Meet Elizabeth Homersham | Earth Day Edition

Say hello to Elizabeth Homersham. You probably know her as ‘The Conscious Lizzy” a creator on a mission to share her imperfect but inspiring sustainable journey and encourage others to live more consciously. After seven years in the advertising world, she now dedicates her time to working with inspiring women and planet-friendly brands. Join Lizzy for beach cleans, trash art, and a whole lot of sustainable fun on Instagram @theconsciouslizzy.

1) Could you share what motivated you to start your journey in sustainability and eco-conscious advocacy?

I grew up in a very working class town in the UK. It was the norm to have hand-me-down clothes and fix anything that broke. I was raised to value quality time and experiences over materialistic items. I didn’t realise this was ‘sustainable’ living, this was just normal life.

When I moved to Singapore in 2019, I began to notice a difference. There seemed to be a lot more waste and more focus on shopping, and designer goods! At the time I was working in the Advertising world, so I was surrounded by sell sell sell.

One day, I decided to sign up for a beach clean, and I think this was the moment I realised "we need to do better." From then on I started educating myself – reading articles, watching documentaries and made it my mission to be kinder to the planet.  

I’m not perfect, but I now make more conscious decisions about what I eat, what clothes I buy and what my child needs. I believe we can all take small steps which make a difference.

I quit Advertising last year and now I focus on helping women and small/ sustainable brands create content. I’m very mindful with who I work with nowadays, and I couldn't be happier.

2) What are some of the easiest sustainable actions you do that you would recommend for busy parents embarking on their sustainable journey?

As a parent, we are bombarded with ‘must haves’ and new gadgets. I would advise you to stop for a moment and ask yourself, ‘do I really need this?’ Eg, do I really need a hightech digital thermometer to measure my baby's bathwater? No. Use your elbow like women have been doing for generations!

I LOVE shopping second hand. From second hand clothes, to furniture, to toys - there’s so many great options out there. Also, open up conversations with friends about borrowing. It’s amazing what we can share with our family and friends.

Buy less. Buy better. Use more. This is my favourite saying. 

Products: check the ingredients and choose more natural products - I also look for plant based and vegan options. There are so many chemicals in products nowadays, it’s kinda terrifying.

Food: Eat more whole foods & more plants! Try #meatless Mondays, if you’re just starting out.

3) How do you get your kids involved in learning about eco habits or involving them in some of your efforts?

Kids learn from watching their parents. I have a toddler and its amazing to see what he picks up from me, without me even knowing. Lead by example. Use public transport, fix broken items, grow your own crops, be kind.

Get your kids into nature. Ru is the most happiest (and calm!) when he’s outdoors. We need the next generation to love nature, therefore they will naturally want to protect it.

4) What do you hope for the next generation to learn and change compared to our generation?

I hope they slow down. 

I hope they realise there’s amazing career opportunities in sustainability. 

I hope they focus on people over profit. 

4) Which environmental community efforts do you support or recommend (i.e. beach clean ups, recycling options, events, advocacy groups) here in Singapore?

Clean ups: Follow One Planet and Seven Clean Seas

The Sustainability Project: I’ve visited Semakau Landfill and an Incinerator with them! 

The Conscious Festival by Green Is The New Black - This is the largest eco festival in SG.

Learn about Cloop for textile recycling and Open Wardrobe events.

City Sprouts: Great family events in an Urban Farm Environment.