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7 Tips to Stay Eco-Friendly as a Family this Summer
More than half of the British population wants to become more eco-friendly in their day-to-day lives, but many don’t know where to start!
When you’re raising children and maintaining a home, finding the time to go green can seem like too big a challenge. But, with climate change becoming more of a serious concern, it’s time for every family to start doing their bit, and we’re here to help.
With these super simple eco-conscious tips, you can plan a summer that’s better for our planet and ease your way into a greener lifestyle.
1. Enjoy UK-Based Adventures
On average, a plane emits around 3 times more CO2 than a train for every kilometre travelled, making it one of the least sustainable ways to get around. This summer, rather than jetting off to Spain or Florida, why not cut your family’s carbon footprint and stay in the UK?
Britain has an abundance of beautiful landscapes to explore, from the sandy beaches of Cornwall to the rugged hills of the peak district. Hike, swim, paddle-board, and cycle your way around the country on an incredible eco-friendly adventure, all without getting on a plane!
Some areas to look into for your summer holiday include:
• Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands
• Peak District and Lake District
• Newquay, Cornwall
• New Forest
• Conwy, Wales
2. Switch to a Renewable Energy Provider
Renewable energy has a far lower carbon footprint than non-renewables and is kinder to our planet. This summer, look into switching to a renewable provider and power your home the green way! These companies source electricity through eco-friendly solutions, like solar panels and wind turbines, and switching to them is one of the simplest ways you can create a more sustainable home. You may even save money on your bills, making this a certified win-win.
3. Get to Grips With Household Recycling
When you have little ones, recycling can easily drop to the bottom of your to-do list. This summer, make it a priority to get back on track and reduce your contribution to landfill by shaking up your household recycling.
Start by learning what can and can’t be recycled in your area. Then, set up a designated recycling bin that’ll make sorting your rubbish easier. Encourage enthusiasm from your little ones by decorating your bins together and turning recycling into a game, adding a gold star to a chart every time they sort something correctly.
Once you’ve got to grips with kerbside recycling, look into local services for more niche items, like wood recycling, and make sure all of your waste is put back into the system rather than heading to the landfill.
4. Try Out a Mineral Sun Cream
Did you know that a lot of normal high-street sunscreen is bad for the planet? With pollutants that damage marine life, it’s a smart idea to switch up your sun protection this year for something more eco-friendly!
Take a look at mineral sun creams, which are made with ocean and reef-safe ingredients. Many are fragrance-free, too, and made with kind formulas that are wonderful for your children’s sensitive skin.
5. Make Planet-Friendly Meals
What you eat has a big impact on how sustainable you are. This summer, plan your meals with the planet in mind and cut down your entire family’s carbon footprint. There are plenty of ways you can adopt a planet-friendly diet, including:
• Buying locally-grown/sourced products
• Opting for organic wherever possible
• Cutting down on meat and dairy
• Eating fruit and vegetables that are in season in the UK
Why not make a fun activity out of green eating and plant fruits and veggies in your garden or an allotment? Choose what to plant with your children and spend the summer tending to your growing garden as a family, teaching them vital lessons about where food comes from, soil health, and nutrition.
6. Learn How You Can Save Water
Water use accounts for 6% of the UK’s total carbon emissions and has a huge impact on our planet. Many households waste a lot of water, too, creating unnecessary CO2 that ends up in our atmosphere.
With warming temperatures, droughts are becoming more frequent and every family in Britain should be working to reduce their water waste. Some easy tips to implement in your home include:
• Switching to showers (and showering every two days unless you’re doing daily exercise)
• Do not use sprinklers in your garden
• Turning the tap off when not in use
• Using a washing-up bowl when cleaning dishes
• Always filling your dishwasher before turning it on
7. Find Eco-Friendly Back-to-School Supplies
Though we don’t want to think about the end of the summer holidays just yet, it’s smart to plan ahead. When your little ones are heading back to school, fill their bags with eco-friendly supplies for a sustainable school year.
Choose recycled paper notebooks and pens that are made of bio-plastic or cardboard. Switch to a metal lunchbox and ensure everybody heads to school with a reusable metal water bottle! It’s a good idea to find as much as you can second-hand, too, using Facebook Marketplace to find local hand-me-down uniforms and Vinted or Depop for school shoes.
Final Words
When you’ve got a lot on your plate, becoming eco-friendly doesn’t always take priority. But, in 2023 it’s time to change that. Hopefully, this article has inspired you to make some green decisions with your family this summer and provided you with the tips you need to get started. Together, every small change can make a big difference.
Article written by Kate Sheppard