30 eco-friendly tips for families

30 Going Green ideas

One of the things we're conscious about behind the scenes, is ways we can be kinder to the environment.

With 26m tonnes of waste being created by U.K. households each year, there's a lot we can do to help the environment.

To celebrate our 30th year, here are 30 ways you can be greener:

At home

1. Select eco-friendly cleaning/washing products. This can also save money in the long term too.
2. Switch to eco-friendly loo roll.
3. Try plastic free eco-friendly shampoo/conditioner.
4. Use recyclable eco-friendly water bottles/hot drink travel cups for family members on the go.
5. Use recyclable, plastic free wrapping paper.
6. We know how quickly kids grow! Bypass the chain stores and save some cash as well as the environment by visiting your local charity shops (and donate your old clothes for even less waste).
7. Ditch the plastic and get a stock of metal or bamboo straws.
8. Reduce the amount of meat. See our vegan meal options and hidden veg recipes.
9. Buy bigger packets of food and portion off (reducing packaging).
10. 'Naked' shopping! Seek out unpackaged or reduced packaging items in supermarkets.
11. Freeze food for less food waste.
12. Unplug devices when not in use – turn chargers off (households wate £50-£86 to appliances left in standby mode or not in use).
13. Select eco-friendly energy providers.
14. Step up recycling.
15. Get fit and help the environment by going 'plogging'! Take a bag with you to pick up rubbish on your jog.
16. Compost your food waste. If you don't have a large garden, kids will love to get involved by making their own homemade indoor composter.

At work

1. Reduce printing.
2. Take public transport, walking or cycling to work if it's feasible for you.
3. Unplug electrical devices when not in use.

Travel

1. If you are flying, pack light – the more luggage you carry, the more fuel the aircraft needs to fly.
2. Reuse travel bottles for products.
3. Use local shops.
4. Select 'Green Key certified accommodation'. Companies on the list respect local cultures, take care of the environment and treat employees fairly.
5. Be conscious of polluting activities – consider what you book on, pick up litter if out and about.

School

1. Donate old uniforms back to the school (helping the environment and parents wallets).
2. Choose reusable and eco-friendly lunch boxes.
3. Have a go at waste free lunches.
4. Send them off with refillable, eco friendly water bottles.
5. Double check what you already have at home before you buy new school supplies.
6. Walk/cycle to school if possible – also great for their health!

We hope these tips have helped!