Renewable energy
Lifestyle changes
Using My Global Impact is designed to encourage us to make small but significant changes to our lifestyles now. While Tearfund is calling on governments to make dramatic cuts in emissions, there is lots that we can do ourselves to cut down our share of emissions.
Tearfund encourages people to try and cut their emissions by at least 5% a year – here are some of the ways you can do so...
Reduce @ home
Follow our ideas to reduce and make a target of saving at least five per cent of your home carbon emissions – simply by being more energy-efficient:
- Use energy-saving light bulbs: Lasting 12 times longer than a standard bulb, each one can save up to £9 and 40kg in carbon dioxide a year.
- Switch to more energy efficient appliances: Choose A-rated fridges and washing machines and save up to £45 a year on your energy bill. Look out for the Energy Saving Recommended logo.
- Turn off appliances when you’re not using them: Eight per cent of domestic electricity is consumed by appliances, from TVs to mobile phone chargers, we aren’t even using – producing 4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide a year in the UK.
- Change to a high-efficiency condensing boiler: Using a modern condensing boiler with heating controls could save you up to £240 a year and significantly reduce your home’s impact on climate change.
- Fit cavity wall and loft insulation: Two-thirds of our homes’ heat disappears through the roof and walls. Insulating your walls and loft could cut £350 a year from your heating bill and save the earth 2.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.
- Switch to a renewable energy supplier: Choose to get part or all of your electricity from renewable sources, like wind, sun and running water (see box below about Good Energy)
- Reduce, re-use and recycle: Wherever possible, try and cut down on the rubbish you produce. For instance, print and photocopy using both sides of the paper, and try to buy food with the least packaging possible. Swap those plastic bags for reusable fabric ones. Make full use of your local area’s recycling facilities for paper, plastics, glass and even furniture. And compost: happy worms, beautiful garden, warm glow inside.
Reduce @ travel
Transport is the fastest growing source of carbon emissions in the UK – with 22 per cent of emissions coming from road transport alone. Step forward some alternative routes:
- Take the bus or train: Over 6,000 miles, the average car pumps out its own weight in carbon dioxide emissions. Where possible use public transport.
- Share lifts: If public transport happens only once a day where you live, don’t give up. Try sharing the school run or driving to the shops with neighbours.
- Walk or cycle: Try to walk or cycle more if you can. Most UK car journeys are less than two miles, so grab your trainers and smell that fresh air.
- Use your car more efficiently: Choose the most fuel-efficient car you can and reduce your tax as well as your carbon emissions. Find more information at www.vcacarfueldata.org.uk Even with your existing car, driving more slowly will help. The most efficient speed – limits permitting – is usually 55-65mph.
- Holiday nearer home: Okay, so the weather isn’t always brilliant – but it rains in Marbella too. Check out www.visitbritain.com for great holidays nearer home. From beautiful beaches in Wales and the West Country, lakes and hills in Cumbria, to castles and mountains in Scotland, it’s easy to forget how much fun can be had without getting on a plane.