Top Tips to Make a Difference
Simple actions to take at home
Following COP26 in Glasgow, many are asking what we can do to keep up the pressure on our politicians and government. Noticeably, many leaders have recently mentioned that the increased public pressure on climate change across the world has increased the political will to take action. According to BBC News: "Climate Change is now one of the top concerns for the public, and that has put real pressure on politicians and governments".
This top-10 list provides some practical ideas for keeping up the pressure!
Make the climate part of your conversations and share posts on social media
Making climate change part of your day-to-day chat and normalising it as a topic of conversation makes it more accessible to those around you, who may then be inspired to learn more and take their own action. Social media is a powerful platform for inspiration and knowledge-sharing. If you talk about your eco-efforts online – others will then be thinking about the environment. For ideas on what to share check out Greenpeace UK.
Make small lifestyle changes
Don’t underestimate the power of individual action. In the face of an issue as big as climate change it’s easy to think ‘what difference can I make?’, but everyone making small changes adds up to collective action, and that sends an important message to the governments, brands and organisations that can push for change on a bigger scale.
The next 5 items provide inspiration!
Shop with sustainable brands
Vote with your wallet! Shopping with brands that make the environment a priority tells bigger companies that consumers want sustainable products.
Visit SSDC's Great Green Directory for inspiration of local producers.
Sign an environmental petition
Petitions make an impact in ways that shouldn’t be underestimated. People like to feel included, so seeing a friend sign and share a petition can prompt an internal dialogue about the matter at hand. Petitions also send an important message to lawmakers and authorities – serving as a strong indication of popular consensus. Greenpeace UK has several Climate Action related petitions here or sign up to change.org
Use own shopping bags & refuse single-use plastic
Single use plastic waste is polluting the land and water immensely. Chemicals released by waste plastic bags enter the soil and make it infertile. It ends up in oceans and waterways. Plastic bags are having a negative impact on human health and wildlife. Plastic bags lead to drainage and sanitation problems. Say no to single use plastic and bring your own reusable ones.
Reduce meat consumption and buy quality local produce
Cutting back on the amount of meat you eat is one of the most impactful things you can do for the climate. Giving up one portion of meat once a week for a year saves nearly 790 bath tubs of water, three tennis courts of forests and the equivalent amount of greenhouse gases as driving from London to Edinburgh!
Lobby your MP on the environment
MPs have been elected to serve their constituents, and they can help to influence government policy. Doorstep recycling collection in the UK, for example, came about as a result of people coming together to lobby their MPs for change. Write letters and emails to your local MP (find yours here) to highlight causes and campaigns you believe they should be backing, and to encourage them to keep up pressure on the climate debate!
Switch your energy supplier to renewable
Switching to 100% renewable energy is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce your CO2 emissions, and it’s a really straightforward process.
Check out this handy guide to switching to a green energy provider.
Visit our top tips to save energy page and improve energy efficiency in your home - click here.
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Move your money
Banks and building societies aren’t just places to stash your cash – they’re responsible for driving the world’s economy. Some continue to invest in fossil fuels and other damaging environmental practices, while others take a much greener approach, and ensure their activities only have a positive impact on the planet. Moneyexpert.com rounds up the best ethical banks, and explains what to look for when switching.