► CO2 Emissions

Help reduce CO2 emissions

What you can do

Although we are committed to some levels of climate change, we can all do things which will help reduce CO2 emissions.

At Home...

Switch to a green energy provider. Find out more about energy provider.
Use energy-saving light bulbs — they use 80% less electricity and last 12 times longer than ordinary bulbs.
Turn off your lights when you leave a room and turn off electrical appliances at the mains. Standby can use between 30% and 70% of the energy used when an appliance is on.
Turn down your central heating thermostat — lowering the temperature by just a degree can cut 10% off energy bills.
When replacing electrical appliances make sure that you buy the most energy-efficient model. Find out more about energy saving applicances.
Insulate your wall cavities and fit aluminium foil behind your radiators.
Only boil the water that you need for your cup of tea. If everyone boiled just the water they needed, the energy saved could power more than three-quarters of the UK's street lights. De-scaling your kettle can also reduce the amount of energy you use.
Recycle — landfills are the second largest source of methane emissions in the UK. Most local councils provide facilities for you to recycle your paper, cardboard, bottles, cans and plastic. Find out where to recycle in the UK.
Set up water butts in your garden, so you have your own natural supply. Local councils and water companies often sell them at subsidised prices.
Recycle 'grey' water from baths and washing machines.
Compost kitchen and garden waste — natural compost is better for your plants and less to throw away means less landfill.
Grow fruit and vegetables in your garden — reducing food miles.
Try to avoid concreting over your garden — if you do use new permeable products. The risk of flooding is made worse by the paving over front gardens. Hard surfaces increase the rate and volume of rainwater run-off resulting in flash flooding.

When Travelling...

Try to walk, cycle or use public transport, instead of driving, whenever you can. If you have to travel by car then consider car-sharing. Find out more from the Act On CO2 website.
If you replace your car, consider buying a 'green' car or downsize to a smaller, more fuel-efficient model.
Take of your roof rack when you are not using it, it can reduce fuel use by up to 10%.
Try to reduce the amount that you travel by air. If you do fly, then consider 'offsetting' your carbon emissions.