Want to live more sustainably? These Facebook communities can help

Grow your own produce, go plant-based, shop more sustainability or get your squad together for a coastal cleanup.
Grow your own produce, go plant-based, shop more sustainability or get your squad together for a coastal cleanup. Photo credit: Getty.

It's 2021 and we're firmly in the grip of a climate crisis, which means it's time we all started making a bit more of an effort to protect the planet we live on. 

But if you're keen to live a little greener, it can be tough to know where to begin and what changes to make. 

Thursday, April 22 marks World Earth Day, prompting Facebook to put together a list of some of its top Facebook groups to join if you want to learn from like-minded communities around Aotearoa about living a more sustainable lifestyle. 

Whether you're keen to learn about how to grow your own produce, go plant-based, shop more sustainability or get your squad together for a coastal cleanup, you'll find all the information you need here. 

Learn how to grow your own herbs with tips from NZ Vege and Edible Gardeners

If you've been robbed of the green-thumbed Aunty who knows just how to grow the perfect cherry tomato, why not join NZ Vege and Edible Gardening and borrow someone else's? This online community is a place for all different levels of experience to share tips and tricks that will ensure your garden is providing you with spray-free, organic produce in no time. 

Go plant-based more often with recipe inspiration from What Kiwi Vegans Eat

If you're looking for a way to reduce your carbon footprint and introduce 'meat-free Mondays' into your household, you can gain some inspiration from What Kiwi Vegans Eat. This online community is for the hardcore plant-based to the plant-curious and has plenty of delicious meal ideas that could easily be integrated into anybody's diet. 

Learn how to minimise the rubbish your household discards by doing your research or joining Zero Waste NZ

This community combats waste through encouragement and education, aiming to reduce the rubbish we all produce. Zero Waste NZ has lots of resources available and provides many tips and tricks, perfect for anybody trying to kickstart a more sustainable way of life.

Recycle old clothes at Tattys and Recycle Boutique

Do you want a new winter wardrobe full of designer brands for fraction of the price? Tatty's and Recycled Boutique both resell branded clothing on behalf of people who are no longer feeling their threads. Why not take in some of your old favourites to earn some cash and pick up some new ones? All whilst avoiding adding to landfill. 

Grab your squad and join a coastal cleanup together with Sustainable Coastlines

Sustainable Coastlines organise local beach clean-ups and workshops that encourage people to look after the beautiful waterways and coastlines in New Zealand. They are always looking for volunteers, so why not check out their website and see how you can lend a hand? 

Educate yourself and your whanau on threats to our native flora and fauna by joining Native New Zealand

This group is for the New Zealand native flora and fauna lovers. If you want to share your knowledge or learn more about what our beautiful country's nature has to offer and why it could be at risk, this is the place to go.