How did becoming Carbon Literate impact you? How have you used what you learned in your own life?

My Carbon Literacy journey began in the middle of my 2^nd year (during the heights of the Covid era). I think it was an important time for me personally as I was able to then make amendments to a diet which predominantly contained red meat (traditional Caribbean family). At the time, this was making me sluggish and demotivated on most days, so a change to a more balanced diet and reduced red meat intake proved to be so much better for me on different levels.

I also implemented energy saving methods in my home such as setting the thermostat to 19 degrees rather than 25 degrees (my mom liked it warm) and also only boiling the amount of water you need, all the time. These are all things that are still practiced in my household today and as it has proved to benefit me and my family; it feels even greater knowing it’s also benefiting the planet.

Would you recommend the Carbon Literacy training to other students? Why?

I would highly recommend the Carbon Literacy training to other students. Besides the obvious reasons to become Carbon Literate such as one’s love for the planet and creating a safer place for the generations to come, there are many other benefits which are indirectly linked to the Carbon Literacy training programme. For me I was able to socialise and network with students and staff from different faculties and year groups, some of which then became like mentors to me. The Carbon Literacy training also builds on one’s confidence levels as during the training you’re often allowed and asked to present feedback and finally you also develop a skill like presenting, which I think is very important while at university.

What made you want to take the next step and become a Carbon Literacy trainer? How would you describe that experience?

There are a few reasons which motivated me to take the next step after becoming Carbon Literate to then become a Carbon Literacy trainer.

Firstly, I was really enjoying the content that I was learning; it reminded me of a time in my life where I studied the sciences before beginning this business adventure. Furthermore, it reminds me that in the future when we become leaders of organisations and even our families, that there is more to life than just profits and financial gain and that we should do all we can to create balance and support those and the things around us.

Secondly, I began to see a change in my confidence level, and those that I met during my training and prior to it were also pushing me to do the training, citing their own experiences and how it has helped them both academically and professionally.

Finally, even though this is something we ought to be doing for free we also get an hourly wage to deliver these training sessions which for me is just further motivation to do so.

What benefits do you see in becoming a Carbon Literacy trainer? What advice would you give to anyone interested in becoming a trainer?

There are loads of benefits to becoming a Carbon Literacy trainer. Like some of the things I’ve listed above but also not limited to those. You also get a chance to facilitate and deliver training to organisations and groups outside of the University, get invited to special events (meet special people like the mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham) and most importantly, learn things that will benefit you in your day-to-day life while having a long-lasting, positive impact on the planet we call home for the present generation and for those to come.

So, my advice to you, well, my question to you is: what are you waiting for?

Is there anything else you’d like to say?

If you’re interested in making a difference, then this is your chance. Even if you just want to develop more personally and professionally, you’ll eventually fall in love with more sustainable practices and feel happy knowing that you’re making a difference and influencing change.

Anticipate no more… Sign up TODAY!

If you are interested in Carbon Literacy training, or becoming a trainer yourself, email carbonliteracy@mmu.ac.uk.