What you can do
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.
Assessing your emissions
To assess your carbon emissions and obtain personalised advice, try the user-friendly Act on CO2 Carbon Calculator
Hints and tips
The following pages provide more advice about reducing emissions in different areas of life:
- At home
- At work
- Shopping
- Out and about
For more advice on how to adapt and mitigate the effects of climate change please visit the Energy Saving Trust website.
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
- controlling your heating to avoid wasting energy
Recycling bins
- Make sure your house or flat has recycling bins and use them regularly.
- If you have no recycling bins, contact our customer service team.
Energy Advice
The Public Health Team at South Northamptonshire Council have information about local energy efficiency and renewable energy schemes and the support that is available for householders in the District.
Householders can also contact the Government funded Energy Saving Advice Service on 0300 123 1234 or www.direct.gov.uk/savingenergy for free advice about making homes more energy efficient and for information about energy saving measures. They can also provide information about grants and offers that may be available and recommend suitably qualified trades people.
At Work
Here are some ways you can help to reduce carbon emissions in your workplace.
Waste and recycling
- If your workplace has a recycling system, use it. If not, ask your manager if you can set one up.
- If you work in different places or sites, familiarise yourself with the systems for handling waste in each place.
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
- Ask your employer about the government scheme to buy a bicycle tax-free.
- For more information about car-sharing visit www.liftshare.com
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.
Shopping
The goods you buy 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 in from long distances, if there is a local alternative.
Out and About
Our leisure choices can also affect our carbon emissions.
Travel
- Think about how you travel to leisure destinations
- If possible try to avoid flying, which is the most carbon-intensive form of transport or if you need to fly, 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.
On Holiday
- Ask your holiday provider or hotel operator about their environmental policy.