Today it is more important than ever before to minimise your footprint.
Not only are the developed western countries producing more and more carbon emissions, but there is a growing problem as the population in Africa and Asia start living improved lifestyles which consume more energy.
We need to lead the way...
Did you know... Electricity is one of the biggest producers of carbon emissions, so every time you make a coffee or turn the television on you are adding to global warming.
Here's a list of simple things you can do immediately
These will start to reduce your contribution to global warming. The items in this list will cost you no money at all and will in fact save you money.
- Sign up to a green energy supplier, who will supply electricity from renewable sources (e.g. wind and hydroelectric power) - this will reduce your carbon footprint contribution from electricity to zero
- Turn down the central heating slightly (try just 1 to 2 degrees C)
- Turn down the water heating setting (just 2 degrees will make a significant saving)
- Check the central heating timer setting - remember there is no point heating the house after you have left for work
- Fill your dish washer and washing machine with a full load - this will save you water, electricity, and washing powder
- Fill the kettle with only as much water as you need
- Unplug your mobile phone as soon as it has finished charging
- Defrost your fridge/freezer regularly
- Do your weekly shopping in a single trip
- Hang out the washing to dry rather than tumble drying it
- Go for a run rather than drive to the gym
The following is a list of items that may take an initial investment
They should pay for themselves over the course of 1-4 years through savings on your energy bills.
- Install thermostatic valves on your radiators
- Insulate your hot water tank, your loft and your walls
- 35% of heat generated in the house is lost through the walls. Installing cavity wall installation to a medium size house could reduce your heating bills by up to £100 per year
- By installing 180mm thick loft insulation you could stop about 25% of your heating escaping through the roof
- Replace your old fridge / freezer (if it is over 15 years old), with a new one with energy efficiency rating of "A"
- Replace your old boiler with a new energy efficient condensing boiler
Travel less and travel more carbon footprint friendly.
- Car share to work, or for the kids school run
- Use the bus or a train rather than your car
- For short journeys either walk or cycle
- Don't use domestic flights (e.g. from London to Edinburgh), use a train or a coach.
- Take the ferry or channel tunnel instead of flying to France
- See if your employer will allow you to work from home one day a week
- Next time you replace your car - check out diesel engines. With one of these you can even make your own Biodiesel fuel. Find out more about Biodiesel.
- When on holiday - hire a bicycle to explore locally rather than a car
- When staying in a hotel turn the lights and air-conditioning off when you leave your hotel room
- Ask for your room towels to be washed every other day, rather than every day
As well as your primary carbon footprint, there is also a secondary footprint that you cause through your buying habits.
If you buy foods out of season at the super market, then these will have either been flown or shipped in from far away - all adding to your carbon footprint.
- Reduce your consumption of meat
- Don't buy bottled water if your tap water is safe to drink (especially if it has been shipped from far away)
- Buy local fruit and vegetables, or even try growing your own
- Don't buy fresh fruit and vegetables which are out of season, they may have been flown in
- Try to buy products made closer to home (look out and avoid items that are made in the distant lands)
- Don't buy over packaged products
- Think carefully about the type of activities you do in your spare time. Do any of these cause an increase in carbon emissions? e.g. Saunas, Health clubs, restaurants and pubs, go-karting etc. etc...
In addition there is your footprint at work.
Do you leave your computer and monitor on when you are away from your desk? Do you leave the lights on when you leave the office? Do you print documents unnecessarily - and could you print two pages to a side and double sided?
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