What you can do about climate change

We can only tackle climate change if we all act together. This section includes suggestions and links about how you can contribute in general, and in different areas of life.

• General advice
• At home
• At work
• Shopping
• Out and about

General advice

The main ways we create carbon emissions in our daily lives are through heating, lighting, other electricity use, transport and travel, and waste disposal. Some good external sources of advice on reducing these emissions can be found under Related Links at the bottom of this page. To assess your carbon emissions and obtain personalised advice, try the user-friendly Act on CO2 Carbon Calculator. For broader advice on greener living, visit  the Greener Living Advice link. The other Related Links can help you to tackle energy, transport and waste issues.

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At home

Emissions from heating and powering our homes make up about one-third of the UK's total carbon emissions. This is one of the best places to make a real difference - and you will usually save money.

• Whether you rent or own your home -  you can make a difference by turning off lights when you leave a room, not leaving your TV or other devices on standby, installing low energy bulbs, and controlling your heating to avoid wasting energy.  
• If you own your home - contact your local energy efficiency advisors through your local district or borough council. Ask about a free energy survey, grants for installing insulation, and other advice and help.
• If you are buying new appliances - look for an "A" energy rating and also check the actual amount of energy used each time, for example per wash cycle.
• Boiler controls - It may be worth upgrading these to modern programmer/ timers, which provide more sophisticated control for a moderate outlay
• Renewable energy sources - if you have already done everything you can to make your home energy efficient, you may wish to consider renewable sources such as solar water heating panels.
• Recycling bins - make sure your house or flat has recycling bins and use them regularly. If you have no recycling bins, contact your local council's recycling team.

For more information on energy efficiency and renewable energy, visit the Energy Savings Trust website (see Related Links below), or contact your local borough or district council's energy efficiency advisor.

For more information on waste and recycling, go to the Waste and Recycling section, see Related Sections below.

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At work

• Waste and recycling - if your workplace has a recycling system, use it. If not, ask your manager why. If you work in different places or sites, make sure you know the policies for handling waste in each place. If you own your own premises, contact the Northamptonshire Waste Network for advice (see Related Links below).
• Energy - turn off lights, computer screens, PCs and other devices that are not needed. 
• Travelling to work - if you normally travel by car, find out about alternatives such as public transport, walking and cycling from the Transport and Streets section of this website (see Related Pages). Ask your employer about the government scheme to buy a bicycle tax-free. For more information about car-sharing visit the Liftshare website (see Related Links).
• Travelling on business - check whether your journey is necessary. If possible, use public transport, walk or cycle. If you drive, learn about efficient driving techniques, try car-sharing and consider a fuel-efficient vehicle when you next make a purchase.

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Shopping

The goods you purchase can have a major impact on the environment by consuming energy and producing waste, especially through packaging. All of the following tips will help:

• Reduce packaging waste - re-use carrier bags and choose products with less packaging
• Buy recycled goods - if possible
• Buy long-life products - such as reusable nappies and rechargeable batteries
• Avoid products - that have been flown long distances, if there is an alternative

For more information visit the Shop Smart and Waste and Recycling pages (see Related Sections below)

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Out and about

Our leisure choices can also affect our carbon emissions.

• Travel - think about how you travel to leisure destinations (see tips under At Work above). If possible try to avoid flying, which is the most carbon-intensive form of transport. If you need to fly, then consider a carbon offset scheme.
• Waste - try to deal responsibly with any waste you produce and use recycling systems if available. If possible, take your waste home and deal with it there.
• Environmental policy - ask your holiday provider or hotel operator about their environmental policy.

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Related Sections:

• Northamptonshire Waste Network 
• Shop Smart
• Transport and Streets (including bus timetables)
• Waste and Recycling