Steps towards climate change. With so many experts on climate change, many people ask what they personally can do about it. And how does this fit into the bigger picture?
We did a lot of reading up and found this article by The Grantham Institute to be very informative and easy to read & apply.
1. Make your voice heard by those in power
Tell your Member of Parliament, local councilors, and city mayors that you think action on climate change is important. A prosperous future for the United Kingdom depends on its decisions about the environment, green spaces, roads, cycling infrastructure, waste and recycling, air quality, and energy-efficient homes. Ultimately, steps to reduce carbon emissions will have a positive impact on other local issues, like improving air quality and public health, creating jobs, and reducing inequality.
2. Eat less meat and dairy
3. Cut back on flying
We live in Mauritius, so this is quite a tough one for us 🙂 But here is a ‘knowledge is power’ moment:
If you need to fly for work, consider using video-conferencing instead. For trips in the same country or continent, take the train or explore options using an electric car.
When flying is unavoidable, pay a little extra for carbon offsetting.
There are a variety of reputable carbon offsetting schemes that fund sustainable development projects or natural solutions like planting trees.
4. Leave the car at home
Instead of getting in the car, walk or cycle – and enjoy the physical and mental health benefits, and the money saved. For longer journeys, use public transport, or try car sharing schemes.
Not only do cars contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, but air pollution caused by exhaust fumes from traffic poses a serious threat to public health. It has been shown to affect the health of unborn babies and increase the risk of dementia.
Furthermore, Imperial research shows that poor air quality in the capital leads to around 1,000 London hospital admissions for asthma and serious lung conditions every year, and that air pollution in the United States is associated with 30,000 deaths and reduced life expectancy.
5. Reduce your energy use, and bills
7. Invest your money responsibly
Find out where your money goes. Voice your concerns about responsible investment by writing to your bank or pension provider, and ask if you can opt out of funds investing in fossil fuels.
There are also a number of ‘ethical banks’ you can investigate.
Find more steps towards climate change
Banks, pension funds, and big corporates often hold investments in fossil fuel companies. However, the discussion around responsible investment – weighing up environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors and taking them into consideration when investing money – is growing.
8. Cut consumption – and waste
Everything we use as consumers has a carbon footprint.
Avoid single-use items and fast fashion, and try not to buy more than you need.
Shop around for second-hand or quality items that last a long time.
Put your purchasing power to good use by choosing brands that align with your new green aspirations.
Try to minimize waste
Repair and reuse.
Give unwanted items a new life by donating them to charity or selling them on.
Avoid wasting food.
Let brands know if you think they are using too much packaging – some will take customer feedback seriously.
9. Talk about the changes you make
Conversations are a great way to spread big ideas. At EcoMauritius.mu, we call this ‘Sharing is Caring 🙂
As you make these positive changes to reduce your environmental impact, share your experience with your family, friends, customers, and clients. Don’t be a bore or confrontational. Instead, talk positively, and be honest about the ups and downs.
If you would like to learn more, you can access this wonderful site: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/grantham/
