Why it is not only us who need fresh start
Here are 10 ways to reduce your carbon footprint and protect our environment
As well as pledges from governments and big businesses, it is hoped that the spotlight on Glasgow’s COP26 conference will inspire us to take action. Blacks have partnered with ecojournalist, Sarah Roberts, to reveal helpful tips on how to reduce your personal carbon footprint.
For all the information visit https://www.blacks.co.uk/blog/cop26 site.
1 Consume local and seasonal products
Eating local and seasonal products is better for the environment as your food doesn’t have as far to travel, which massively reduces your carbon footprint. Not only this but eating food that is fresh and in season usually tastes a lot better, so it’s a win-win.
2 Limit meat consumption
In order to reduce your carbon footprint, you should consider reducing your meat consumption. A massive amount of natural resources are used for rearing animals just for human consumption. While not everyone can change their diet overnight, try starting with just one meatless day a week.
3 Food waste
In landfills, food breaks down to form methane which is a powerful greenhouse gas, and is also one of the leading causes of freshwater pollution. Households are responsible for the largest portion of all food waste, so ensure you only buy what you need.
4 Be mindful of when and how you drive
Before you get in your car, think if another form of transportation would be better, including walking, cycling, buses and trains.
5 Try borrowing, renting or buying second hand
Rented fashion has become huge in the past year. In fact, Carrie Johnson made headlines when it was revealed that her wedding dress when she married Borris in 2021 was rented.
Rental fashion is an option for people who never want to be seen wearing the same outfit twice, just pay the rental fee and when you’re done send it back.
Borrowing or swapping your clothes with friends is also a great option. TV shows, like Loose Women, have jumped on this trend by sharing their wardrobes.
6 Buy responsibly made clothes
Responsibly made clothes may not always be the cheapest, however, if you look after your clothes well they will last a long time. Look out for an eco-label of clothes made from recycled materials.
7 Turn down heating by one degree
Turning the heating down one degree can help save the amount of energy your household uses, which is not only better for the environment but also will save on your energy bill.
8 Take short showers
Water is a valuable natural resource and there is only a finite amount of it on the planet.
Reducing the amount of time you are in the shower can save gallons of water and save on your heating bill.
9 Unplug electrical appliances
Leaving your devices plugged in uses unnecessary amounts of energy. Unplug laptops and desktops.
This will also help to save your energy bills.
10 Select energy-efficient products
Electrical appliances usually have an energy rating. Make sure to select products with an “A” label, as these products use less energy.
At the current rate of warming, 37 per cent of the world’s population will be exposed to severe heatwaves, 61 million more people in urban areas would be exposed to severe droughts and 70% of the earth’s coastal areas will be underwater from rising sea levels.