Here at Muddy Puddles we’re all about making clothes to protect children on their outdoor adventures while making sure we’re kind to the planet. Sustainability is one of the most important values in our business and we know even small changes can make a big difference. The new year is the perfect time to look at inputting some new changes as a family to be even more planet friendly.

We’ve put together a few ideas to get you started and the best thing is, the whole family can get involved too! Some of these you may be doing already so you could always get together as a family and come up with some new ideas.

1) Wash on a cooler cycle

Washing on a quick wash cycle and at a cooler temperature can save up to 60% of the energy used in every wash, and help to protect the environment. Rather than washing each time, simply wipe clean waterproofs and leave to air dry naturally, ready for the next adventure.

2) Pass on clothing

We are aware that sadly, the clothing industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world. All our clothes are designed to be passed down to younger siblings and friends and you’ll get rewarded from seeing someone else enjoying them too. This can also be said for toys and games that your children have grown out of which can be passed on to friends or charity shops - it's also a good excuse to have a good clear out.

3) Choose to walk

Head outdoors with the family and enjoy a lovely walk together. It’s great for your mental health and offers a chance to connect with the natural world around you. Why not set off on foot and see what hidden gems you can find in your local area?

4) Shop locally

Visit nearby shops or markets and see what local produce you can find. It’s a great way to teach children about the importance of eating a varied, seasonal diet and it’s supporting local suppliers while reducing your carbon footprint too.

5) Get green fingered

Compost can be made all year round and it’s a fun way to introduce your children to the natural cycle of growth and decay and great for your plants too! Here’s a handy guide to get you started. Setting up a patch in your garden to grow your own fruit and vegetables is a great activity to do together as a family and a rewarding one too when your little gardeners get to taste the fruits of their labour!

6) Collect rainwater

Collecting rainwater is a great way to water your garden or houseplants. If your house has gutters, you can place a large tub under the spout to collect the water and you can ask your children to keep an eye on how much water is collected.

7) Go by bike

As well as being a fun activity to do as a family outdoors, cycling can be a great way to connect with nature, keeps you fit, saves you money and is a much kinder alternative to driving. Perhaps you could incorporate this into the school run or make it a regular weekend activity with the family to make the most of your local surroundings.

Here's more ideas which some of our customers told us they were doing to make a difference:

• "We do lots of recycling and my children help with litter picking where we live."
• "We use beeswax wraps for food instead of foil/cling film."
• "We've dedicated half our garden to wildlife - meadow grass and flowers, mini pond, tons of pollinators."
• "We all have bamboo toothbrushes and reusable straws."
• "We repair everything - clothes, furniture, appliances."
• "Use our own shopping bags, not plastic ones."
• "We only use eco-friendly cleaning solutions in our house from surface cleaner to laundry."