What’s your name and how old are you?
My name is Tosca and I’m 50 years old.
Tell us one thing you do to help protect the planet and the wildlife within it.
Food waste is such a huge environmental problem. It is responsible for 10% of all greenhouse gas emissions with as much as 2.5 billion tonnes of food wasted globally each year. To help combat this, I subscribe to a veg box delivery service that rescues food destined to be thrown away. And even though I have a tiny garden I’ve managed to squeeze in a compost bin which harmlessly breaks down leftover food and can be used as compost in the garden.
Who inspires you and why?
Wow! That’s a difficult question! There are so many inspiring people out there it’s impossible to choose. It’s probably a cliché but, I couldn’t help being impressed when I saw Greta Thunberg speak at that United Nations climate summit. At the time, her speech was so shocking, especially coming from a child, that the world sat up and took notice.
What would you say to other people about how to get involved in conservation/environmentalism?
Know in your heart what matters to you, do what you can to address this issue and support organisations that are close to your own ideals.
What makes you feel positive about the future?
For so many years, environmentalists have been labelled as eccentric tree-huggers and pretty much ignored. I’ve watched as the science has become more robust and as investment in environmental technology has increased. It feels like we are, at last, getting somewhere.
What are your hopes for the future of our natural world?
That the needs of animals and the environment are always considered before the wants of humans.
Why have you decided to become a Guardian?
It’s easy to feel that you are one small person trying to help is an ocean of negativity. I love to hear about other Guardians – who they are and what they do, and to know I’m part of something bigger, part of the solution.
What is one thing people can do to be more of a Guardian in their everyday lives?
Every time you make a purchase, consider the environmental impact and minimise this as much as possible.