1. Go single-use plastic-free for a week
Sounds easy? They’ll need to change a lot to complete this challenge: think reusable water bottles, coffee cups, and containers; beeswax food wraps and coverings, supermarket food, and plastic-free toilet rolls.
And turn the single-use plastic they just can’t avoid into an Ecobrick!
2. Who can go car-free the longest?
They’re not going out much in lockdown, but when they do, challenge the household or Zoom buddies to walk, cycle, or use public transport instead.
Award points for each activity and draw up some fun/evil forfeits for the losers!
3. Go plant-powered for a month
Even if they missed out on Veganuary, they can give their body a break and their taste buds a treat by going vegan for a month starting right now.
Check out the Veganuary site to see how easy it is.
4. Have a week of sustainable shopping
Can they go seven days buying just from sustainable, local shops and small online sites? Ditch the packaging and don’t forget to pack the fabric shopping bag.
5. Search the web and save the planet
Switch the searches to Ecosia.org and they’ll use their profits to plant trees where they’re desperately needed across the world. On average, they’ll plant a tree every 45 searches – they could soon have a forest on their hands!
6. Make three big switches
Energy
Swap to Ecotricity, they’re a truly green energy supplier who invests in building new renewables. It’s the biggest impact they can personally make in the fight against climate change.
Switch to Ecotricity and they’ll give them up to £50 credit when they switch.
Banking
Pick an ethical bank that follows through on its promises. For example, Triodos UK is a bank founded on the conviction that banking can be a powerful force for good.
Mobile
Change to Ecotalk + RSPB, who use the money from their customers’ bills to give the land back to nature – plus, they have some of the lowest cost tariffs available and the best coverage in the UK.
7. Help to spring pollinators
Bees, butterflies, and beetles are all under threat. A great way to help is to pop in some last-minute bulbs to come up when the weather is warmer. They’ll look stunning too!
8. Go second-hand
Pre-loved gear can often be better quality than buying new and better for the planet. When they reopen, see how much they can get from charity and vintage shops, as well as sites like eBay, Gumtree, and Facebook.
9. Make a home for nature
Give the local wildlife a boost. Make sure there’s a gap in the fence for hedgehogs to wander through, and set up a bird feeder in the garden or right on the window if they’re short of outside space.
10. Reduce, reuse, and recycle
Do they really need to shop? Clear the clutter, reuse, and repurpose what they can. See what cunning ideas they can come up with and post the pics with #greenlockdown to share the love and inspire others!
