Sustainability on Screen: How Online Learners Can Make a Difference
- Penny Mosavian
- Apr 21
- 2 min read
You don’t need to plant a forest or lead a protest to care about the planet.Even as an online student learning English from home, you have the power to make a real difference.
This Earth Day (April 22), let’s explore how we—as global learners—can learn about, talk about, and act for sustainability.
🌱 What Does Sustainability Mean?
Sustainability means living in a way that protects the environment, supports communities, and respects the future.
It’s not just about recycling or turning off lights—it’s also about:
Fair access to education
Climate justice and equality
Using technology in ethical ways
Reducing waste in digital spaces
And the great news? These are all things we can think about—even through a screen.
💡 How Can Online English Learners Get Involved?
1. Learn the Language of Sustainability
Start with these key terms:
Climate change
Carbon footprint
Eco-friendly
Greenwashing
Renewable energy
Sustainable development
Try using them in sentences or look for them in articles, TED Talks, or YouTube videos. Understanding these words helps you join global conversations.
Why not download this free worksheet from ME+U and LinguaHouse
When you have completed your work, send us your answers to check!
You can also try:
Watching Greta Thunberg’s UN speech or any of Sir David Attenborough’s documentaries with English subtitles.
2. Choose English Topics That Matter
If you're practising reading or writing, why not explore:
How countries are responding to climate change
Eco-tourism and green travel
Youth voices in environmental activism
Plastic pollution and ocean life
These are powerful themes for essays, discussions, and presentations—and they show universities that you care about global issues.
3. Reduce Your Digital Footprint
Yes—being sustainable also includes how we use tech!
Small habits make a difference:
Close unused tabs and apps to save energy.
Unsubscribe from emails you never read.
Keep your online files organised—less cloud clutter, less server load.
Turn your camera off in long meetings if it’s not needed.
It’s a win for the planet and your productivity.
4. Join Sustainability-Themed Online Events
Many universities and English learning platforms now offer:
Climate change webinars
Virtual book clubs on global issues
Student-led green campaigns
Check if your online university or language school is hosting anything for Earth Day—or ask to start something!
5. Use Your Voice—In English and Beyond
Language is powerful. As a student learning English, you’re already building the tools to connect with others, raise awareness, and inspire action.
Even a short post on social media about your favourite sustainable habit in English helps others learn—and it improves your writing too!
🌿 Final Thought: Start Small, Stay Curious
You don’t have to do everything. Just choose one thing that inspires you—and begin there.
Remember: every small action counts, especially when we’re learning and growing together.
💬 How are you celebrating Earth Day this year? Share your ideas or sustainable habits in the comments—we’d love to hear from learners around the world!
Love from the ME+U team
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