Sir David Attenborough has joined Instagram in a bid to communicate his environmental message to audiences worldwide — and he has gained over 800,000 followers in just a few hours.
In his debut post, the 94-year-old legendary broadcaster said he is making the move to Instagram "because the world is in trouble".
Helping to manage the account and share Attenborough's messages are collaborators, Jonnie Hughes and Colin Butfield, who have also worked on Attenborough's upcoming film and book.
The caption on his first post video read: "Hello Instagram. David Attenborough has spent a lifetime travelling, exploring the wild places of our planet and documenting the living world in all its variety and wonder. He's also witnessed the damaged caused. Saving our planet is now a communications challenge. We know what to do, we just need the will.
"That's why we want to share this message on Instagram. Because there is hope and together, we can inspire change. Social media isn't David's usual habitat so while he’s recorded messages solely for Instagram, like the one in this post, we're helping to run this account. In case you're wondering, 'we' are Jonnie and Colin and we worked with David on A Life On Our Planet. So, as well as sharing the messages he's recorded especially for this account we'll also post some exclusive clips and behind the scenes content. Stay tuned."
As well as sharing video messages, followers can expect exclusive clips and behind-the-scenes content, too. We're certain there's lots to look forward to!
Earlier this month, David’s new powerful documentary, Extinction: The Facts, aired for the first time, exploring how the biodiversity crisis could have extreme consequences for us all. The hour-long programme came with a stark and honest warning about the potential extinction of a number of animal species and received an emotional reaction from many viewers.
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15 eco-friendly travel accessories so you can look after the planet whilst exploring it
House of Marley Positive Vibrations 2 Wireless Bluetooth Over Ear Headphones
Consciously crafted from FSC certified woods, solid bamboo, up-cycled fabrics and recycled plastic bottles, these headphones also come with superior sound, making them a must-have for the eco-travellers who love their tech.
Fjallraven's special edition Kanken backpack is made entirely of polyester recycled from plastic bottles and can be recycled again. It's great as carry-on luggage or carrying around during the day on a city break.
If you like a packed lunch during your travels, this sustainable alternative to cling film is the perfect answer to wrapping your sandwiches on the go. It lasts up to a year and can be cleaned with dish soap.
This mint green water bottle comes from Chilly's mission to encourage the everyday use of reusable products. It comes in so many colours and keeps your drink hot for 12 hours or cold for 24 hours.
Speedo Hydrosense Swimsuit and Aquashort
Speedo
£55
Speedo's Hydrosense Flowback Swimsuit is constructed from recycled yarns that's soft and as good for you as it is the environment.
Speedo
£38
The matching men's Hydrosense Panel Aquashort is designed to enhance your connection to the water, while its eco-friendly Powerflex ECO fabric is gentler on the environment.
Ditch the plastic shampoo bottles and save yourself the hassle at airport security with a 100 per cent natural of bar of butter shampoo made from amazing butters and oils that are kinder to your locks, too.
This earth-friendly suitcase is made from repurposed polypropylene and recycled wood waste. It's not just better for the environment than your average case - it's stylish and comes with a telescopic handle and four wheels for practicality.
REN Clean Screen Mineral SPF 30
REN
£30
REN's mineral facial sunscreen is a real all-rounder. It's vegan, silicone-free, won't clog your pores and even the packaging uses recycled plastic.
A recycled down sleeping bag designed for hiking and camping, with sustainable natural insulation technology, this eco-friendly sleeping bag uses 80/20 recycled down fill from used sleeping bags, which is silverised to make it odour–resistant.
rCUP rCup reusable coffee cup
Leak-proof, environmentally friendly and with a sleek design, you won't want to sip your coffee from anything other than the world's first reusable coffee cup constructed from recycled single-use paper cups.
Made from sugarcane, no trip to the beach is complete without this eco-friendly bucket and spade set that's 100 per cent sustainable and fun.
Haglofs Mens and Womens Eco Proof Jackets
Haglofs
£270
This Mens Eco Proof Jacket was made with parts that can easily be replaced or repaired so it will last you longer than the average jacket while helping to save our planet, too.
Haglofs
£270
The Womens Eco Proof Jacket is also made from 52 per cent recycled materials and was designed to be worn, used and fixed with minimal fuss.
Lasting as long as conventional toothbrushes, this environmentally-friendly alternative is made from FSC Beechwood.
Green travellers won't want to be without this mini pouch of 12 soft makeup removal pads and 4 scrub pads that are made from cotton and bamboo, which you just pop in the washing machine when you get home to get them clean again.
Not just a brilliant design that allows you to wheel it, carry it in your hand and wear it on your back, this eco-friendly travel backpack was cleverly crafted from 21 recycled bottles.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
