Quick tips to reduce your footprint

We can all make a difference no matter how big or small.

See the list below for our top ten tips on how to reduce your carbon footprint:

1. Make Climate a part of your conversations. Help spread the word to others on what actions they can take
2. Sign a petition. Petitions can help change the way things work and should not be underestimated. You can find action-related petitions at Take action (Greenpeace UK) or sign up to The World’s Platform for Change (change.org)
3. Lobby your MP for the environment. MPs are elected to serve their constituents and influence government policy
4. Try to reduce the number of consumables you buy or waste you produce. Small things like using a reusable shopping bag or water bottle help cut down on single-use plastics. If in doubt, follow the waste hierarchy. You can find more information on our Waste and Resources page
5. Look at increasing the energy efficiency of your home, switch to a renewable energy supply or look to install your own. See our Energy page and Built Environment page for more information
6. Look at where you spend your money. Where you spend your money has an impact on supply and demand. Be conscious of the brands you buy and how sustainable they are
7. Change your diet. Look at switching to a more plant-based diet, even one meal a week makes a difference. Try to buy local to support local farmers and reduce food mileage. Make sure that when you buy meat or vegetables, they are as sustainably raised and grown as possible
8. Move your money. Some banks invest in fossil fuels, look to see if you can move your money to an ethical bank. You can find information on ethical banking on the moneyexpert.com website
9. Look at how you travel. Try to walk, cycle or use public transport more often rather than driving. Look at switching to an electric car and try to reduce how much you travel by plane
10. Be more eco-conscious. Plant a tree or leave an area of your garden to go a bit wild to help support local biodiversity. Check cleaning products or other chemicals are as eco-friendly as possible

For more ideas, the WWF carbon footprint calculator can help you identify what actions you can take.

Somerset Climate Action Network

Somerset Climate Action Network is a community group formed in Somerset focused on making a difference against the Climate and Ecological Emergency. The network is made up of a large diverse group of people from across Somerset.

Somerset Climate Action Network has worked alongside the former district councils in Somerset, supporting them with their Climate Change Strategies.

If you’re interested in joining, sign up to the network.

Impact

Impact, the parish-level carbon emission estimator, gives parishes and small communities usable data on their carbon emissions that are easy to interpret and easy to share. It tells you how people in the parish travel and heat their homes, and other activities in the area that contribute to the local carbon emissions total. This tool was developed by the Centre for Sustainable Energy as part of their Climate Emergency Support Programme and as part of the South West Environment and Climate Action Network.