Lianne Bell: “Buy less stuff. Eat more plants. And celebrate your wears.”

"This is the most excited I've ever been in my life!"

That was Lianne, a British sustainability activist and writer, on video call last year. She was on the brink of publishing her first book, How on Earth can I be eco-friendly?

And what a year it’s been. Not only has Lianne edited, formatted and published her book, she’s been busy promoting it. From emailing Elon Musk’s people to approve a quote to posting copies to Holly Willoughby and David Attenborough. “I’m quite gutsy, I guess,” she says.

On top of all that, Lianne prepared for and made the epic 55-hour journey from Taiwan to return to live in the UK in the middle of a global pandemic with her sidekick, Taiwanese rescue dog Baibai.

How on Earth can I be eco-friendly? began as a how-to guide to eco-living, but over two years became a funny, honest, memoir of her relationship with sustainability. The message is simple: "If I can go eco-friendly, anyone can."

One minute, you're reading about a dress Lianne’s had for ten years, which, by the way, she found in a bin. Next, you'll find out how to do an eco, at-home face mask.

A fashion awakening

A lifelong fashion fan, Lianne remembers the days of buying cheap new clothes every weekend. When she moved house and found forgotten garments, some still with the tags on, she quit fast fashion for good. That was fifteen years ago.

Lianne's exploration of the dark side of the garment industry began during her fashion marketing degree. As a graduate, she founded an ethical clothing line. There, she noticed the sustainability community was operating within an echo chamber. "It's no good trying to convince each other. We have to speak to people outside the bubble." Lianne says. This was the inspiration for her book.

The antidote to eco-anxiety

On social media, her no-nonsense approach attracts attention. Lianne has a supportive Instagram following of busy people who care about the environment but don't have the time to spend hours trawling the internet for the best way to save the planet. "I don't want to overwhelm anybody, we'll never change mindsets that way," she says.

Lianne's voice is an antidote to that Insta-perfect brand of sustainability. "All that does is cause eco-anxiety," Lianne says. "People feel left behind. They don't know where to begin."

"Being eco-friendly has to come from making changes that don't feel like a big sacrifice."

Lianne points out that sustainability is a privilege. "Is a single parent who's worked a 12-hour day supposed to worry about the plastic their kid's dinner has come in? That's how people get stressed, it's not helpful."

True to her word, Lianne's sustainable journey has been a gradual one. Making small, affordable changes, one by one. "Writing the book has held me accountable. I've become much more aware, especially of single-use plastics."

Think before you buy

To those of us wishing to do our bit, Lianne has one, simple message: "Think before you buy," she says. Understand the value of the product. What went into making it? In a world where things are so cheap and so easily available, we take them for granted. They become worthless.

Think about what will happen to the product when you're done. We tell ourselves that when we no longer want our clothes, someone else will use them. But that isn't true. Our purchases must be mindful, useful, and have longevity.

Nowadays, Lianne chooses second-hand and investment pieces over fast fashion. This year, she’s bought just three things. A t-shirt, a boilersuit and a skirt.

The future is circular

Last year, Lianne told me, "This is the year everything's going to come together."

Global pandemic aside, she was right. Writing How on Earth can I be eco-friendly? led her to research deep into circular economies and sustainable technology. Since arriving back in the UK, Lianne has delivered guest lectures on those topics to university students and become a part-time lecturer at Teesside University. She’s also researching a textile recycling facility for Middlesborough.

There’s another book in the pipeline. How on Earth can I change the world?

Can’t wait to read it.

UK-based readers can buy Lianne’s book, How on Earth can I be eco-friendly? here. International readers can pick it up here. Follow Lianne on Instagram at @lianne_bell for sustainability tips and updates.

Photos courtesy of Lianne Bell.