I created The Sustainables because I saw a clear gap in how children and young people were being prepared for the future. Sustainability and the circular economy are often treated as add-ons in schools, squeezed into single projects or assemblies, leaving learners without the deeper skills, mindset, and resilience to thrive in a changing world. At the same time, I recognised the growing challenge of climate anxiety, where young people feel overwhelmed rather than empowered. The Sustainables was born to change that. By embedding the “12 Pathways of Sustainability” across subjects and ages, I wanted to create a free, not-for-profit resource that is practical, inspiring, and easy for educators to use. Storytelling, characters, outdoor learning, and school clubs bring the themes to life, making them engaging and relevant. Most importantly, The Sustainables helps young people see themselves as Earth Stewards, building hope, agency, and connectedness so they can shape a better future for themselves and their communities.
In practice, The Sustainables looks like free, ready-to-use resources that bring sustainability and the circular economy into everyday learning. Educators can access the “12 Pathways” curriculum, topic webs, and lesson plans that align with national frameworks while remaining flexible across subjects. Learners engage through storytelling, characters, comics, outdoor activities, and creative inquiry projects such as designing eco-parks, exploring aquaculture, or reimagining waste.
School clubs extend learning beyond the classroom, giving learners hands-on opportunities to practise stewardship, lead local initiatives, and share their voice. Climate mental health is woven throughout, with supportive characters and activities that build resilience, hope, and agency, helping young people manage eco-anxiety. Families and communities are encouraged to join in, creating intergenerational impact and linking classroom learning to real-world change.
The innovation is not just content—it’s a movement. By combining knowledge, creativity, and wellbeing, The Sustainables makes sustainability education engaging, consistent, and empowering for children, teachers, families, and communities everywhere.
The Sustainables is spreading through schools, communities, and partnerships that share a commitment to free, accessible sustainability education. Teachers are adopting the “12 Pathways” framework because it aligns easily with existing curricula and saves planning time. School clubs and outdoor projects are extending learning into practical, fun experiences, while children take their ideas home, sparking conversations with families.
Partnerships with universities, charities, and industry are helping amplify impact, offering expertise, visibility, and community links. Social media, digital platforms, and free online resources make it easy for educators and learners anywhere to access and share materials. The use of characters and storytelling makes content memorable, encouraging learners to spread messages themselves.
Above all, the movement grows because it is hopeful, creative, and free. Educators see value, learners feel empowered, and communities join in—building momentum that reaches across the UK and is adaptable for global contexts.
We have strengthened The Sustainables by working with university groups in natural sciences, who bring fresh research, digital skills, and real-world case studies that enrich our resources and make them more relevant for learners. Their involvement ensures our content reflects current scientific knowledge while giving students valuable experience in community impact projects.
Alongside this, our collaboration with the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) has helped us refine our circular economy strand. Their expertise, networks, and professional insights ensure our materials are accurate, practical, and connected to real industry practice. Together, these partnerships have allowed us to modify and expand The Sustainables to be more evidence-based, industry-relevant, and inspiring for both schools and communities.
Getting started with The Sustainables is simple. All of our resources are free to access—just explore the “12 Pathways” curriculum, topic webs, and activity packs online. You can begin by trying a single pathway, such as waste or water, or launch a school club to explore them all.
Educators can download ready-to-use materials, families can join in through community projects, and learners can dive into characters, stories, and outdoor challenges. There’s no barrier: start small, adapt to your setting, and build at your own pace.
If you’d like extra support, we also offer guidance for schools, links to partner charities, and examples from other educators already using The Sustainables. The key is to pick one activity, try it with your group, and see the difference—you’ll quickly discover how it fits into everyday learning and inspires young Earth Stewards.
