This is a collaborative post: The climate emergency is a hot topic right now – between COP26 and extreme weather patterns. Many people are becoming more aware of the climate crisis and their own carbon footprint.
If everyone made a small change to their lifestyle, we could finally tackle climate change. Everyday lifestyle changes can help reduce your carbon footprint in the long run. The government has put their environmental measures in place – here is how you can do your bit.
Diet
Limiting your meat consumption can have a huge impact on your carbon footprint. Livestock production reduces global biodiversity and consumes an enormous amount of water. By eating less meat, you can help to minimise deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions. Start slow and reduce your meat consumption to three days a week. Experiment with meat alternatives, like Quorn and tofu, and slowly convert to a full-time vegetarian lifestyle.
Optimise your living space
Install carbon filters in your home to remove volatile organic compounds, commonly referred to as VOCs, from your home. The filters use a bed of activated carbon to filter out the gases and odours released from household products.
Take a look at your home’s energy efficiency and assess whether you need to make some improvements. Extra insulation can help your property stay warmer in the winter and use less energy.
Switch to renewable energy
Renewable energy is becoming more popular in the UK. You can power your home with solar and wind energy. You could invest in your own solar panels and wind system or convert to a renewable energy supplier like Bulb.
Commuting habits
More people have started working from home in the last two years due to the coronavirus pandemic. As a result, many of us have cut down on our commuting times and costs. As offices reopen, you could opt for an eco-friendlier commute. Use public transport to reduce the number of cars on the road and thus, the pollution in your local area.
Lights in your home
Challenge yourself to foster some new habits this year, like turning the lights off when you leave a room. A whopping 90% of emitted energy is from the heating in incandescent light bulbs. Start turning off the lights before leaving the house and reduce your carbon emissions.
Make the environment one of your priorities this year with a few lifestyle switches.