Nine (9) things you can do about Climate Change.

As our planet continues to warm, addressing climate change isn’t just a necessity; it’s an opportunity to enhance our quality of life. With World Environment Day upon us, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on how each of us can contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future.

Many people wonder what steps they can personally take to combat climate change and how their actions fit into the broader effort. While individual efforts alone may not achieve the significant emission reductions needed, they are crucial for highlighting the importance of climate action to policymakers and businesses.

To mark World Environment Day, we’ve compiled a list of practical and achievable ways you can make a difference. By taking these steps, you’ll not only reduce your carbon footprint but also help drive the collective momentum needed to tackle this global challenge.

Using your voice as a consumer, a customer, a member of the electorate and an active citizen, will lead to changes on a much grander scale.

“Use your voice, use your vote, use your choice.”

Al Gore

1. Make your voice heard by those in power
   Tell your Member of Parliament, local assemblymen and city mayors that you think action on climate change is important. A prosperous future for the country depends on their decisions about the environment, green spaces, roads, waste and recycling, air quality and energy efficient homes.Ultimately, steps to reduce carbon emissions will have a positive impact on other local issues, like improving air quality and public health, creating jobs and reducing inequality.

What can I do?

Find out who your MP is, and the best way to contact them – you could even attend one of their surgeries in your constituency. You can also find out who your local assemblymen are and how to contact them.

Various organisations offer suggestions on how to write engaging letters or emails to a politician, drawing attention to an issue and then requesting support to reach particular solutions.

Join a social movement or campaign that focuses on environmental activities or gets everyone talking about climate change action. There are a wealth of groups out there so pick one that resonates with you.

2. Eat less meat and dairy

Avoiding meat and dairy products is one of the biggest ways to reduce your environmental impact on the planet. Studies suggest that a high-fibre, plant-based diet is also better for your health, and replacing meat with protein-rich pulses can also be cost-effective: so it’s a triple win. 

Eat fewer or smaller portions of meat, especially beef and lamb, which has the largest environmental impact, and reduce dairy products or switch them for non-dairy alternatives. Check out this chart from Our World in Data, which compares the climate footprint of many meat, dairy and plant-based products.    

Try to choose fresh, seasonal produce that is grown locally to help reduce the carbon emissions from transportation, preservation and prolonged refrigeration.

The carbon footprint of one cheeseburger is equivalent to nine falafel in pitta; and six fish and chipsWhen eating out, plan ahead and use apps to find more plant-based options.

3. Cut back on flying

If you need to fly for work, consider using video-conferencing instead. For trips in the same country or continent, take the train or explore options using an electric vehicle.

When flying is unavoidable, pay a little extra for carbon offsetting.

For leisure trips, choose nearby destinations, and fly economy—on average, a passenger in business class has a carbon footprint three times higher than someone in economy class.

4. Leave the car at home

Instead of getting in the car, walk or cycle, and enjoy the physical and mental health benefits, and the money saved. Check out our top tips to get on your bike and enjoy cycling in the city. For longer journeys, use public transport.

Not only do cars contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, but air pollution caused by exhaust fumes and tyre wear poses a serious threat to public health. It has been shown to affect the health of unborn babies and increase the risk of dementia.

If driving is unavoidable,

Investigate trading in your diesel or petrol car for an electric vehicle – if you drive a lot, you could save substantially on fuel costs.

When behind the wheel, think about the way you drive:

Switch off the engine when you park up.

Make sure the tyres are fully pumped, and that the oxygen sensors are in good order; this can improve the car’s fuel mileage and efficiency by up to 3% and 40%, respectively.

Drive smoothly.

5. Reduce your energy use, and bills

Small changes to your behavior at home will help you use less energy, cutting your carbon footprint and your energy bills:

Make simple changes to how you use hot water, like buying a water-efficient shower head, only filling the kettle with as much water as you need, and using the washing machine at 30° only when full.

Avoid polluting wood burners and learn about more energy efficient ways to cook, including putting a lid on pans, and using a slow cooker, air fryer, or microwave as opposed to the oven or a barbecue.

Turn off lights and appliances when you don’t need them. Replace light bulbs with LEDs or other low-energy lights.

6. Respect and protect green spaces

Green spaces, such as parks and gardens, are important. They absorb carbon dioxide and are associated with lower levels of air pollution.

They help to regulate temperature by cooling overheated urban areas, can reduce flood risk by absorbing surface rainwater and can provide important habitats for a wide variety of insects, animals, birds and amphibians.

They also provide multiple benefits to public health, with studies linking green space to reduced levels of stress.

What can I do?

Create your own green space. Add pot plants to your window sill or balcony, and if you have your own outdoor space, don’t replace the grass with paving or artificial turf.

Help to protect and conserve green spaces like local parks, ponds, or community gardens.

Plant trees. Planting trees is incredibly important for both the environment and our communities. Trees help fight climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, which cleans the air we breathe. They also provide shade, cool down our neighborhoods, and reduce the need for air conditioning, which saves energy.

7. Bank and invest your money responsibly

Contact your financial institutions to find out where they are investing your money, and ask if you can opt out of funds invested in fossil fuels. There are also a number of ‘ethical banks’ you can consider for various accounts, including current and savings accounts.

8. Cut consumption and waste

Everything we use as consumers has an environmental footprint.

Be mindful of your consumption: try not to buy more than you need, and embrace the value of your current belongings.

Extend your product’s lifespan

Repair, reuse, upcycle and customize your items instead of discarding them. Buy second-hand from thrift stores and charity shops, or buy quality items that last longer.

Make informed purchases by choosing brands that align with your eco-friendly values. Demand transparency from retailers and beware of greenwashing. Trace your product’s journey by reading labels to learn about human and material resources used.

Try to minimize waste

Avoid single-use items. Let brands know if you think they are using too much packaging; some will take customer feedback seriously. Ask for your purchases to be presented in recycled or minimal packaging

Minimize food waste by planning meals and properly storing leftovers, and consider composting organic waste.

Sort your waste into the right categories so it can be recycled properly. 

9. Talk about the changes you make

Conversations are a great way to spread big ideas.

Seeing others take action helps move the dial on what is seen as ‘normal’. And people make more confident choices when they can learn from others’ experiences. As you make these positive changes to reduce your environmental impact, share your experience with your family, friends, customers, and clients. Talk positively, and be honest about the ups and downs.

Source: The Grantham Institute