Recycle Week: Lessons We Can Learn from Sir David Attenborough

In this blog, you will learn:

• About Sir David Attenborough and his impact on the environment.
• What young people can learn from David Attenborough.
• Discover more about our education recruitment services.

Commencing on September 22nd, Recycle Week is a 7 day celebration organised by The Waste and Resources Action Programme. The event provides an opportunity for schools across the UK to teach their students about the importance of recycling and caring for the planet.

To mark Recycle Week, we’re celebrating the contributions of one of the UK’s most influential environment advocates, writer and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough. 

A prominent figure in environmental activism, David Attenborough is responsible for multiple documentaries which offer engaging insights for schools, Teachers and eco-conscious students. 

In this blog, we’re exploring how schools can benefit from the wisdom of David Attenborough and encourage students to follow in his footsteps. From the importance of taking responsibility for our actions to enhancing knowledge of the environment, discover what lessons we can learn from this environmental icon.

Who is David Attenborough?

Born on 8 May 1926, David Attenborough is a British broadcaster, biologist, natural historian and writer. He was educated at Clare College, Cambridge and started working as a trainee at the BBC in 1952. After 13 years at the BBC, Attenborough became the controller of BBC Two and oversaw the first ever-colour broadcasts in Europe.

Attenborough first gained prominence in natural history filmmaking with his first documentary Zoo Quest in 1954. His earlier programmes and expeditions focused on undiscovered animals, but Attenborough has spent the last few decades focusing his attention on conservation and climate change.

Today, Attenborough is known for documentary series, including The Blue Planet, Planet Earth and Frozen Planet. He is renowned for highlighting the urgent need for environmental protection across the globe and warning viewers about the effects of climate change and pollution.

In 1985, Attenborough was knighted for his services to both television and conservation and received his second knighthood in 2022. In the same year, he was named a United Nations Champion of the Earth, recognised for his dedication to research, documentation and advocacy for environmental protection.

What impact has David Attenborough had?

David Attenborough has played a vital role in inspiring an appreciation for the natural world and raising awareness about the urgent need to protect it.

In his 70 year career, Attenborough has presented and narrated over 100 documentaries and series. Through his award winning programmes, Attenborough has brought the natural world into people’s homes and classrooms and shown the effect of human activity on the planet.

Following the broadcast of Attenborough’s Blue Planet ll in 2017, there was a significant increase in public awareness and action related to recycling and reducing plastic waste.

Often referred to as the ‘Attenborough effect,’ the surge in awareness has led to significant changes in consumer behaviour and inspired initiatives like the People’s Plan for Nature in 2023. The plan outlines 26 actions to reverse the decline of nature, with key priorities including restoring kelp forests and protecting 30% of land and sea by 2030.

There have also been calls for more content about climate change and deforestation and for Attenborough's documentary films to be mandatory in schools.

What can children and young people learn from David Attenborough?

The lessons children and young people can take from David Attenborough, include:

• Patience and timing.
• Take ownership and use your voice.
• Never give up.
• Knowledge is power.
• Creativity has no boundaries.

Patience and timing

Attenborough’s documentaries are a lesson in patience and highlight the importance of timing in nature and in life. His programmes showcase the gradual unfolding of events and can take years to make.

In a fast paced world, it can seem that immediate results are the only measure of success.

Yet, schools often teach pupils that ‘slow and steady wins the race.’ Attenborough is a prime example that progress can take time and having the patience to appreciate growth is a virtue.

Young people who begin recycling projects may hope to see results straight away. However, it takes time, effort and cooperation to create meaningful change, and the impact of their actions will grow steadily and inspire others along the way. Teaching patience allows children to manage their expectations and persevere through challenges.

Take ownership and use your voice

David Attenborough’s missions are all about being vocal and honest. He boldly became an advocate for discussing the health of the planet and the negative impact humans are having. 

Attenborough said, “It is surely our responsibility to do everything within our power to create a planet that provides a home not just for us but for all life on earth.”

Attenborough never shies away from the truth or yields responsibility for the fact that humans have significantly contributed to climate change and other environmental issues.

By raising awareness about humanity's impact on the planet, Attenborough has inspired millions to become a voice of nature including the likes of Prince William, Barack Obama, Morgan Freeman and Billie Eilish.

Taking ownership isn’t just about the planet, it means so much more in schools where students can use their voices to speak out against bullying, safety concerns or a lack of mental health support. 

Attenborough is proof that schools should encourage students to use their voices to drive positive change.

Never give up

If Attenborough has taught us anything it is that change is possible and even the smallest actions can make a difference. Attenborough acknowledges that in his lifetime, there may not be a complete turnaround in terms of reversing environmental damage, but there is still time to make a difference.

Attenborough said, “We shouldn’t lose hope… wherever we have given nature the space to recover, it’s done so, and as a result of its recovery, our own lives are improved.”

Attenborough's perspective encourages people to look beyond immediate challenges and to recognise the bigger picture. This mindset is especially powerful for students at an age where they are vulnerable and susceptible to self-doubt.

Attenborough’s message of hope doesn’t only apply to the planet, it can also encourage students who may be struggling with exams, anxiety or conflict with others to keep going. Teachers can use Attenborough’s words and wisdom to help students overcome challenges and remain positive in the face of adversity.

Knowledge is power

At 99 years old, Attenborough has dedicated an entire lifetime to studying the planet’s history, diversity and threats. The knowledge gained from Attenborough’s life's work has resulted in hundreds of informative documentaries. Blue Planet and Frozen Planet wouldn’t have been as impactful or influential without years of research and commitment.

It is important for schools to emphasise and model the importance of continuous learning for development. Schools can take inspiration from David Attenborough’s work to enhance learning across various subjects including Biology, Ecology, Conservation, History and Politics.

Teaching young people that knowledge is power and giving them access to information is crucial to ensure every child has equal opportunities to thrive. Schools can empower students by adopting a knowledge-rich approach and giving them the confidence they need to develop their own ideas.

With an understanding of the world, students can find new and powerful ways of analysing, explaining and understanding things. They can use their newfound knowledge to develop their skills, highlight important issues and make decisions that shape their future.

Creativity has no boundaries

Attenborough’s documentaries showcase the vastness of wildlife and nature, allowing viewers to explore the world through advanced technology. He encourages people to be creative and to use their imagination to find innovative solutions to challenges.

However, he didn't start his journey creating award-winning programs with large budgets. Through dedication and years of hard work, he honed his craft and proved that creativity has no boundaries.

When young people are passionate about their mission, ideas and audience, they can make a difference, especially when they are encouraged to think innovatively and creatively. By using Attenborough’s powerful storytelling and technological insights, students can connect better with others and drive meaningful change. 

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