In October we were delighted to visit Yarlside Academy as part of our Cumbrian Carrot Connections initiative, an engaging programme inspiring young people to explore the environmental impact of what we eat and how small dietary changes can make a big difference.
Martin from ProVeg UK joined us for the day, discussing a range of topics with the school council. They shared their ideas on how school meals could be improved, ways to encourage healthier snack choices and how to reduce food waste. The young people’s enthusiasm and creativity were truly inspiring.
Martin also joined in with the a whole school assembly, highlighting how small, collective actions (such as choosing more local and seasonal food) can have a powerful impact when adopted across a community.
One of the most striking examples shared during the session was this:
If every pupil at Yarlside Academy swapped just one school meal a week from animal-based to plant-rich, it could prevent an estimated 11,848 kg of CO₂e emissions each year. That’s the equivalent of driving 96,487 kilometres in a typical car, or travelling almost two and a half times around the world.
Building on the success of the assembly, we will be returning to Yarlside Academy and other schools in the Barrow area to deliver carrots grown by our partners at Gascow Farm in Ulverston.
We extend our sincere thanks to all the pupils and staff at Yarlside Academy for their warm welcome and engagement throughout the day. Their commitment to learning about sustainable diets and willingness to embrace new ideas demonstrate how schools can play a leading role in shaping a more climate-centred future.
Zero Carbon Cumbria is working with schools, community groups and organisations across Cumbria to build practical, lasting solutions in the face of the climate crisis; from promoting sustainable food systems, to reducing clothing waste, to helping as many people as possible become carbon literate. Cumbrian Carrot Connections is just one of the many ways we’re helping people of all ages and backgrounds develop the knowledge and confidence to take meaningful climate action.
Learn more about the Cumbrian Carrot Connections project here: Cumbrian Carrot Connections
This project is being delivered with the support of the following partners and funders:
