The climate emergency is something we simply can't ignore. Climate Action North has put together a guide for HLN to help us identify what positive steps we can take to help make a difference...
The climate emergency is the defining issue of our times. Every product we buy, the lifestyle choice we make, and the journey we take influences the natural world and the climate crisis.
There are plenty of simple changes you can make to your daily routines that will alleviate the negative effects. This guide, by Climate Action North, will help you identify the most effective things you can do.
The number one thing that you can do is to pressure politicians to be accountable over their environmental promises. Tell your Member of Parliament, local councillors and mayors that you think action on the climate crisis is critical and use your voice to lead to the collective changes we need.
Read and learn to increase your understanding and share your findings with others. The more you find out the more aware and ready for action you’ll become!
Volunteer with groups, such as Climate Action North, to meet like-minded people, share ideas and take part in action-orientated events, litter picks, rewilding, tree planting and beach cleans.
Relax your gardening ideas and habits. Cut your lawn and hedges less. Plant native wildflowers. Let dandelions flower and seed. This will help create spaces to support essential pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, and resist climate breakdown and wildlife loss. It doesn’t matter how big or small your garden is you can do your bit to restore biodiversity. And why not plant a tree? It can absorb up to a ton of carbon throughout its life. Learn more about rewilding gardens, open green spaces and how to give back to nature and wildlife.
Our throwaway culture is one of the biggest risks to the environment. Ditch single-use items (especially plastic) and make the most of what you already own by repairing, upcycling or borrowing. Everything we buy has a carbon footprint, either in the way it is produced or how it’s transported, so read the label and purchase items that are produced locally wherever you can.
This means less waste to landfill which is an excellent way to reduce your carbon impact. Buy only what you will eat and compost your food waste if you can.
Avoiding meat and dairy products is one of the biggest actions you can take to reduce your environmental impact, according to scientists. Livestock farming alone contributes to biodiversity loss, land and water degradation, acid rain, coral reef degeneration and deforestation. Why not learn more about this, explore vegan options and reduce your meat intake? Try with a ‘Meat Free Monday’ to get started.
Aim to use your car less. If you can why not walk, cycle, or use public transportation. In the case of long-distance travel, trains are far more sustainable than air travel. One of the smartest things you can do is to buy a second or third-hand electric vehicle and substantially lower your carbon footprint.
Unplug appliances, switch off lights, and make a dent in your carbon emissions by insulating your home and considering options like heat pumps, solar panels and LED lighting. Switch to an ethical and green electricity supplier; there are many companies offering 100 per cent green electricity from renewable sources.
Check if your bank’s investment portfolio is used to fund socially and environmentally beneficial projects that will drive green industries and nature-based solutions to climate change.
The time for talking is over. Today we need to act.
Climate Action North is a community interest company here to take action on environmental and climate issues for the benefit of communities and businesses across the North of England. Get in touch if you’re interested, via sharon@climateactionnortheast.co.uk and jennifer@climateactionnortheast.co.uk.
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