Five simple tips to reduce your environmental impact at home

This week has been big in the world of climate activism. Swedish teenager and climate activist Greta Thunberg’s speech at the United Nations was passionate and determined. Students around the world are supporting her call for action and are striking for climate change. Teachers, parents, and businesses are joining the students - a show of solidarity that they are not alone in their need for urgent action.

It got me thinking, urgent action from who? The government? Big business? The superhero in a suit that’s been waiting in the wings until we call her on the bat phone? Surely we all have a role to play. Surely every one of us has a chance to make a difference.

What can I do?

Often when I speak with people about climate change there is a sense of helplessness - the problem is too big, what difference can one person make? Surely someone else needs to sort this deep doodoo out?

Let me remind you of the difference that one person can make:

  • Gandhi

  • Martin Luther King

  • Greta Thunberg

  • You!

Five tips to reduce your environmental impact

There are lots of ways you can have a positive impact locally and globally. Here’s a few of my favourites:

  1. Fly less, and use less petrol & diesel

    One of the fastest and easiest ways to reduce your impact is to cut back on flights and use less fuel. Think video calling, cycling and car-pooling.

  2. Compost, and reduce food waste

    Once food waste hits the landfill it produces methane - and that’s really not a good thing. Composting and buying only as much as you need can really help.

  3. Buy less stuff / buy secondhand and local

    Everything you buy has a footprint (toys, clothes, homeware, electronics). Less really is best. More stuff is just more clutter anyway - Marie Kondo and all that right?!

  4. Be informed

    Support businesses that support the planet. There are some amazing businesses making a real difference with their products and services. Let your wallet become your climate activist side-kick and let your dollars do the talking.

  5. Talk about it

    Share your wins. You don’t need to be a dick about it and get all preachy- it’s not a competition. It’s just about letting others know there are things we can each do to make a difference - it’s not all resting in someone else’s hands.

So go on, what’s stopping you? Let’s do this!

Oh, and I’d love to hear your success stories! Feel free to share them in the comments below.