I think I was probably the first person to stop using plastic bags - it really helped me to role model to customers that little and often can have such a significant impact on the overall mission.

In need of a little inspiration on your journey to a more sustainable life? We’ve interviewed 6 women, mums like you and me, who are on their own sustainable journey, to ask them how they manage it, what their top tips are, and how they stay motivated.

First up, it’s career and business coach Lizzie @worklifemother…

A bit about you…

Hi I’m Lizzie, mum to two sassy daughters and founder of Work Life Mother - career and business coaching helping women succeed in their careers after motherhood.

What inspired you to live more sustainably?

Before I started my own business I worked in the retail industry. I was managing department stores and supermarkets for over a decade and I was exposed to the scale of environmental concerns. Being aware of wastage and our carbon footprint was a big deal. 

What have you done and what difference has it made?

I think I was probably the first person to stop using plastic bags - it really helped me to role model to customers that little and often can have such a significant impact on the overall mission. At home I am very conscious of packaging, recycling everything and avoiding waste where possible. 

I apply this thinking to the way I shop for clothes too. I would love to have a capsule wardrobe - currently I’m far from it but my daughters are certainly on the right path. I buy all their clothes in 3 main colour palettes - pale pink, blue and grey - which means that everything is mix and match and each item is on high rotation. I also shop from charity shops - ALOT. It’s important to me that clothes are being given a second, or even third go, and not walking away with plastic packaging makes the whole experience more enjoyable. 

What advice would you give to parents who struggle to fit eco changes into their hectic lives?

Think small to start off. Take some time out to consider one small thing you can do and then work on that one thing repeatedly. Once it becomes a new habit you can then add in a new change. If you try to do it all at once you will be overwhelmed and whilst you may attack it with gusto your motivation will fade quickly. Slow and steady always wins the race. 

Your number 1 eco swap…

I always think twice before I put any item in the wash - I always ask myself if it has got one more days wear out of it? I used to just chuck everything in the drum without thinking. Now it’s a habit. I’ve realised that not only am I contributing to a healthier global environment by washing less, but I am also saving myself time by not having to hang out the laundry and then fold it away the following day. 

Your dance around the bedroom song…

This is such an easy question - it has always been and probably will always be ... house of pain, jump around! I’d like that at my funeral please!