Everyday actions to tackle climate change

If you are thinking about where you can start in helping reduce your emissions or adapt your life to our changing climate, the suggestions below are straightforward actions for you and your household - click on the links to take you to further information.

Change the way you travel

Man cycling

According to UK Government, transport produced 27% of the UK’s total emissions in 2019, with the majority (91%) from road transport vehicles. Source

What's involved?

For short journeys, consider walking or cycling

For longer journeys, consider using public transport or car sharing

If you need a car, consider a zero emissions vehicle

Are there additional benefits?

Improved health and wellbeing

Reduced costs

Better air quality

Reduced noise pollution

Where can I find out more? Sustrans aim to improve everyday journeys for everyone and want to ensure that the benefits of walking and cycling are enjoyed by everyone.

Consider home improvements

Someone laying loft insulation

The latest UK Climate Projections (UKCP18) indicate that there is a greater chance of hotter, drier summers and warmer, wetter winters in the UK in future. Source

What's involved?

Install LED light bulbs and efficient appliances

Don’t overheat your home and consider using smart heating controls

Insulate your home to make it warmer in winter and cooler in summer

Ensure adequate ventilation and shading and grow trees or leafy plants near windows to avoid the use of fans and air conditioners

Check whether your home is at risk of flooding and make appropriate plans if it is

Are there additional benefits?

Savings on energy bills

 

Where can I find out more?

UK Government provides advice on saving energy in your homes.

Floodline allows you to check the long-term flood risk in your area and you can also sign up for flood warnings here.

Eat sustainably

Woman buying vegetables

According to Wrap, 23% of total UK food system emissions are linked to the production & distribution of food that becomes waste. Source

What's involved?

Eat a healthy, balanced diet of sustainably sourced food such as locally grown fruit and vegetables

Reduce food waste by only buying what you need

Are there additional benefits?

Improved health

Reduced costs

Where can I find out more?

The Public Health England Eatwell Guide can help you get a balance of healthier and more sustainable food.

Love Food Hate Waste suggests a range of actions to help reduce food waste in your home.

Reduce, reuse, recycle

Person carrying box of empty plastic bottles

In the UK, recycling saves about 10-15 million tonnes of carbon emissions a year and making a plastic bottle from recycled plastic takes 75% less energy. Source

What's involved?

Buy products you really need and that are well made, from sustainable materials where possible, so that they last longer 

Repair and recycle products wherever possible

Are there additional benefits? Reduced costs
Where can I find out more? Recycle Now has lots of advice on recycling at home.

Spread the word

Three people stood chatting

 

What's involved?

Talk to your friends, family and colleagues about climate change and what they could consider doing in their lives

Use #GetClimateReady on social media to share stories of what you are doing

Consider joining local community initiatives to help combat climate change in your area

Check on vulnerable people in your community during severe weather such as heatwaves