Sustainability writer Melissa Hobson: examples of my work

June 21, 2023

I love working as a sustainability writer as the topics are so varied: from green travel to eco lifestyle tips, I have the opportunity to explore and learn about so many different topics. See below for some of my work as a sustainability writer.

Sustainable seafood network – Oceanographic 

It’s always great to learn about successful grassroots conservation projects that are having an impact around the world. So it was super interesting to learn about the Mobula Project Indonesia’s sustainable seafood network for Oceanographic magazine. 

Sustainable Aviation Fuel - Nat Geo

When the first transatlantic commercial flight powered by 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) took off, I wrote a piece for Nat Geo asking what is SAF and how sustainable is it really?

Green Energy - Brecon Beacons

I wrote about green energy and ways to reduce your energy usage for Brecon Beacons National Parks.

Peat bogs - Brecon Beacons

I wrote this article about why it's so important to conserve peat bogs for Brecon Beacons National Parks.

Carbon Literacy - Brecon Beacons

What is carbon literacy and why is it important? I wrote about this for a blog post on the Brecon Beacons National Park website.

Olympic surf tower – National Geographic

This was an interesting one to dive into. For Nat Geo, I looked at the concerns surfers raised about the impact of the Olympic surf tower on Tahiti’s coral ecosystem.

Whale watching – ExplorEarth

I explored the unique bond between whales and humans and why getting whale-watching experiences right is important for ExplorEarth

Recycling - Central Bedfordshire Council

For Central Bedfordshire Council, I wrote a blog on easy ways to save money by reducing your waste.

Protecting coral reefs - Earth.org

I wrote this piece for Earth.org, about how effective conservation and management measures can help protect coral reefs from the threats they face globally.

Sharks - AFAR

In this piece for AFAR, I spoke to scientists for their tips on the best places around the world to see sharks (responsibly).

Green Travel - Good Housekeeping

For Good Housekeeping, I did a roundup of a few top tips to help you be more eco friendly while travelling.

Reducing marine litter - PADI

I wrote this article for PADI to help educate dive professionals around the actions they can take to reduce marine litter and why it's important.

Protecting coral reefs - Ecophiles

For Ecophiles, I wrote a piece explaining the simple ways you can protect coral reefs when scuba diving or snorkelling.

Eco-friendly glamping - Ecophiles

For those interested in green travel, I wrote about an eco-friendly glamping break in Cyprus.

Whale shark tourism - World Footprints

For World Footprints, I wrote about how to travel sustainably and follow the Code of Conduct for responsible interactions when visiting countries to see iconic or endangered species like Madagascar's whale sharks.

Nurdle hunters - the Guardian

Sure, you're doing your bit by recycling but what about the plastic pollution being poured into the ocean BEFORE plastic is even made into any products? I wrote about nurdle pollution for The Guardian.

Whale sharks - Ecophiles

If you're ever lucky enough to swim with a whale shark, please make sure it's a responsible encounter by following the whale shark Code of Conduct. I interviewed Madagascar Whale Shark's Stelle Diamant for Ecophiles to get more details on what you should and shouldn't do as a responsible tourist.

Climate tipping points - Resurgence & Ecologist

Thanks Resurgence & Ecologist for including my article on climate tipping points in the Thresholds issue. In the piece, I explore how we can take different pathways to stop the Earth reaching irreversible climate tipping points.

Urban beekeeping - Ecophiles

In this article, I shared ways people can help protect bees even if they live in the city.

Responsible elephant encounters - Ecophiles

For Save the Elephants Day, I wrote about how responsible travellers can see elephants without harming them.

Protecting the ocean - Ecophiles

As a scuba diver, I'm passionate about protecting the ocean. But you don't need to be a diver to make a difference. In this article, I share a few ways you can make a difference even if you're not a diver.

Alternative livelihoods - Curiosity

For Curiosity magazine, I looked at how alternative livelihoods to fishing are helping both marine life and local communities in Mozambique.

Green Luxury Travel - Unity

For Unity magazine, I covered the increasing demand for green options in the luxury travel market and ways premium resorts are helping guests get involved with conservation.

Reef-safe sunscreen - Green Fins

For the Green Fins blog, I gave an overview of things people should know about how reef-safe sunscreen protects coral reefs.

Mission 2020 - Earth.org

In this article, I explored Mission 2020 and how organisations around the world are rallying against the plastic pollution crisis.

Reducing your plastic footprint - Green Fins

A quick roundup of simple ways you can reduce your plastic footprint while travelling.

Beach cleanup - Green Fins

In this blog post, I shared tips from the Green Fins team on how to run a successful beach cleanup.

Underwater cleanup - Green Fins

In another cleanup-focused blog post, I shared some tips specifically looking at how you can make the most of an underwater cleanup.

Environmental role model - Green Fins

I wrote this blog post to give scuba diving professionals tips around how they can be an environmental role model for their guests and inspire guests to travel sustainably.

Inspiring conservation - Green Fins

I wrote this blog post to help dive professionals find ways to inspire their guests to protect the ocean.

As a freelance writer, I take on assignments (as well as pitching story ideas) about sustainability as well as other nature and environment topics. If you're an editor or organisation looking to commission a story to a sustainability writer, please get in touch with details of your brief, budget and deadline and we can discuss whether I'm a good fit for your project.

I'm also always interested to hear from sustainability experts with tips about upcoming studies or cool conservation projects.

Ready to chat?

Hello!

Great to hear you're interested in working together - I'm always keen to hear about potential commissions from editors, exciting new stories from marine conservationists and suitable briefs from prospective clients.

So, let's chat. You can send me an email (I aim to respond within three working days, usually sooner) or book a call below. I look forward to hearing from you.

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Please note: due to high demand, I often have a wait time for new clients and cannot guarantee last-minute availability.

As such, please give as much notice as possible for your projects. Thank you!

Or book a call:

I do not work with the fossil fuel industry. If that's you, please look for support elsewhere. Thank you.

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N.B. I do not work with the fossil fuel industry. If that's you, please look for support elsewhere. Thank you.

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