We as individuals can all support the global effort to tackle and adapt to climate change. In the UK, our scenarios to reduce UK greenhouse gas emissions to Net Zero point to actions that individuals and households can take to reduce their carbon footprints and contribute to the UK and global goals.
The way you travel
- Choose to walk and cycle or take public transport in preference to a car
- Make your next car an electric one, and then charge it ‘smartly’
- Minimise flying, especially long-haul, where possible
In your home
- Improve the energy efficiency of your home (or ask your landlord to) through draughtproofing, improved insulation, choosing LED light-bulbs and appliances with high efficiency ratings
- Set thermostats no higher than 19°C and the water temperature in heating systems no higher than 55°
- Consider switching to a low-carbon heating system such as a heat pump, especially if you live off the gas grid; if you are on the gas grid consider a hybrid system
- Reduce the risk of overheating in the summer by opting for thick curtains or blinds.
- Install water and smart energy meters to manage water and energy use, whilst also helping to identify water leaks
What you eat and buy
- Eat a healthy diet, for example with less beef, lamb and dairy.
- Eliminate food waste as far as possible and make sure that you use separate food waste collections if available. Reduce, reuse and recycle your other waste too.
- Use only peat-free compost.
- Choose good quality products that will last, use them for longer and try to repair before you replace.
- Share rather than buy items like power tools that you don’t use frequently. If you don’t/won’t use your car regularly then consider joining a car club instead.
What else?
- Look for changes that you can make in your workplace or school to reduce emissions and support your colleagues to make changes too.
- If you’re in a flood risk area sign up to flood warnings and devise your own household plan to prepare for possible floods
- Talk about your experiences and help to raise awareness of the need to act. Consider the wider impacts of your actions (e.g. through your pension or ISA and via the companies you buy from).
