Campaign challenges pupils to cut carbon at home

A new month-long drive to empower young people and their families to cut their carbon footprint has been launched by Eco-Schools, the country’s largest environmental schools programme, which is managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy.

Eco-Schools is asking schools to sign up to the campaign, and pupils will then be provided with a dedicated checklist of the nine home-based actions to carry out that will collectively make a huge difference.  
 
Each action will make an immediate impact, prompting everyone to consider more environmental alternatives and give them a go, and include making a journey more sustainable, such as using public transport or walking, or going meat-free (or completely plant-based) for a day each week during November. Other actions include having a no food waste weekend, dropping the central heating by one degree for a week – or sticking to 18° for a week, saying ‘no’ to a new item, and donating something not needed. 
 
Research shows surprisingly high levels of fatalism concerning climate change among young people, with up to 20% globally thinking it’s ‘too late to fix the climate crisis’.  
 
However, YouGov research conducted on behalf of Keep Britain Tidy paints a more optimistic picture, showing 82% of young people (aged six to 17) in Great Britain believe they can make a positive difference and cut their carbon emissions either on their own (26%) or with the help of others (55%). 
 
And 71% of young people (aged six to 17) said they felt they could do eco-actions at school. 
 
We have less than six years to reach zero emissions if we are to have a 50% chance of staying below 1.5 degrees of global warming1 – the trigger point experts believe would irreversibly alter our climate.  

 
TV wildlife presenter and zoologist Megan McCubbin, who is supporting the campaign, said: “We are all different as individuals, it's what makes life great, but we also have many similarities.  
 
“The biggest thing that connects us is that we all rely upon one special planet filled with unique biodiversity, ecosystems and climates. It provides us with food, oxygen, water, shelter, and so much more. But it is under threat, and we cannot survive without a healthy environment.  
 
“Each of us may only be one person - but together we can make a difference to protect our one home. I'm thrilled to be teaming up with Keep Britain Tidy for Cut Your Carbon Month 2023, asking schools and families do make small everyday changes that will collectively reduce carbon emissions and help us get back on the right track. We have the solutions to protect our beautiful planet - we've just got to implement them!" 
 
Eco-Schools' programme manager Adam Flint said: “It's up to everyone to take the actions that they can to reduce their impact on the planet.  
 
“Cut Your Carbon is a perfect way to bring this into the home. It's a great opportunity for young people and their families to learn more about the carbon emissions connected to everyday actions, and to realise they have the power to make positive change. 

“We know through our conversations with schools that they want to support pupils to do this, but we understand when it comes to cutting carbon emissions it can be difficult for schools to know where to start. 
 
“The campaign will support teaching staff to start the conversation.”  
 
Eco-Schools is asking schools to sign up to the campaign, and pupils will then be provided with a dedicated checklist of the nine home-based actions to carry out that will collectively make a huge difference.  
 
You can find out more about the incredible difference schools taking part in the Eco-Schools programme made last year in the 2022 impact report. 
 
Those wanting to find out more about the campaign or take part should go to the Eco-Schools website: eco-schools.org.uk/cut-your-carbon