Published:
7:00 PM January 16, 2020
Update:
6:50 PM October 11, 2020
An environmental activist has dedicated herself to inspiring the next generation by writing a children’s book.
‘Just One Child’ is out now Photo: CHARLOTTE BOND
– Credit: Charlotte Bond
Debbie Bartlett, organizer of the Litter-Free Felixstowe litter cleanup group, wrote the book ‘Just One Child’, which launched this week.
The book has already sold its first print run and has attracted worldwide interest.
Ms Bartlett said: ‘The early feedback has been wonderful – one grandmother wrote: ‘The message is so important and needs to be spread in every way possible’.
“The interest this week has been overwhelming.
Debbie Bartlett is a Felixstowe litter cleanup campaigner and has written a book about cleaning up our environment Photo: CHARLOTTE BOND
– Credit: Charlotte Bond
“I wanted kids not to be overwhelmed by what they see on TV.”
Ms Bartlett, who lives in Felixstowe, has campaigned for a cleaner Suffolk for several years.
She formed the group Litter-Free Felixstowe in 2018, which has frequently banded together to pick up litter in the city and beyond.
The get-togethers were a hit with the community, with more than 80 volunteers helping to clean up the beach at Felixstowe in November last year.
Always wanting to inspire the next generation to be more eco-friendly, Ms Bartlett turned to writing.
“Just One Child” tells the story of a young child who feels overwhelmed by the amount of plastic in the ocean.
The protagonist is intentionally not named so that readers can see themselves in character.
Illustrator Rachel Wallis also contributed to the project, which is set in Felixstowe and contains references to many well-known landmarks.
Ms Bartlett says she has been surprised by the positive response she has received so far – with interest in the book from as far away as Australia, India and the US.
Although the first series sold out within days, a second was ordered.
Ms Bartlett said: “People often believe they can’t tell the difference and so don’t do anything.
“The message of the book is to try to start with small actions – if we all do ‘something’, then together we will see positive change.
The book is available on the ‘Just One Child’ Facebook page.