“If working apart we are forces powerful enough to destabilise our planet, surely working together we are powerful enough to save it.”

This poignant quote from Sir David Attenborough’s speech at the Cop26 summit in 2021 epitomises the tone of the Barrow Greener Living meeting. With an impressive attendance of 46 people, the library was abuzz with thought-provoking discussions and interesting ideas on how to lower our communal carbon footprint.

Opening remarks from group founders, Andy, Bob and Dom reminded us that there is “no one simple solution” to the climate crisis. It’s only by working together, learning and raising awareness that we can build a more sustainable future for our village. Under that ethos, attendees drafted dozens (if not hundreds) of ideas on how to meet our green goals.

Here are just a few of the inspiring thoughts from the March meeting, and how you can put them to action in your own home:

• Redirect your diet – reducing your meat consumption or switching to a vegetarian or vegan diet is a great way to lower your carbon footprint. There are an endless number of tasty, meatf-free recipes available in cookbooks and online. Often the easiest way to start is with an already-loved dish – if your family favourite happens to be a hearty homemade chilli, then simply swap out the beef mince for seasonal vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, tomatoes and kidney beans. Or you could just cook with half the quantity of meat you would usually use. Thankfully, the- majority of herbs, spices and seasonings that give our favourite meals their flavour are all vegan, so dinner can still pack a punch without harming the planet!

• Seasonal shopping – while the internationally grown, plastic-wrapped fruits adorning supermarket shelves are tempting, opting for local, seasonal produce is a much greener choice. It cuts food miles and, if bought at a market or grown at an allotment, eliminates the need for plastic packaging too. Not to mention the difference in taste! To make your food shop more eco-friendly, try choosing unwrapped locally grown produce, buying from your nearest market; visiting Barrow’s community orchard; or even growing your own fruit and veg.

• Sustainable style – it’s not just our food choices that can have an environmental impact, what we wear matters too. Fast fashion is one of the biggest challenges our planet faces. By buying second-hand; swapping clothes with friends and family; or attending organised ‘clothes swaps’, we can cut the amount we’re buying from unsustainable brands and extend the life of our clothes. Adopting a traditional ‘make do and mend’ approach can also help. You don’t have to be a whizz with a sewing machine; ask a friend, turn to a local tailor or just grab a needle, thread and a YouTube video and give it a go!

• Going wild – whether you have a garden, patio, balcony or window box, consider using your space to plant wildflowers. Not only do they look pretty, but wildflowers can be a fantastic food source for pollinators and help increase the local area’s biodiversity – something Barrow in Bloom and the Greener Living Group are both passionate about. To go one step further, why not try seed swapping? Sharing seeds with your friends and family is a great way to increase the variety of plants in your area.

• Transport solutions – while more permanent transport improvements, such as extended bus and rail services may not be entirely within our control, there are some easy ways to stay sustainable while on the move. Consider walking or cycling – as well as being eco-friendly, they’re both great ways to get fresh air, soak up the sun and enjoy the beauty of our local area. Use public transport as and when you can. Or for those reliant on cars, try car sharing with friends and family, or with other local people via an app.

• Stay informed - keep up on the latest news, sign petitions, and join active groups like Barrow’s Greener Living!

The meeting concluded by eight people volunteering to be part of an organising group which will drive projects forwards … watch this space.

If you are interested in joining the group or just have ideas you want to share, please contact Bob Johnson on 2johnson.bob@gmail.com or join the Barrow Greener Living group on Facebook.

Tori Cotton