There is a climate emergency.

It is vital to understand climate change, appreciate what your carbon footprint is and take action to combat climate change. 

• Can I make a meaningful difference?

Some people think that what we do as individuals and households makes no real difference.  If you think individual action is irrelevant in tackling climate change, please see this BBC article

Greener Scotland have produced a series of films showing easy ways to help fight climate change, with hints and tips on how to go greener. Find out more here

Have a discussion with a friend about how you could make reductions to your carbon footprint to help tackle climate change. Reducing your carbon footprint could also save you money and be good for your health.

Here is a TED Talk on what someone can do to tackle climate change TED talk

• What specific actions can I take? 

Here is an animated video produced in Canada on what you can do to tackle climate change.

Here is a list of actions to reduce your carbon footprint. You may be taking some of these already. Is there more you could do? Many of these are straightforward behaviour changes. 

ENERGY: reduce your home energy use

• Install a more efficient heating system
• Install draught proofing and insulation
• Turn thermostat down by 1°c
• Switch lights off when not in a room
• Carry out a home energy audit

Additional benefits: you will save money on your energy bills

For the latest news on energy saving, heating and insulation please visit Latest news - Home Energy Scotland  

FOOD AND DRINK: eat local and seasonal

• Buy local fruit and vegetables that are in season
• Avoid food waste
• Grow your own food

Additional benefits: your diet will improve, gardening brings health benefits, you will save money

TRAVEL: greener travel

• Fly less
• Enjoy activities close to home
• Walk or cycle instead of car travel
• Drive an electric car rather than a petrol or diesel one
• Use public transport instead of the car
• Car share
• Drive efficiently

Additional benefits: you will get more fit, you will reduce stress, you will save money

For more on travel that is kind to the planet please visit here

The Energy Saving Trust answers your questions on electric cars here

PRODUCTS AND WASTE: reduce, reuse and recycle

• Cut down the stuff you use
• Consider buying second hand
• Find new uses for items rather than throwing out
• Recycle items at the end of their life

Additional benefits: you will save money

For much more detailed information on how we can tackle climate change, please see this 1 hour webinar which looks at the issues and gives the likely savings in CO2 and money. Webinar    

The savings in C02 from behaviour change can be highly significant, and several little changes add up. For example, here are some energy actions you can take and the average yearly savings in carbon and money (we assume a semi-detached house heated by mains gas and with three bedrooms):

• turning down your thermostat by one degree C – 320kg CO2, £80
• drying your clothes on the line – 60kg CO2, £35
• avoiding standby and turning appliances off – 60kg CO2, £30
• using a basin to wash up – 140kg CO2, £25
• turning off your lights when not required – 30kg CO2, £14
• 1 minute less in the shower each time – 40kg CO2, £7
• Washing clothes at 30C rather than higher temperatures – 10kg CO2, £8   

Follow one person’s journey to sustainable living in this interesting one hour webinar. Webinar