Alice Aedy is Co-Founder and CEO of Earthrise, an impact-driven media company for people and planet. Here, she shares her top tips on doing your bit towards creating a greener London.
1. Make your art fix climate-conscious
Check out exhibitions at the likes of the Serpentine Gallery, Kew Gardens or Somerset House, where their curatorial and research teams are actively exploring ideas that support climate action. Somerset House, for example, hosts a great Earth Day season each year, and a big part of Kew Gardens' work is supporting research into climate resilience. The Serpentine frequently gives focus to ecological ideas and new ways of being, like the brilliant Infinite Ecologies Marathon they hosted in 2023. Also make a point of visiting galleries which are part of the international Gallery Climate Coalition, and follow the local London campaigning of Culture Declares, for events to attend. It's much better than supporting institutions who are funded by the fossil fuel industry.
2. Shop sustainably
London is packed with sustainable, ethical brands — and I'd suggest using them whenever it's practical to do so. On my green list is E.L.V Denim, Allbirds (they've got a number of London stores), Mother of Pearl, Asket — as well as independent boutiques Lowie and The Mercantile London, or vintage stores like Relik, Beyond Retro, and Retromania. Better yet — rent your next look through HURR (online and also IRL at Selfridges), or tailor that piece sat at the back of your closet through SOJO (which can now be found at Selfridges). All of these are a great way to support independent businesses and help the planet at the same time.
3. Eat Green
London is home to a new generation of so many amazing restaurants, cafes, markets and bars serving utterly delicious food and drink with a conscience. Some of my favourites include:
- Little Duck | The Picklery, an amazing natural wine bar and picklery in Dalston
- Camden Buck Street Market — the UK's first dedicated market for the conscious consumer
- Chantelle Nicholson's Apricity — a low-waste, sustainable restaurant in Mayfair with a Michelin Green Star
- Skye Gyngell's Spring Restaurant at Somerset House
- Silo - London's first zero-waste restaurant
And make sure you prioritise your local indie coffee shops with keep cup initiatives or those who serve with vegware cups, not plastic. Earthrise is based in London Fields so E5 Bakehouse is naturally one of our faves at the office!
4. Make your movie-watching green
That's right, you can even be eco conscious while watching films. Join Picturehouse Cinemas' regular Green Screen events — a community-led space to discuss environmental issues raised in the films they show. Everyone is welcome to continue the conversation after the film in your local cinema's meeting space where you can also enjoy a free tea or filter coffee when you bring a keep cup.
5. Take public transport
An obvious one this, but a goodie. Cut down emissions by hopping on a tube, bus, clipper boat or picking up a bike to get around instead of driving or getting a cab. See if your workplace has a Ride to Work scheme that could help you buy a bike affordably, or check out Lime Bikes or Forest to rent a zero emissions e-bike; one of my favourite ways to travel around the city!
6. Immerse yourself in nature
London Wetland Centre in Barnes runs great conservation projects — as well as being a beautiful and inspiring place to visit. Check out their events page for urban birding, nature photography, wildflower walks and more. Or just head down to explore the wetlands and learn about the amazing and innovative ways that they’re helping to support endangered birds and other wildlife right in the heart of London. Other amazing natural spots around London that we love at Earthrise include Hackney Marshes, Epping Forest and Camley Street Natural Park. But really, nature is everywhere in London, so make the most of whatever is near you.
7. Plant some trees of get guerilla gardening
Organisations such as Trees for Cities do amazing work helping to keep our capital green, while ensuring better access to green spaces for all. Get involved by volunteering to help plant some trees. I'm also a big fan of guerilla gardening — planting in public spaces! Check out Hackney guerilla gardener Ellen Miles for some inspiration.
8. Join protests and marches to help get your voice heard
Visibility in our capital is vital to show our leaders which issues we are about. You can find out about climate-focused marches by following socials run by Friends of the Earth, The Climate Coalition and Restore Nature Now. Londonist has also spoken in depth to Extinction Rebellion and Just Stop Oil — who have shared their advice on how to be active, even for those who are concerned about getting into legal trouble.
9. Grow sustainable food
Be inspired by OmVed Gardens, an amazing haven in Highgate with beehives, ponds, sustainability gardens and many wonderful growing projects. You can learn more about growing your own food through their regular Urban Growing Volunteering Sessions or head along for one of their sustainability-focussed events. Their hyper-local supper clubs are delicious! For more inspiration, read this Londonist article by Darren Hayman, on what it's like having an allotment in London.
10. Don't let unwanted food go to waste
While we're on the subject of food. There are lots of great apps you can use in London — including Karma, Olio and Too Good To Go, where you can pick up unwanted food items from shops and restaurants. At Earthrise, we particularly love the Too Good to Go bags from FORNO — scrummy baked goods that would otherwise go to waste — and they taste extra good knowing that we're helping to cut down on London's food waste, save money and help the planet.
