Nominee - summary
Laura Anderson (Less Waste Laura) is an award-winning climate activist, environmental scientist, and ethical influencer based in Scotland. Through her platform, she educates and empowers individuals to reduce waste and live more sustainably in practical, accessible ways. Currently undertaking PhD research in climate resilience, Laura combines academic expertise with engaging public communication. She is a regular media contributor and works with organisations ranging from grassroots groups to national bodies. Her campaigns—particularly around waste reduction and banning disposable vapes—have driven tangible change. Laura’s work bridges science, communication, and community action, making her a powerful emerging leader in rural sustainability.
Nominee - qualities
Laura stands out for her authenticity, expertise, and ability to connect with diverse audiences. As both an environmental scientist and communicator, she translates complex climate issues into clear, actionable steps that people can realistically adopt in their daily lives. Her approach is inclusive and non-judgemental, encouraging progress over perfection and making sustainability feel achievable for all.
She is highly driven and self-initiated, having built a respected platform that reaches wide audiences across social media, education, and mainstream media. Laura regularly contributes to outlets such as BBC and Sky, demonstrating both credibility and confidence in communicating environmental issues at scale.
Her academic achievements—including a Master’s with distinction and ongoing PhD research—highlight her commitment to evidence-based action. She brings this knowledge into every aspect of her work, ensuring her messaging is both accurate and impactful.
Collaboration is another defining quality. Laura works with organisations ranging from local initiatives to major institutions and government bodies, showing her ability to operate across sectors. She is also deeply committed to amplifying others and fostering community, building a growing network of engaged individuals working towards sustainable change.
Above all, Laura leads by example. Her lifestyle and work align closely, reinforcing trust and credibility. Her passion, integrity, and communication skills make her a standout emerging leader in the rural sustainability space.
Nominee - sectoral impact
Laura’s impact is significant in making sustainability accessible, particularly for individuals and communities who may feel excluded from traditional environmental conversations. Through her platform, she provides practical guidance on reducing waste, sustainable consumption, and climate-conscious living, helping to drive behavioural change at a grassroots level.
Her influence extends beyond awareness into tangible outcomes. Laura has played a key role in campaigning for the ban on disposable vapes, contributing to national conversations and policy momentum around waste and environmental health. This demonstrates her ability to translate public engagement into real-world impact.
She also supports the transition to a greener economy by working with organisations and businesses to promote sustainable practices. Her collaborations span from local initiatives to partnerships with national campaigns and global brands, helping embed sustainability into both community and corporate contexts.
Importantly, Laura bridges the gap between science and society. Her academic research in climate resilience informs her public work, ensuring that her advocacy is grounded in evidence while remaining accessible.
By combining education, campaigning, and collaboration, Laura is helping reshape how sustainability is understood and practiced—making it more inclusive, actionable, and community-driven, particularly in rural and underrepresented areas.
Nominee - going the extra mile
Laura consistently goes above and beyond in her commitment to environmental change. Alongside her professional and academic work, she dedicates significant time to public engagement—creating educational content, speaking at events, and participating in campaigns that inspire action at all levels.
She actively develops resources and campaigns that make sustainability easier to understand and adopt. From hosting podcasts and contributing to educational programmes, to creating guides and tools for contacting elected representatives, Laura ensures that people are not only informed but empowered to act.
Her willingness to engage directly with the public—both online and in person—demonstrates a deep commitment to community impact. She regularly participates in school programmes, workshops, and national campaigns, helping to inspire the next generation of environmental leaders.
Laura also uses her platform to amplify wider environmental causes and organisations, including partnerships with charities and public bodies working towards climate solutions. This collaborative mindset significantly extends her impact beyond her individual work.
In addition, her role in campaigns such as raising awareness around nature protection and sustainable living shows her proactive approach to tackling urgent environmental challenges.
Her dedication, consistency, and willingness to invest time and energy far beyond expectations demonstrate a genuine commitment to creating lasting change—making her a highly deserving candidate for the Rural Rising Star award.
