As we reach the end of the year many of us are looking forward to 2024 and planning our New Year’s resolutions.
Laura Earl, Cumbrian mum-of-four and founder of The Hiking Household, reflects on a particularly turbulent 2023 and how some of the small changes she’s made this year could help us all have a positive impact on the planet – and our wallets – in 2024.
Ditch the car
Earlier this year my four children and I made the journey from Carlisle to Keswick, like we do most weekends, although this time we ditched the car.
We took advantage of the Stagecoach offer, where single journeys are capped at £2, resulting in a huge saving for my family. The children had a wonderful time riding on the top of the double decker bus and I was content knowing I didn’t have to worry about parking.
Try it yourself: You will be amazed how much easier, cheaper and exciting your day trip will be if you try public transport in 2024. Use the Stagecoach bus journey planner to find the best bus routes.
Walk, walk, walk
Given my business revolves around walking it was inevitable that the main advice for going greener in 2024 is to get outside more and walk whenever you can.
We’ve found that parking further away from your final location gives you more chance of finding a free car park helping you save money. And a brief walk to your destination really helps me feel better physically and mentally.
Try it yourself: If you’re struggling for ideas head to my website where you will find over 200 Cumbrian walks to enjoy, many of which will be right on your doorstep.
Reuse
I know that by reusing many of our household products it will benefit our planet greatly. One thing I’ve been making a conscious effort to reuse is clothing.
Fast fashion is the second largest polluter in the world and with four fast growing children I can see how fast it can be to build up this waste. Focusing on circular fashion, rather than fast fashion, not only helps the environment but it is extremely cost effective.
Try it yourself: There are many ways to reuse clothing and help with the recycling of clothes such as shopping in local charity shops, buying second hand school uniforms and of course sharing between friends. A browse on Vinted or Depop helps fulfil your fashion fix, but in a more environmentally friendly way.
Love your leftovers
As a mum to four small children our food waste can often be quite high. Food wastage not only wastes money but it also has a big impact on our environment. In fact, if everyone in the UK stopped wasting food at home for one day, it would have the same impact on greenhouse gases as planting half a million trees.
With just a few small changes in your home you will soon see the benefits of ‘loving your leftovers’.
Try it yourself: Try freezing foods to allow food like yogurt, milk and cheese to last that little bit longer. Keep some fruit in the fridge, apples last much longer when chilled. Use your leftovers for lunch the next day and plan your meals and buy only the ingredients you need. These easy to implement tips could help your weekly food shop go that bit further in 2024.
Reduce your washing
Many parents ask me the same question: how many loads of washing do you get through in a week. The answer is, not as much as you would think.
Not only is there not enough time in the day for constant loads of washing but doing the laundry three times a week will result in around 400 litres of water waste. This in itself is enough of a reason to reduce our loads.
Try it yourself: Wait until your laundry bag is full before putting a wash on. Have you considered spot washing? Unless the item of clothing in question is dirty you can spot clean. This is extremely effective in getting rid of stains and is a great planet saver. Don’t forget, the less your washing machine is on, the more money you are saving.
Recycle as much as you can
We’re all familiar with the importance of recycling. But did you know that 80% of household waste is actually recyclable?
Introducing recycling in the home with your children at a young age allows it to become a habit, one they hopefully will always remember. I find my children are now the ones to remind me ‘don’t forget to recycle that’.
Try it yourself: I recently bought a large recycling bin for our kitchen and you would be surprised at how many junk models have been made from its contents.
