Bitesize Blog

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Hi, my name is Emily, I am 23 years old and I run the blog ecofriendlyemily.com
I am passionate about the environment and write about veganism, low-waste, slow fashion and minimalism to name a few! I currently work as a sustainability content executive for a start-up business which I love. I am also a very creative person and have a degree in animation! I love illustrating and it’s something I like to do in my spare time (when I have any!)

Where can people follow your blog?

You can follow me on ecofriendlyemily.com or @ecofriendlyemily

Emily

Interview

What made you start your blog?

I first started blogging when I was about 14 years old – I loved writing about holidays, things I had bought when out shopping with my friends and just general teenage stuff! My blog was called emilyspolkadotsocks and I loved having an outlet to write about anything I wanted. This love for writing and documenting my life has not changed! Ecofriendlyemily was born when I was at university, I really suddenly started to realise about the impact we have on the planet. It started off with minimalism and then I became vegan. It all then flowed from there really naturally and now this is what I live and breathe every day, I am so passionate about sharing my message on intentional and sustainable living.

What are your thoughts on Climate Change?

Climate change should be at the forefront of everyone’s mind right now. This is not something that should be taken lightly. Governments need to be doing more rather than the bare minimum to tackle this crisis we are currently facing. There are lots of individual actions we can all take that do make a difference, but bigger changes need to be made within ‘power’. It still feels like climate change is not being taken as seriously as it should be and that’s why groups such as Extinction Rebellion and Fridays For Future are happening so we, ‘the people’ can exercise our right to speak out and let our Governments know enough is enough!

Have you changed much about your lifestyle?

Yes! – Ever since I started my eco-friendly journey, so much has changed. The biggest change was going vegan, it was such a freeing experience that allowed me to let go of a lot of guilt. I also have been going low-waste and reducing the plastic in my life as well as no longer shopping at fast fashion stores. I also try to educate myself on lots of different topics and how they affect different people from different walks of life.

What sort of reactions do you get from people who come across this?

I think the way I live is definitely becoming the new normal, lots of people are getting on board with reducing waste and understanding the impact of plastic and starting to realise that things need to change. With being vegan there is still a way to go, there is so much unnecessary backlash towards people that are trying to do their best for the planet, their health and the animals.

Emily

What changes have you found the hardest to make and what have you done to overcome them?

I think the hardest thing has been having the confidence to stand up for what I believe in. I have suffered from anxiety for as long as I can remember and it has taken a lot of work to get to the point I am at today, where I can speak out and have difficult conversations with people. Overcoming this issue has been a process, it is a lot of mindset changing and putting my mental health first. I am now more understanding of my needs.

What is your biggest fear about the future?

That people are going to continue to value profit over people. At the end of the day, what is it all for? Is it not better to live a meaningful and fulfilling life surrounded by people you care about than favoring monetary gain over other livelihoods?

Who is your biggest inspiration?

Powerful women!!! There are so many amazing women leading the way in making changes. I have huge respect for the likes of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Greta Thunberg, Jameela Jamil, Taylor Swift, Lizzo, Munroe Bergdorf, Gina Martin…They have all been beacons of hope and standing up for what they believe in.

What is the one thing you would like people to take away from this?

Think about the positive changes you can make in your life. There is so much we can do together to make these changes easier. Do things with a friend. Set challenges! Also, think about people beyond yourself, how are those living different lifestyles to you affected by the world we live in. Be an ally to those who need it the most. Spread kindness to others and yourself. Check in with people you care about. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!

Do you have any advice for Appletree and Avalon?

Keep doing what you are doing! Let people know about the low-waste alternatives and the benefit of shopping consciously. Independent businesses, such as this that not only encourage positive changes but also give back not only to the environment but to the community too (such as your charity work) are ones we need more of and are ones that need shouting about the most!!!

Bitesize Blog

What a great read and example of change from Emily! What are your thoughts on what she had to say? If you have any questions for her, please ask below & if you want to check out more about her work, please follow the links above.

1 thought on “Bitesize Blog – Thoughts from @ Eco-Friendly Emily”

  1. Hi Emily,
    Do not be anxious or lack confidence; people like you are changing the world. I enjoyed your blog and just wanted to let you you know that what you are doing and standing up for is a shining beacon of hope; thank you for what you are achieving.

    Reply

Leave a comment

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest

You may also be interested in...

Action nan

Bitesize blog – Thoughts from @ Action_Nan

I go by several names depending on who I’m with and what I’m doing. For my environmental work I’m known as Action Nan – taking part in regular litter picks and sharing content with my almost 7k following. I’m also the owner of award winning Bosinver Farm Cottages where I’m known as Nanny Pat. To everyone else, I’m Pat Smith. No matter who I am, my passion for the natural environment not only in Cornwall but across the world is at the centre of everything I do. I try to share my love for the natural world with my four grandchildren and guests’ children so they can experience the same joy and wonder of nature in the hope that they will also love and take care of the environment in their turn.
As David Attenborough says:
“No one will protect what they don’t care about, and no one will care about what they have never experienced.”

Read More »
Aneeshwar

Bitesize blog – Thoughts from @ Aneeshwar Kunchala

7 Year Old Aneeshwar Kunchala has developed a passion towards the natural world since he was 4. For the last 3 years, he became an inspirational role model for future generations by spreading his positive message to millions people around the world through his creativity of art, poetry, wildlife documentaries, public speaking and other social activities like litter pick and other activities. He raises awareness through love, passion and drives children and youth into conservation and sustainable living. His selfless voluntary service, commitment and love towards the natural world has allowed him to integrate more into the community.

Read More »
david_ecolife

Bitesize blog – Thoughts from @ david_ecolife

Hello! My name is David and I’m very lucky to have had my whole (short) career so far in the sustainable and conservation sectors, currently at a London University. I’m probably the definition of an imperfect environmentalist, and decided to transform my own micro-Instagram World into documenting my own ever learning sustainable journey a few years ago. With long-walks, the odd painting and commission and a love of wildlife that pretty much sums me up! It started with Instagram in 2020, during the first covid lockdown. I always used social media, but on a personal level mostly just selfies or my paintings (and to some extent it still is!).

Read More »

Sign up for our latest news, discounts & further inspiration for 10% off your first order*