Over the last century, the devastating impacts of climate change have become more and more apparent. With the world’s reliance on fossil fuels to the way we manage our waste, the UN’s latest scientific report held its starkest warning yet” “a code red for humanity.”
Unless urgent action is taken, our way of life, the environment and more will be damaged beyond repair. In short, there is no going back unless we make a global effort to change.
Although the challenge seems overwhelming, we can all play a role in protecting those we love and our planet as a whole. To get started, here are a few practical things you can do at home to make a difference.
Cut your CO2 emissions
In the UK, fossil fuels have essentially made the world go round. They light up our homes, power our cars and keep us warm during the winter. But with carbon, natural gas, and oil becoming more and more limited, as well as causing inexplicable damage to the environment, the simplest solution is the most obvious: we all need to cut our overall CO2 emissions.
You can do this in several ways, including:
- Switching your car to an electric vehicle (EV) or hybrid: Make sure you check out all the Plug-in grants on offer and read up on the 2030 ban on new diesel and petrol vehicles coming into effect
- Consider green renewable energy
- Change all of your lightbulbs to energy-efficient LEDs
- Opt for showers over baths: You also save on water too!
- Switch off any electric devices, not in use around your home
Reduce your travel
Whether you leave the car at home and walk to work, hop on a bus or grab your bicycle, reducing your travel time in your petrol or diesel-fuelled vehicle will make a difference:
- You’ll reduce your carbon footprint
- Reduce air pollution in your area
- You’ll improve your fitness
Yes, public transport still produces emissions, but the government is working to provide green transport throughout the country as part of its Green Industrial Revolution plans. So less pollution and more green efficiency as you commute to work!
Reuse & recycle
Want to make a positive change to the environment? Well, reusing and recycling as much as possible will make a lasting impact.
Today, recycling in the UK is estimated to save more than 18 million tonnes of CO2 a year. That’s the equivalent of removing 5 million cars from the country’s roads!
What’s more, you can easily slot it into your daily routine or set up a regular waste management and rubbish removals service with our friendly team.
While you recycle all of your cardboard, electricals and more, you will be helping:
The environment
- Recycling reduces the need to extract raw materials, which in turn minimises air and water pollution
- Recycling saves energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions
Reduce landfill
- The UK is home to over 1,500 landfill sites: on average, these sites annually produce 25% of the UK’s methane emissions
- Landfill is reduced when you recycle as these materials are turned into new products
Save energy
- Less energy is used during the manufacturing process when recycled materials are used. When raw materials are used, everything from transport costs to mining and more all use a considerable amount of energy
- Recycling takes away the need to extract, refine, transport and process raw materials
In short, every time you recycle or reuse your items at home, you are protecting your local waterways, habitats and are reducing the need for more raw materials to be sourced and mined. Although each of these steps may seem minimal, their overall impact on the world at large is significant.
Avoid using plastic
You can’t go far without plastic featuring in some aspect of your daily life. It’s wrapped around pretty much everything from pre-packed fruit and veg at your local supermarket to the handy box you use to store all of your rarely worn shoes in. One of its most outstanding design features – its durability – is sadly one of its greatest flaws. In short, we’re struggling to get rid of it!
Plastic has found its way into our oceans, beaches, rivers, streets, your clothing, makeup, wastewater, and you’ve guessed it, the air we breathe.
If you’ve been paying attention to David Attenborough recently, you will know the devastating connection between climate change and our massive global plastic problem. It is wiping out rare species of wildlife, impacting our forests and communities, and at every stage of the plastic life cycle, it emits greenhouse gases. The reason: almost every type of plastic in existence is produced from fossil fuels.
Fortunately, there are many eco-friendly alternatives readily available, from sandwich bags to heavy-duty boxes. Plus, supermarkets from budget-friendly to high end are paying attention. Less plastic is being used in stores, and recyclable alternatives are easy to grab as you shop.
Reduce meat and dairy from your diet
Within the EU, 12-17% of total greenhouse emissions is due to meat and dairy production. Globally, on the other hand, the industry is estimated to produce more greenhouse gas emissions than “all cars, planes, trains and ships combined.”
We’re not saying give up the meat for good and commit to veganism, but by simply reducing your meat and dairy intake, the impact of agriculture on the environment will be reduced over time. By simply switching up your diet and adding more organic fruit and veg, and a selection of plant-based foods, you will be doing your part to protect the environment.
If you’re feeling up to the challenge, you can even go a step further and support your local farmers by investing in a fresh veggie box delivered straight to your front door. That way, your diet and lifestyle don’t support the transportation of products throughout the world and emissions are reduced overall.
Climate change is no longer a discussion piece swept under the carpet. The threat is real, and it’s time for us all to make a few simple changes within our lives. Are you up for the challenge?