10 steps to reduce your Carbon Footprint

It’s been over a month since the IPCC report was released and sparked comments of “code red for humanity” by the UN Chief.  As parents, we a Nom Nom Kids found the report highlighted a really worrying situation for our children’s future.

With extreme weather becoming a common occurrence around the world and we as humans have warmed the climate to the point where immediate action is desperately needed.

I’ll admit that deep in the summer holidays hearing this and juggling work and kids, we felt helpless to do more but the kids are now back at school and we’ve been exploring ways that we can reduce our own carbon footprints.

We thought we’d share 10 actions that can be taken to reduce your carbon footprint and:

1. Reduce plastics in your food shop by ordering a weekly veg/fruit box and getting your milk delivered in glass bottles. We love slipstream organics who deliver around Gloucestershire  Alternatively shop locally where possible and buy loose.

2. Put your money where your values are by changing your bank account to one that chooses to invest in green energy, sustainable industries or. For more information start HERE. 

3. Avoid single use plastics as much as possible. Using reusable coffee cups, bags and water bottles are an easy way to reduce waste. We love Chillies water bottles and keep cups and of course our reusable products help with lunches and snacks. Use reusable bags when shopping - a simple swap but one that can really make a difference. We love these net bags that are so easy to carry around with you. Our office mate Dani at Eco-able also stocks some gorgeous fabric bags.

4. Eat less meat and dairy products. Eating a diet based on plants or cutting back on meat and dairy products will greatly reduce your carbon footprint. Need inspiration? BBC Good Food has some ideas HERE or we also love the Little Veggie Eats book for weaning and family meals. Anna Jones is a pioneer of cooking for the planet check out her website for recipes and tips.

5. reusable nappies and wipes have to be mentioned. There are so many options now and so much support. Check out if your local authority give vouchers to help you make the initial investment. Even if you're out of nappies,  wipes such as Cheeky Wipes are amazing for wiping spills and mucky hands.

6. Avoid using your car for short journeys, walk or bike it instead. This will not only reduce air pollution but will also improve fitness. Ensure that you have a good set of waterproofs to help you keep riding through the inevitable British weather though.

7. Be an energy saving guru;

• Switch to a renewable energy supplier
• Switch off appliances when they are not in use
• Turn off lights when not in the room
• Use energy efficient light bulbs
• Turn your heating down by 1 degree
• Install a low flow showerhead
• Add a Hippo Watersaver to your toilet cistern

8. Buy second hand. Whether it's buying household items or clothes from local charity shops, FB market place or Ebay really help to save waste. It may not seem a big action but if we are all "sharing" these products, less will be made and less will get thrown away. If you can't stand the rummaging and searching try using a business such as Merry Go Round to deliver a new to you selection of quality baby and children clothes. 

9. Use your local refill shop. Refill shops are on the increase and incredibly easy to use.  They have a positive impact on how much plastic we use/recycle/ send to landfill as well as being good value for money.

10.Fly less. It's not been particularly hard to avoid over the last 18 months but with the world opening up more the temptation is to start flying in the same way we used to. Flying has a massive impact on carbon emissions.  Cut back on flying by using other modes of transport or opting for different holiday destinations.

Want to find out more about the IPCC report? Read the BBC coverage which gives a good overview here

If we all make small changes, we can make a difference to the state of the planet.