How is the WI Carbon Challenge helping you to make your life greener? We will be featuring WI members' stories to inspire and support you on your journey. Please use the Contact us button below to send us your stories.
Fay Mansell
WI: Llandenny Federation: Gwent Age: 62
Why have you registered for the WI Carbon Challenge?
I believe it is important for everyone to do their bit to reduce the effects of climate change.
How ‘green’ do you see yourself at the moment?
Mid green. I do a lot of travelling.
How have you changed your lifestyle so far to reduce your carbon footprint?
I recycle as much as possible, installed energy saving light bulbs and solar heating and photovoltaic cells, switch off all appliances when not in use, try and drive and travel as little as feasible at reduced driving speeds.
Do you think about your carbon footprint when going about your daily life?Yes
Do you have a favourite tip to share with others?
Reducing driving speed to about 60mph on motorways and no more than 50mph everywhere else reduces fuel consumption dramatically.
Sarah Cook
WI: Fulham Federation: Surrey Age: 28 Why have you registered for the WI Carbon Challenge?
Climate change affects all of us and, like many people, I'm concerned that my lifestyle is contributing to the problem. I think the Carbon Calculator will help me to focus on the lifestyle changes that will really make a difference, and also act as a source of motivation through chatting to others on the forums and, hopefully, watching my carbon footprint shrink.
How ‘green’ do you see yourself at the moment?
Light green. I'm not too bad as I don't fly a lot and I don't own a car. But there are plenty of things I could be doing - like switching to a 'green' energy supplier.
How have you changed your lifestyle so far to reduce your carbon footprint?
For my last two holidays I took the train instead of flying. I highly recommend it for travel within Europe. It's often more convenient as you arrive right in the city centre and even though I travelled back first class on both trips it was still cheaper than a budget airline.
Do you think about your carbon footprint when going about your daily life?
I do, but at the moment I'm not very consistent - especially if I'm in a rush. For example, one day I'll bring my own lunch to work and the next I'll be buying an overpackaged sandwich from the supermarket.
Do you have a ‘favourite’ tip to share with others?
Take advantage of the internet - sites like eBay and Freecycle are great places for exchanging things you don't need for items you do. Reuse is definitely better than recycle and buying 'vintage', especially for clothing, gives you something stylish and unique while not using up the Earth's precious resources. Just make sure items travel within the UK, so they're not going by airmail.
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Carolyn Wilde
WI: Burleydam and District WI Federation: Cheshire Age: 60
Why have you registered for the WI Carbon Challenge?
This is a way in which I, as an individual, can pledge to make a difference, from home without the accompaniment of bells and whistles!
How ‘green’ do you see yourself at the moment?
I am a beginner, I have just started adding the yellow to the cobalt blue!
How have you changed your lifestyle so far to reduce your carbon footprint?
I try to use public transport where I can, not easy in this rural area. I will not buy food that has travelled miles or has been grown under glass or polythene. Asparagus from Peru is out. I also look to see if supermarket flowers have been air freighted. I keep trying to remember to switch off appliances on standby.
Do you think about your carbon footprint when going about your daily life?
I try to but the information about what to do is often confused.
Do you have a ‘favourite’ tip to share with others?
Eating local food in season can make a trip to the market or supermarket an exciting challenge. To the sense of victory add the pleasure of anticipation, looking forward to English strawberries for example, and the enhanced flavours of even the humble cabbage.
Jill Newell
WI: Walsham le Willows and District Federation: Suffolk West Age: 63
Why have you registered for the WI Carbon Challenge?
To learn more about global warming and reduce my carbon footprint while there is still time.
How ‘green’ do you see yourself at the moment?
Better than average but fully aware of the need to do more!
How have you changed your lifestyle so far to reduce your carbon footprint?
We’ve given up a second car....more negotiation is now needed to get to places! We recycle according to council principles and are composting waste for my daughter’s allotment. I read the origin labels closely and opt for British products and as local as possible. I also send my husband to get the paper on his bike!
Do you think about your carbon footprint when going about your daily life?
Yes, it’s always in the background and it’s a boost when you see a new initiative coming on stream. I feel genuine regret when I have to drive on my own or forget my bags for shopping.
Do you have a ‘favourite’ tip to share with others?
A fellow member tells me she keeps a plastic bottle to fill with water that runs before the ‘hot’ comes through. I’m going to do that too.
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