The WI Carbon Challenge hit the half-way mark this week, with the support of some 5,000 people. Over 5% of those registered are from Wales 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, Alison Austin from Pontcanna & Canton WI in Cardiff says: "As a busy family, the challenge for us is to be realistic about our choices, and I have found that by aiming for small changes the Carbon Challenge can fit into our lifestyle.
"For example, with a newborn and a toddler, walking with a pram is something we do everyday, so I make sure that we try and walk to places as much as possible rather than using the car."

As a word of encouragement to people thinking of signing up to the Challenge, Fay Mansell, NFWI Chair 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 Alison; 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."

Morgan Parry, Head of WWF Cymru continues: "WWF Cymru's research has shown that currently people in Wales are living lifestyles that require the resources of three planets to support them, this Carbon Challenge with the WI is a great way to move towards one planet lifestyles which is a key aim of WWF's One Planet Wales campaign."

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.