Child-friendly Report: Sustainability and the Cost of Living a Sustainable Life

Sustainability and the cost of living a sustainable life. What things get in the way of young people being eco-friendly in Wales?

We had 816 responses to our two surveys for different age groups from young people aged between 8 and 18. There were five focus groups, with a total of 53 young people. We heard from people in every local authority area of Wales!

The following themes emerged from the surveys and focus groups:

• Caring for the planet

• Eco-Friendly Action

• Waste Management, Energy, and Eco-friendly Products

• Barriers

What we think should happen next:

Young people want more of a voice. Government and big organisations should give them more opportunities to have a say and listen to them more.

Social media should be used to share positive messages relating to the climate crisis and information that young people understand.

Education on environmentalism in schools should be more consistent across Wales and focused on how to engage young people.

There should be better public transport options across Wales, encouraging young people to use it. It should be cheaper or free.

Legislation and taxes should be used to discourage people from over-consuming fast fashion, with available support for organisations that sell secondhand or sustainable clothing.

Regulation on the import of food should focus on cutting down transport emissions and deforestations, while providing locally sourced beef or fresh vegetables.

Local environmental projects should have more funding, to reach more children and young people.

Make it easier for young people to be environmentally friendly, by reducing barriers and providing incentives.

Provide more recycling bins in public spaces, and improved infrastructure for sustainable waste disposal.

Increased research into young people’s interest in being environmentally friendly, how they prepare for weather events or climate disasters, and how to engage populations who are not already engaged with this type of issue.

Incentives for retailers to reduce plastic packaging should be introduced and more investment to look for sustainable alternatives.

Increase the number of safe cycle and walking routes.

Promote better labelling on products about eco-friendly credentials. Include information about how the product has had an impact on the environment.