1. Eat in-season
Buying food that’s done the least travelling doesn’t necessarily mean it’s got the lowest carbon footprint. All the produce that you buy out-of-season will have been stored in a greenhouse, using a lot of electricity and in some cases emitting more CO2 than transport alone. Get to know your local farmer’s markets, and see what fresh, organic goodies they have in store for you!
2. Sharing is caring
If your commute to work is relatively short, get some cardio in by walking instead of taking your car. Car sharing is another great way to reduce the overall amount of CO2 emissions by spreading it over more passengers than driving solo. It also means you’ve got some backup singers on-hand when you’re blasting out show-tunes at 8:30 in the morning!
3. Plant it
This method of reducing your carbon footprint is a fun activity that you can do with the whole family. Planting trees helps to offset your carbon footprint as the trees absorb CO2, which is especially important in built up areas that have the largest footfall and least amount of greenery. You can double down on your environmental efforts by planting bee-friendly wild flowers in your garden so that our fuzzy-winged friends can continue pollinating.
4. Own part of a wind farm
Ripple allows you to own part of a wind farm to supply your home with green electricity. Wind energy is virtually CO2 free, with its emissions mostly coming from manufacturing the turbines and transporting them to site. Not only could you save money each month, but you’re also getting the greenest, cleanest form of energy. You can find out more about the process here.
5. Put away the credit card
Did you know that buying one white shirt has the CO2 equivalence of driving 35 miles? Instead of throwing out slightly worn out clothing, why not get your craft on and sew it back to its former glory, or scout your local vintage shop for some timeless classics? By being thrifty, you save tonnes of methane from being released into the atmosphere (not to mention the amount of emissions that comes from clothing being shipped to the UK).
6. Make your heating CO2-free
If you want your home to be almost entirely green, you can get a Heat Battery installed, which works with your gas boiler and heat pump. Sunamp uses thermal energy to provide a clean, efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional cylinders. What’s more, you could be looking at savings of up to 75% on your utility bills.
