Ten simple actions museum archaeologists can take in support of the Fridays for Future movement. #MuseumsForFuture

Some of the ideas below are simple to achieve, some of them require some preparation. Pick what suits you and your organisation. 

1. Use sustainable solutions at your excavation: refrain where you can from using fossil fuels. Think: reduce, reuse, recycle. Swap plastic for biodegradable bags, make use of recycling programmes to reuse others’ tools.
2. At your excavation and in the museum, use as much as possible local (human) resources, stay in local accommodation, use local (and seasonal) food with a low carbon footprint.
3. Use archaeology to highlight the connections between humans and nature, which in itself portray the importance of living sustainably.
4. Explain on exhibitions and research papers the impact that climate change has had on our planet from an archaeological perspective.
5. Create a guide that displays how ancient solutions can be updated to be of use today.
6. Work with the biodiversity of your site! Grow the ancient and local crops of the land and showcase the oldest species of animals available. This will make your space come to life just as it was years and years ago.
7. Ask young colleagues or Friday for Future actors to curate an exhibition or event with you. Promote partnerships between museums and groups like Fridays for Future for the joint creation of exhibitions and events.
8. Make sustainable collaborations! Get in touch with organisations and local partners that are involved with sustainability and find projects together. You could also become a member and contribute your experience to think through new lenses for sustainability. The Butser Ancient Farm for example has a large choice of produce in their shop from local farms and craftspeople.
9. Share your work! Promote the use of open access Journals for publishing research. Additionally, Stream your lectures, excavations, exhibition openings and other events to spread the word.
10. Think further than collecting. Create strategies for sustainable preservation of data and artefacts. Online catalogues are a great place to start.