🌍 My Carbon Footprint: What I’m Doing, What I’m Learning, and Why It’s Not Always Easy

Aiming for a zero‑waste lifestyle sounds simple in theory — but in reality, it’s incredibly challenging. Even with the best intentions, I still struggle to source everything I need without plastic, and some “eco‑friendly” items arrive after travelling halfway around the world. Add disability, health limitations, and a reduced income (hello, 2020), and the journey becomes even more complicated.

Despite all this, I’m committed to reducing my carbon footprint wherever I realistically can. I’m not perfect — none of us are — but I believe small, consistent steps matter.

Here’s what I’ve been doing over the past few years to reduce my impact.

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🌿 Low-Waste Picnic Kit

Simple Swaps for a Greener Outdoor Adventure

Earth Month Guide • Outdoors • Zero Waste Picnic

A low-waste picnic isn’t about perfection — it’s about packing with intention, choosing reusables over disposables, and celebrating the outdoors without leaving a trace. Whether you’re heading to the beach, the park, or your favourite coastal nook, a thoughtfully curated picnic kit makes sustainable living feel effortless.

This guide walks you through the essentials of a zero waste picnic, featuring some of the beautiful, ethically made pieces from Jungle Culture, whose artisan-crafted, plastic-free products align perfectly with the Zero Waste Llama ethos, amongst other Zero-Waste items of interest.

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🌿 Plug In, Power Up: Your 2026–2027 Guide to EV Charging Grants (and Free Motability Chargers!)

Switching to an electric vehicle should feel like a joyful step toward cleaner air, quieter streets, and a more sustainable future — not a confusing maze of grants, cables, and acronyms. All the information in Your 2026–2027 Guide to EV Charging Grants is here to help you navigate these changes. Luckily, the UK Government has refreshed its EV charging support for 2026–2027, and there’s genuinely good news for renters, homeowners, landlords, workplaces, and even schools.

And if you’re a Motability Scheme customer, the news gets even better: you can get a home charger installed for free. Yes, really.

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Celebrating Earth Month: Small Steps for Big Impact

Every April, Earth Month invites us to pause, breathe, and reconnect with the planet that carries us — windswept beaches, mossy forests, bustling cities, and all. For the Zero Waste Llama herd, it’s a chance to celebrate the joy of low-waste living, embrace imperfect eco-action, and remind ourselves that sustainability is a journey, not a finish line.

This year, we’re leaning into the theme of “Small Steps, Big Impact” — because the truth is, most meaningful change begins with tiny, consistent choices made by ordinary people (and the occasional eco-llama).

Read more for some simple sustainable habits for Earth Month!

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Bluebell and Albie, the Eco-cats!

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Firstly, I’ll introduce you to Albie, our 1 year old cat. He also goes by the names; Albus, Albus Dumble-cat, Alfred, Albert, Alberto, Alb and Albachino. In upcoming posts, you’ll find out why we consider him one of our eco cats. This is him, I know I’m biased but isn’t he the cutest?!

A couple of weeks before Christmas 2022, we acquired a cat and her 2 kittens. Sadly, after 4 weeks of hand-rearing, constant vet trips and a last-ditch attempt to save her trip to Luton, we lost the little girl. But our little miracle, Albie survived. So we HAD to keep him.

Bluebell is Albie’s mum, she was my brothers cat who came to live with us around 7 months ago. Bluebell and Albie are practically identical… except. Albie is twice Bluebells size, and where Bluebell has a full white moustache, Albie only has half. Bluebell is also OBSESSED with Cath, who is not a cat-person at all. (Bluebell went on to live with a close friend of ours, as soon as Albie was weened).

Now the introductions are over, let’s talk “Eco cat products!”. I’d had some experience with cats before, but Cath hadn’t. She was eager to extend the Eco-ness out to the cat too….

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Product Review: Kutis Organic Lip Balm

Kutis Organic Lip Balm is a popular choice for anyone seeking a plastic‑free, natural alternative to conventional lip balms. This review looks at its ingredients, sustainability credentials, and whether it delivers effective, everyday lip care without unnecessary packaging. Another lovely lip balm, from Kutis directly or Peace With The Wild. Once again, this is a really nice product and recyclable / up-cyclable packaging! The lip balm is smooth, light and (most importantly) soothed and repaired my dry, cracked lips this winter!

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

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Product Review: Solid Conditional Bars – Bain & Savon

If you’re already using a solid shampoo bar, pairing it with a matching conditioner can make the transition to low‑waste hair care easier. I’ve also reviewed the Bain & Savon solid shampoo bars, which are designed to work alongside these conditioner bars as part of a plastic‑free hair care routine.

This is an interesting story, and should be read alongside my first review (Product Review: Coconutty Soapnut Shampoo Bar). That review also details struggling with adapting to bar shampoos. In addition, it contains some tips and suggestions to aid your own transition.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

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Product Review: Solid Shampoo Bars – Bain & Savon

Following on from my previous review (Product Review: Coconutty Soapnut Shampoo Bar) I tried a few shampoo soaps from the Bain & Savon range, which I obtained from Peace with The Wild, experimenting to see what was most suitable to my hair-type. This time, I focused on Bain & Savon solid shampoo bars to see how they performed.

Bain & Savon have a variety of options in terms of scents and hair-types:

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

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Product Review: Coconutty Soapnut Shampoo Bar

After decades of my sensitive skin reacting badly to any soap products, and having dry hair requiring twice as much conditioner as shampoo, I was particularly nervous about finding a more ecological alternative. Especially as I feared that this would dry my hair further.

The Coconutty Soapnut Shampoo Bar from Living Naturally was the first Bar Shampoo that I have ever tried. This particular soap is advertised as being great for “Nourishing & Moisturising. Suitable for all hair/skin types, especially for dry or lack luster hair/skin or inflamed sore skin” with the added appeal of being:

  • SLS Free
  • Palm Oil Free
  • Organic

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

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Product Review: Faith in Nature Soap – Coconut

The Faith in Nature Coconut soap bar is a popular choice for anyone seeking a natural, plastic‑free alternative to shower gel. This review explores whether it lives up to its eco‑friendly, vegan, and low‑waste claims for everyday use.I have used Faith in Nature's Coconut Soap for some years - it is lovely to use: very gentle with a good lather and it does not leave my skin dry, and has a lovely smell. Using Faith in Nature Coconut soap, I had no allergic reaction - I actually use it in the shower occasionally! Estimated reading time: 2 minutes This is available from many shops, including Oxfam, but I have only found Faith in Nature Coconut soap on amazon without plastic wrapping (in packs of 18). Given the plastic packaging, I will not be ordering this again, but the Faith in Nature Coconut soap itself is very good. 100% Natural Fragrance With Essential Oils Free from Parabens and SLS Ingredients are vegetable derived, organic and are certified sustainable in origin. Overall, Faith in Nature Coconut soap is a popular choice for those seeking a gentle, ethical product. Key Takeaways Faith in Nature Coconut soap is a natural, plastic-free alternative to shower gel, praised for its gentle formulation and pleasant scent. The soap lathers well, does not dry out the skin, and is suitable for everyday use without causing allergic reactions. Available at various retailers, including Oxfam, but often found plastic-wrapped on Amazon, leading to concerns about sustainability. It features 100% natural…

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