Sustainability Program For a Realistic and Affordable Eco-friendly Lifestyle
The following is a guest blog post very kindly contributed by Lyn Lapworth (Eco For All), creator of the RAMP Sustainability Program.
“I’m finding it a bit expensive trying to be more eco friendly”
This comment came from the other eco mum as we were standing outside the school gates. I’d just dropped my youngest child off a couple of weeks after he’d started school and was considering what form of work I wanted to do that would fit in with my children’s term time. Training to become a Teaching Assistant was at the top of the list.
However, after this comment from a mum I knew had been trying to make more eco-conscious decisions, I decided I had to do something to help. I had been making simple eco-friendly changes around the home for a number of years and knew I could make a difference.
So I sat down and wrote out all the small, simple changes we’d made, that would be realistic for other busy women running households and making sure their family had everything they needed.
The Neuroscience
To find the reason the ‘small changes’ approach works, we have to look to neuroscience. Our brains are resistant to change – the bigger the change, the more resistant our brains are. This is because it’s wired for survival – to keep us safe. Any change, particularly any big change, send our brains in to fight or flight mode, which can lead to us feeling anxious or resistant. If we want to achieve lasting change, we need to look at making consistent, small improvements – which are the basis for sustainable transformation.
Small, consistent actions also activate the reward system in our brains with every achievement – which builds confidence and spurs us on to look for the next win.
The good news is that our brains have an ability to adapt, due to it’s neuroplasticity. This means that our brain can form new neural pathways through repeating small actions – meaning those new habits then become second nature.
Where To Save Money
During the process of compiling all the changes I’d made around the home, it became clear there were 4 distinct areas where we can actually save ourselves money through taking eco-friendly actions. These are ‘saving energy’ ‘buying preloved’ ‘swapping to reusables’ and ‘reducing food waste’.
My aim is to save my clients money in these areas, allowing them to use the savings to buy items such as organic food or clean beauty products, which are better for their health.
The Long Term Goal
When I created my RAMP up your Sustainability program I had busy women in mind. RAMP stands for Realistic, Affordable, Manageable and Practical changes to everyday habits. Knowing that making more sustainable choices can feel hugely overwhelming, I chose to host the 1hr sessions on a monthly basis, allowing my clients the time to implement whichever objectives worked in their lifestyle. Then in between each session, there is as much or as little support as each client needs, although I encourage everyone to request help when making purchases to help them avoid being greenwashed.
Knowing another barrier for many is the idea that they can’t make a difference on their own, was the driver behind the decision to host the program in a group format. Each March and October, I welcome a new group of fabulous ladies – who share their journey and knowledge throughout their time together.
The program runs for 12 months, allowing us to cover topics such as cleaning and laundry, energy saving, reducing food waste and sustainable gift shopping. This may seem like a big commitment, however being conscious of the choices we’re making over a longer period of time results in lasting change – and ultimately a new mindset.
Feedback
My proudest moments come in the final session, where we reflect on the many changes my clients have made – and watch their confidence grow as they realise just how far they’ve come over our time together. Hearing comments such as ‘the program was life changing’ to ‘Lyn’s RAMP up your Sustainability program is genuinely brilliant. It doesn’t just scratch the surface, it gives you real clarity on how to make smarter, more sustainable choices”
My mission is to help as many overwhelmed women to ease their burden, ease the guilt that they could be doing more – and potentially save them money, in a safe non judgemental space.
This guest blog post contributed by Lyn Lapworth (Eco For All) explains how sustainable living can be realistic, affordable, manageable and practical. If you need guidance be sure to check out Lyn’s RAMP Sustainability Program.
About Lyn Lapworth (Eco For All)
Passionate, even obsessed about reducing our impact on the planet Lyn started Eco For All to show people that a more sustainable way of life can be simple and affordable. She would love to be everyone’s ‘environ-mentor’ and support everyone looking to be kinder to the planet.
Here are some ways you can reach out to Lyn about your sustainability journey
RAMP Sustainability Program –Â https://eco-for-all.co.uk/services/#group
Instagram –Â https://www.instagram.com/eco_for_all/
LinkedIn –Â https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyn-lapworth-eco-for-all-2a5b14258/
Facebook –Â https://www.facebook.com/ECOforALLecoconsultant
