EDITOR’S LETTER
as we go to print with this issue, it seems the world is in crisis. Still fragile from the bushfires that raged through our country this summer, we’re now staring down the barrel of a global pandemic unlike any we’ve seen. And then there’s the resulting economic downturn. I’m not typically one to panic, but with my first baby due in May I can’t help but take everything just a little (read: a lot) more seriously than I would have before. Above all else, climate change, this century’s most pressing threat to humanity, has come into sharp relief.
What kind of world we are leaving our children is a question no longer uttered with abstract detachment but with real and pressing concern. It’s a subject our cover star, actor, author and mum Teresa Palmer, spoke to readily and eloquently on set. In between advising me on car capsules and useful podcasts and gently prodding me to get moving on baby names (her online community, Your Zen Mama, has been an endless resource!), Palmer shared her thoughts on living more consciously, educating her children on the wellbeing of the planet and tackling environmental issues with positivity and intent (see p112).
This month, ELLE has come together across 30 countries to highlight the enormous challenges we’re facing – and the awesome women driving change – in the lead-up to the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. And we want you to get involved – from curating your wardrobe more mindfully (p33) and joining the citizen conservation movement (p64) to reconsidering your finances and what they’re funding (p68), making sustainable beauty swaps (p140) and petitioning your local MP for change (there’s a great template on p70 to get you started). Be part of the growing groundswell of people around the world who are talking about climate change and acting as a force for nature.
While our green issue is a global initiative, we’re pleased to have been able to showcase some of Australia’s unique beauty in our fashion pages, from the orchards of Bilpin, NSW, to the sands of Sydney’s Northern Beaches (from p81). In our travel pages (p162), we’ve detailed some of the best local destinations to visit, spend time (and money) in and generally take a moment to appreciate the scenery. Getting outdoors not only offers a chance to recharge and rebalance – it’s only then that we realise what is really at stake.
This special edition is about action and purpose. It’s difficult at this moment in time not to feel overwhelmed, helpless or even guilty. But we can take comfort and encouragement from the words of ELLE friend, resilience and mindset coach Vashti Whitfield, who says (on p150) that it’s important to acknowledge these emotions when we’re surrounded by suffering and loss. “It’s critical we embrace those feelings to create positive change.” Because together, we have the power to make a difference.
“BE PART of THE growing groundswell OF PEOPLE WHO ARE acting AS A force FOR NATURE”