Combating Climate Change
After some wide ranging Zoom discussions we produced the list of actions below that we as individuals can follow to help combat climate change. We are not suggesting people significantly change their life-styles or spend a lot of money, but with small modifications we can collectively make a difference. Nor do we claim this list is exhaustive and would welcome additional ideas .
Some are slightly frivolous or amusing, but each is perfectly doable by you as an individual if you are so inclined. Just becoming aware of them and what you can do often stimulates people to give some of them a try. Individual actions will be hard to measure, but if you are joined by many others we hope you will have the satisfaction of knowing you are doing your own little bit to help the planet.
Savings on water and power (electricity). There is a large overlap with some of these actions, that is why they are lumped together.
- Don’t leave gadgets on standby for long periods
- Turn off unnecessary lights
- Don’t turn on lights when not needed
- Put a full load in the dishwasher
- Put a full load in the washing machine
- Wash clothes at the lowest or most economical temperature
- Whenever possible dry clothes outside or inside in place of a spin dryer
- Cook whenever possible with a microwave (e.g. soups and drinks)
- Put only the required water in a kettle
- Use any spare boiling water to kill weeds in place of weed killer
- Shower instead of bathing
- Share a bath or shower
- Shower for a shorter time
- Shower only when needed
- Turn central heating down a little and wear an extra sweater
- Install solar panels
- Wash clothes a little less often
- Flush toilet less often
- Place a brick or similar in the toilet cistern
- Fit a water meter (this often reduces water usage)
- Mend dripping taps
- Wash the car less often
- Collect rain water for the garden
- Don’t use hosepipe on the garden most plants and lawns will recover
- Run taps slower when washing hands etc.
Life-style Actions
- Walk ,or cycle, for short journeys – healthier than driving
- Use public transport if possible
- Car share
- Buy local produce or that which is least travelled
- Simply buy less stuff, especially clothing
- Buy used items instead of new
- Recycle as much as possible
- Send as much as possible to charity shops instead of landfill
- Eat less meat, especially red meat
- Become vegetarian
- Holiday in the UK
- Try to reuse items – e.g. plastic bags and bottles
- Plan carefully the food you buy to avoid waste
- Continue home working if practical
- Drink tap water instead of bottled water
- Take your rubbish home
Home, Garden and Driving Actions
- Drive economically to save fuel
- Don’t carry excess or unnecessary loads in your car
- Keep tyre pressures at recommended levels
- Have your house as well insulated as possible
- Pull curtains at night
- Grow some of your own veg
- Plant a fruit tree
- Support tree planting by others, e.g. National Trust
- Make your own garden compost
If anyone wishes to comment please contact me on rtry1242@btinternet.com
P President Ernie Metcalfe