Five ways you can become a climate champion
Every day we make choices in our lives that affect the global climate. You may think as an individual your daily impact couldn’t possibly cause any significant damage to the environment. But collectively, we are all contributing to climate change each day.
There are many things you can do to become more climate-conscious, including limiting the amount of energy you produce, disposing of less waste and changing your diet. We have listed some of the ways we choose to cut down on our emissions here. Let us know on social how you choose to reduce yours.
- Reducing the number of car journeys
It may seem like a simple solution, but changing your driving habits can dramatically reduce your carbon footprint. In the UK alone, the transport sector accounted for a third of all carbon dioxide emissions in 2019.
Within the past 25 years, the number of car owners has risen by 49%, and if growth continues, it is estimated that we could have 46.9 million cars on British roads by 2043.
It isn’t realistic to think we can stop this use of cars altogether, but choosing to walk, bike, carpool or use public transportation when possible is a good start. Even if you can only do this once a day or even weekly, you will still be making a difference.
- Reducing meat intake
The production of meat is one of the biggest contributors to climate change and the pollution of landscapes and waterways. According to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization, meat production is responsible for at least 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
By reducing your meat intake even by half, you can help to minimise the impact the meat industry has on the planet and support a more sustainable food chain.
- Creating a sustainable home
There are lots of easy ways to make your home more sustainable. You can switch your gas and electric to a 100% renewable supplier, use energy-efficient LED lightbulbs, or dry clothes on the washing line instead of in the dryer.
The changes you make in your home may seem small, but every little bit we do for the environment helps to make a difference.
- Reducing waste and upcycling
Every product we buy has an environmental footprint and could end up in a landfill. So when you go on your weekly food shop, try to become more mindful and make better choices, like buying unpackaged fruit and vegetables, or opting for cans and cardboard that are widely recycled instead of plastic.
Sourcing your food locally is another fantastic way to not only help a local business, but the majority of local organic shops will be mindful of reducing packaging, helping you reduce your waste.
Recycling and upcycling can also reduce the number of new materials produced and can be a fun way to get the whole family involved in becoming more sustainable.
- Offsetting your carbon footprint
Sadly, despite choosing to do all of the above and more, it is impossible to carry out a carbon-neutral life. Whether it’s an annual summer holiday or simply charging your phone, even the smallest daily tasks can add to your carbon footprint.
Offsetting your carbon footprint can minimise not only your own but also your family’s impact on the environment. Here at Climate Wise, we offset your carbon lifestyle by funding key projects and initiatives that help to reduce and reverse climate change. By pooling donations we can maximise the investment in global projects that are making a difference to the world we live in.
Click here to find out how you can begin your carbon offsetting journey.