From worms escaping from the wormery to that first disastrous cabbage patch, nobody said going green would be entirely problem-free.  But it’s a challenge that more than 5,000 people are taking as part of the Women’s Institutes’ (WI) Carbon Challenge.

The WI Carbon Challenge hit the half-way mark this week, with the support of some 5,000 people, who have each pledged to reduce their personal carbon footprints by 20 per cent. That’s a pledged CO2 reduction of some 10,000 tonnes – enough to fill around 10,000 hot air balloons*!

Supported by Marks & Spencer (M&S), the Challenge uses an online carbon footprint calculator especially designed by WWF. Challengers simply log on at www.theWI.org.uk/carbonchallenge or www.marksandspencer.com/plana and answer a series of questions about their day-to-day life, in order to receive tailored tips on how to reduce their environmental impact.

Today, Carbon Challengers from across the country step forward to tell their stories, as a way of inspiring more to follow in their footsteps. At varying stages of the Challenge - some just three weeks in, and others at six months - the Carbon Challengers come from all walks of life, from busy mums, young urbanites and the over 50s, to the already eco-minded. The spectrum of Challengers is reflective of the ever-diverse membership base of the WI, as well as M&S’ customers.

Speaking about her experience so far, Caroline Wilde from Wilkesley in Cheshire says: “I signed up to the Challenge six months ago when it began and it has made me much more aware of the little things I can change to make a real difference, such as not filling the kettle each time I make a cuppa and fitting thermostats to all of my radiators. My husband’s been involved every step of the way and our next hurdle is to cut down the number of car journeys we take.”

As a word of encouragement to people thinking of signing up to the Challenge, Fay Mansell, NFWI Chair and resident of Usk in Monmouthshire said: “Start by making small changes that save you money, rather than cause you inconvenience, because if we don’t all start making small changes now, we will be forced to make even bigger changes that will be much harder.

“We’ve heard lots of really inspirational and often humorous stories from people just like Caroline; from escaped worms when the wormery lid has been left off, to seizing the eco balls back from the family cat.  It’s great to hear that our Challengers are also having a lot of fun, and bringing their families and friends along with them.”

Mike Barry, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility for M&S says: “As a responsible retailer, it’s important for us to help our customers make informed choices in their day-to-day lives, from what goes into their shopping basket, through to how they can reduce their own CO2 emissions by washing clothes at 30 degrees. It all has an impact, and if we’re to make sure the earth’s in good shape for our grandchildren, then we need to take action now.

“That’s why we’ve joined forces with the WI and WWF. Both organisations are remarkable ambassadors for climate change - an issue that is of growing importance for our customers - and we knew that by encouraging a meeting of the minds we could really deliver something of value.”

M&S’ partnership with the WI Carbon Challenge is part of its Plan A, £200m eco plan. Additionally, its investment in WWF will support a number of projects including conservation work in the Heart of Borneo rainforest and the North East Atlantic Marine Eco-Region.

* every household in the UK creates around six tonnes of carbon dioxide every year - enough to fill six hot air balloons 10 metres in diameter. In fact, the average home emits more harmful carbon dioxide gas than the average car every year. www.eeph.org.uk/resource/facts/index.cfm

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For further information, please contact:
Leisa Stewart   M&S   020 8718 8132

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