Climate Action

Often we feel powerless or overwhelmed by the climate crisis or other environmental issues that are facing us today. And that is fair enough. I am not going to pretend that it isn’t serious and that there isn’t a lot of work to be done.

The good news is there is a lot of work we can do!

As you may already be aware governments all around the world are stepping up. It may not be perfect, or enough, and we need to hold them accountable for that, but they are making a start.

177 countries in 2015 signed a global treaty. They committed to limit global warming to 1.5°C max 2°C. To achieve this they agreed that we need to become net zero globally by 2050 and half our emissions by 2030.

Net Zero means reducing our greenhouse gas emissions' as much as possible and them removing the rest that is still emitted into the atmosphere. I go into more detail about the Paris Agreement and other climate terms here if you want to find out more.

Reducing Emissions

How can we act to reduce our emissions? Well, here are some actions we can all take.

Move to renewable energy

You can switch suppliers altogether to a green energy company that invests in renewables. Alternatively you can ask your existing supplier to move you to a green tariff with them.

Another option if you have appropriate land or roof space is to generate your own energy through installing solar panels, ground/air heat pumps or even a wind turbine!

Reduce energy usage

Reducing your energy consumption will reduce your emissions and save you money.

Get a thermostat. This will help you know what temperature you are comfortable with and set the heating to come on and off accordingly. Turning your thermostat down by just 1 degree can save 5% of energy use.

Turn down the heat on your boiler. If we need to add cold water to our hot water then we are wasting energy heating it up in the first place. You may as well set the hot water temperature lower and save on that gas or electricity.

Insulate everything you are able to. So much energy is lost through roofs, walls, doors, pipes etc. Insulating your pipes, for example, can save up to 40% of your energy loss costs.

Install LED's. LED's can save you up to 20% of the energy used for lighting your house. That's a lot.

Stop standby mode. We have so many appliances and electrics that are plugged in all the time on standby mode. Either turn them off at the plug or invest in smart power strips. These can have an inbuilt timer or just a plain off switch. This can save 8% of the energy lost through standby items.

Save energy on your laundry. When it's the weather allows dry your clothes outside! They will smell amazing, the sun/UV adds extra sanitisation and the energy needed to do it is free.

Wash full loads as washing machines use the same amount of electricity as a smaller load. Also wash your clothes at a lower temperature. Some things may need a hot wash but a lot of our clothes don't. Washing at 20 degrees instead of 40 degrees could save you 55% of your washes electricity usage.

Cover your pots and pans when cooking. This keeps the heat in and reduces energy wastage. Use just the right amount of water for boiling. If over filled energy will go into boiling a greater quantity of water than needed to cook your food.

Some things don't really require a preheated oven. As long as things are piping hot by the time they are done they can be put in straight away when you put your oven on. (Obviously not recommended for cakes and pastries etc.) When your oven is on use it to it's max. Cook bulk meals, or two meals at once, or plan to put in your baking after your meals been cooked.

Drive and fly less

Choose to walk, wheel, cycle, use public transport and/or ride share as often as you can!

Transport many not be part of our home energy usage but is is a huge contributor to climate change. Reducing our consumption of and reliance on fossil fuels is a necessary change for us all.

Eat less meat and dairy

A study by the EAT – Lancet Commission found that globally we are eating twice as much meat and sugar as we should be and half as much nuts, fruit, vegetables and legumes - compared to a healthy balanced diet.

Carbon Dioxide emissions from most plant-based products are 10-50 times lower than animal products.

Compost and reduce food waste

Food takes energy to grow and transport so if we end up discarding it that is a real waste. Diverting waste from landfill is also a major was to reduce emissions as this produces a lot of methane.

Protect forests and other ecosystems

Restoring ecosystems will increase the amount of carbon stored in the ground and protecting existing ones will keep it in the ground. This is called carbon sequestering.

Then there are ways we can remove carbon from the atmosphere, for example, planting trees or mangroves or kelp forests. Why not plant a tree or two? Or support organisations who are restoring peatlands and mangroves around the world!

I could go on and on about climate actions we can take but I will draw it to a close.

Protest and petition

Last but not least - one of the most important things you can do is hold governments and large companies accountable. We can do our bit, but it is essential that they do theirs!

This can look like taking to the streets in protest or signing petitions. You could also write to your local government officials or businesses to demand they follow through on their commitments.

That’s it on energy (for now) I’m sure I will be back on this topic as there is always more to say and updates to include.

Remember to Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot!