EARTH DAY 2026
OUR POWER, OUR PLANET
Who better to speak to on Earth Day than the woman leading the charge for change right here on our doorstep?
Meet Claire Moodie, founder of Earth Action North Devon.
Formerly known as Plastic Free North Devon, Earth Action North Devon now reflects something much bigger, because protecting our oceans means caring for the land, communities and ecosystems connected to them. From marine advocacy and beach cleans to repair cafes and community action, their work takes a truly holistic approach.
With this year’s Earth Day theme “Our Power, Our Planet”, we sat down with Claire to talk about collective action, community, and the small ripples that create real change.
This year’s Earth Day theme is “Our Power, Our Planet”. What does that mean to you?
For me, it’s about recognising that we all have a role to play and that power doesn’t just sit with governments or big organisations. It lives in communities, in conversations, in everyday decisions.
When people begin to see themselves as part of something bigger, rather than separate from it, that’s when real change starts to happen.
Earth Action North Devon has evolved far beyond its original focus. How important is it to take a more holistic view of environmental issues?
It’s essential. Everything is connected - land, sea, people, wellbeing. You can’t look at one piece in isolation.
In a place like North Devon, that connection is really visible. The health of our environment is directly tied to the health of our communities, and vice versa. Taking a holistic view allows us to create solutions that are more meaningful and longer lasting.
For many people, environmental issues can feel overwhelming. Where can individuals make the most meaningful impact?
Start small. The idea that you have to do everything perfectly can be paralysing, but it’s not about perfection, it’s about participation. Small actions, done consistently, really do add up. And often, it’s the ripple effect that matters most. What you do influences the people around you.
If you’re looking for where your impact can be most powerful, it often comes down to how you choose to show up. Where you spend your time, where you put your energy, and who you support with your money. Choosing businesses that align with your values, making conscious financial decisions, and using your voice (including voting) are all meaningful ways to create change.
You work closely with local communities. What role does grassroots action play?
It’s fundamental. I see every day how local people, working together, can shift culture, influence policy and protect the natural world. When thousands of communities do the same, that’s where global transformation happens.
Something as simple as a beach clean or planting a tree can spark a shift — not just in behaviour, but in mindset. It creates connection, purpose and even joy.
That said, grassroots work can be slow and challenging. Collaboration takes time. But there’s growing energy here - people, organisations and local government are recognising the value of coming together. We are, quite rightly, reclaiming our power.
What gives you optimism right now?
It’s the people. Across North Devon, I see individuals using their time, skills and energy to make things better for others. Whether that’s volunteering, repairing, supporting wellbeing, or building more responsible businesses.
It’s all good people doing good things and that collective energy is growing. You can feel it.
I’m also constantly reminded that nature is resilient. When we give it space, it recovers. There’s more collaboration than ever, more interest in repair and reuse, and more subtle, everyday conversations happening, even in places you wouldn’t expect.
And personally, spending time in nature (whether that’s the sea, the coastline, or just being outside) reminds me why this work matters.
If there’s one message you’d like people to take away this Earth Day, what would it be?
What you do matters. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by everything happening in the world, but every action creates a ripple. I always say, think of yourself as a stone in a pond. No matter how big or small, you still create movement.
Start with where you are. Have conversations. Look at the spaces you move through every day (work, community, social circles) and ask yourself where you might influence change.
Don’t be afraid to do something different. That’s where change begins.
The power of everyday choices
At Wanderlust Life, we’ve always believed in the power of small, meaningful actions - the everyday choices that shape something bigger over time.
This Earth Day feels like a reminder of exactly that: that change doesn’t come from one place, it comes from all of us.