Here’s how I slashed 2 tonnes per year off my carbon footprint. And, in the process of saving the planet, I saved money, boosted my health and enhanced my general well being. Doesn’t get much better than that!
- Calculating my initial consumption using the WWF carbon footprint calculator
- Switching to bar hand soap, bar shampoo, bar conditioner, bar bodywash and bar facewash (and storing them all on these natural soap racks).
- Switching to 100% renewable electricity and 100% carbon offset gas after selecting the best deal on the Simply Switch Green Energy Comparison.
- Going vegan. Buying the amazing cookbooks Bosch! and Dirty Vegan helped make it a really smooth transition. Cutting down on meat, fish and dairy, can have a huge impact on reducing your carbon footprint.
- Ditching my laundry detergent and fabric conditioner and replacing them with an eco egg.
- Swapping our plastic for bamboo toothbrushes and children’s bamboo toothbrushes to match.
- Making my own deodorant (instructions) ingredients as follows (this natural deodorant balm looks great too):
Coconut oil
Baking Soda
Shea butter
Arrowroot
Essential oil - Switching to reusable sanitary pads (some people prefer a mooncup).
- Replacing my broken electric lawnmower with a manual lawnmower.
- Getting into the habit of switching off appliances at the wall, not leaving them on standby.
- Using the tumble dryer much less and, when it’s unavoidable, throwing in a couple of dryer eggs, to speed up the process.
- Planning meals, buying local, cooking from scratch and storing leftovers in freezable, microwable, dishwasher safe, non-BPA food containers. Growing fruit and vegetables in a vegetable trug would be even better.
- Investing in packed lunch items such as vegan food wraps, cutlery, reusable straws, a leak-proof water bottle, thermal flask, cotton napkin and a fab bag to carry all that around in!
- Keeping reusable bags and a collapsible coffee cup handy at all times.
- Cutting down on using the car and using public transport/walking more.
- Considering eco-friendly holidays that are kinder to the planet.
- Buying paper cotton buds instead of plastic ones.
- Buying recycled and recyclable wrapping paper.
- Buying eco-friendly gifts.
- Transferring my disheveled sewing kit to an organised sewing kit box for instant motivation to repair damaged fabrics.
I have a long way to go to cut my remaining carbs but I’ve started the journey and every step seems easier than the last. I’ll keep you posted.
