When talking about the biggest contributors to climate change, most of the commonly heard phrases include ‘world leaders’ or ‘larger corporations’, and although this much is true, people seem to forget that the contribution to climate change very much includes people of all ages. Including those in primary school and their parents. Here are some simple and effective ways to help reduce you and your child’s carbon footprint.

Packed lunches instead of school meals

Sending your child off to school with some lunch money is a great idea if you occasionally find yourself short for time before work in the morning. But doing this every day is expensive and harmful for the environment. Instead of spending your money on manufactured school meals, start investing it in fresh ingredients for homemade packed lunches.

A healthy fresh fruit portion in a reusable container. *Source: S’well on Unsplash*

Sending the kids off to school with a reusable lunch box packed with fresh (preferably local) fruit and homemade food is much healthier for both themselves and the environment. By reducing the number of school meals purchased, you are reducing the number of single use plastics going to waste and cutting down on the number of deliveries being made to schools. A small change with a big impact.

Walking to school

Walking to school is by far one of the biggest ways for you and your children to reduce your carbon footprints. Most schools take part in the Living Streets Walk to School Challenge (WOW). This initiative encourages students to track their walk to school and earn badges along the way. As well as keeping fit and active, all whilst reducing their carbon footprint. If your school is participating in the WOW scheme, or you want to find out how to get involved, more information can be found on the Living Streets website.

Even if your school isn’t participating in this scheme, create yourself a challenge and try to reduce the number of times you take the car for the school run. You’ll thank yourself for it, and so will the environment.

Reusing school uniforms

Do you know anyone who has children that are venturing off to high school and leaving behind their old primary school uniform? Do you live near a local charity shop? If your answer to either of these questions is “yes”, then you have the perfect opportunity to significantly reduce your carbon footprint.

If you know anyone who is getting rid of an old school uniform, don’t be shy, ask them if you can have it instead.

By reusing an item of clothing, you’re doing your bit for the environment and saving yourself a little bit of cash in the process. Understandably, this might not be an option for everyone, but before you jump straight to buying a brand-new school uniform, take a trip to your local charity shop. Many charity shops often get donations of pre-used, pre-loved school uniforms that cost a fraction of the price and are still in great condition.

If you’ve tried both of these options already and have had no luck, try posting in your local community Facebook group. You never know who might be getting rid of old clothes, so it’s definitely worth a shot.

If you’re not sure where your nearest charity shop is, The Charity Retail Association have a helpful tool on their website to help you locate charity shops in your area.

From Parents to Primary: Reducing Your Carbon Footprint