates for both the protection of people and the planet.”
Their posts delve into several environmental issues that we often overlook, like outdoor joy, eco-feminism, and sustainable fashion.
- Build for Bees (@buildforbees)
I’ve mentioned it before but Build for Bees is my non-profit (shameless self-promo)! We work to restore and protect our declining bee populations through accessible education and sustainable bee habitats. Our Instagram account features organizational updates, the latest bee news, and easy ways to take action.
While nothing beats a trip to the library, I hope these Instagram accounts help you make learning about the environment a part of your everyday routine.
Have a favourite that isn’t on my list? Feel free to send the username my way: