Back in May 2019, the UK Parliament declared an environmental crisis, a significant move that has prompted many households to review their daily lives and take action to reduce carbon footprint.
If you’d like to read more about the Parliament’s decision, you’ll find the BBC’s story here.
Although there are many measures everyone in the UK could adopt to become more planet-conscious, it is difficult to establish what would make a significant difference.
It seems like becoming ‘greener’ is either really expensive or incredibly difficult. It doesn’t help that contradictory news is published every day. A short time ago, re-usable bamboo cups were considered the thing to do. It now seems they are toxic and could harm your health. Read more here.
It’s easy to see why so many families feel lost. But at Poole Mumbler we thought there must be a better way. A simpler way that most of us don’t know about.
So we carried out some research to find those ‘quick wins’; some simple strategies anyone could adopt that don’t require a large investment or unrealistic efforts from busy parents.
We talked to experts in the area, including our local council and trusted community of parents*. Here are our findings:
- Reduce your meat consumption. Although this topic is very controversial, moving to a plant-based diet or reducing meat and dairy consumption is considered the single most effective way in which families can reduce carbon emissions. We asked an expert why this is the case. Find her answer below.
‘Animal products require more land, water and CO2 in order to produce them. Going vegan is becoming increasingly popular, and from an environmental point of view, it basically cuts out the middle guy (i.e. the animal) so you get the nutrients directly from plants. It’s an inefficient way of producing nutrition as it takes up land producing animal feed, as well as the land for farming the animals as well. For many, this is way too much but just consider reducing the amount of meat that you eat, especially lamb and beef, as these animals also produce a lot of methane, a gas which is worse than CO2 for climate change’.
- Compost at home. Did you know BCP Council has teamed up with getcomposting.com to provide special offers? You can read more about it here.
- Banking. It has been claimed most UK banks have large investments in fossil fuels. However, there are some who don’t. Do your research when choosing a Financial Services Provider.
- Voting. You can get your local council to take the environmental policy seriously. Check their views and use your vote wisely.
- Grow your own. Even growing a few vegetables at home can make a big difference to the environment and your budget.
- Buy local. We have amazing shops in Dorset. Supporting our local industry benefits us all.
- Travel smartly. Use public transport, cycling and walking when possible. Avoid flying if you can.
Other things you could do…
- Organising a birthday party? Hire everything you need from Perfect Party Boxes, free of single-use plastic. You can see me opening my boxes here.
- Choose planet-friendly cleaning products at home. I’ll be reviewing Koh on Facebook live video soon. Check out Poole Mumbler’s News Page for more details.
- Avoid single-use plastic in your kitchen. Wrap your food in beeswax wraps. You can even make your own! Also, take your own containers when ordering a takeaway.
- Avoid using too much water. Keep a large bucket in your shower. You can use the water you collect to flush the toilet and water the plants.
- Avoid using too much electricity. Unplug electrics when not in use.
- Check your local charity shops for clothes before buying new.
- Look for re-fill shops. There are a few in the area.
- Have a baby at home? Babies outgrow their clothes really fast. Consider hiring clothes instead of buying new. Check out Troberg Baby Box.Â
- Have a child in nappies? Consider reusable nappies. These are a lot easier than most people think. Check out the great work carried out by Gecco in Dorset. Did you know you can get help from BCP Council to buy reusable nappies? Find more about it here.
- Reusable baby wipes are amazing, whether you have a baby or not. Check out Cheeky Wipes.
- Use soap bars, shampoo and conditioner bars instead of shower gels and hair products packed in plastic bottles. Check out these by local company Lush.
- Buy toys second hand. Kids lose interest fast.
- Consider using a menstrual cup. You’ll never look back.
- Borrow books from your local library and check charity shops before buying new.
- Buy reusable straws. These stainless steel straws are great and very easy to clean.
- Consider getting milk delivered to you in glass bottles.
- And possibly a veg box!
- Love sparkling water? Try Soda Stream. You can swap your old cylinders here and save some money.
- Try a bath dam for babies. You only need to fill part of your bath, so you save water.
Is there anything else you’d like to add? Get in touch here and we’ll update this blog.
Final note: Special thanks to BCP Council and Karen Herndon for their contribution to this blog post. Blog written by Maria Vargas.
*Have you already joined our community? You can do so here.