- Say no to excessive packaging and disposable plastic items – they clog landfill sites or get incinerated into more CO2
- Switch off lights and appliances when you’re not using them – it’s a waste of electricity, and power generated from fossil fuels means more CO2 in the atmosphere
- Use low-energy light bulbs – they cost more but last longer, and use less electricity
- Insulate your home and use less fuel to heat it – keep the cold out, the warmth in and the bills down. You might even get a grant towards the cost
- If it’s a bit chilly, don’t just turn up the thermostat – put on that jumper that you got for Christmas
- Use your car less – walk, cycle or use public transport whenever possible
- If you have to drive, be efficient – share a vehicle, keep your speed down and your tyre pressures correct
- If you can’t get by without a car, get one that’s not a climate-killer – try a hybrid, maybe even electric, but at least one that’s fuel-efficient
- When you use the washing machine, do a full load on a cool cycle
- Cup of tea? Don’t pour energy down the drain – only boil the water you need
- Recycle everything you can – paper, glass, metal, plastic, printer cartridges, oil, tyres, batteries, furniture, clothes, shoes
- Buy recycled products whenever you can
- Going shopping? Take your own bags and cut down on plastic waste
- Reduce transport emissions by buying local – check out the nearest farmers’ market
One hectare of trees absorbs 4 tonnes of CO2 per year
One hectare of trees absorbs 4 tonnes of CO2 per year
It’s time to get rid of all your old incandescent light bulbs
Carbon mitigation
We don’t own the world – we hold it in trust for the future. Yet our lifestyle decisions can so easily increase the damaging effects of global warming by pushing more CO2 into the atmosphere. People in some of the poorest parts of the world are already suffering the consequences of climate change.
There’s something each one of us can do: live responsibly. Simple choices in your everyday life can help cut your personal contribution to CO2 emissions – and show your commitment to care for the world that’s been entrusted to us. Here are some ideas:
Make the most of your energy
There are many competitive suppliers of renewable energy to domestic users. Our partner Good Energy is committed to supplying 100% renewable non-nuclear energy. If you sign up to Good Energy you will reduce your CO2 emissions - and the company will also make a contribution to Climate Stewards, enabling us to plant even more trees. Advice, information and grants to help you make more efficient use of energy can be found at the Energy Saving Trust.