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Climate change is a significant challenge facing our planet today, but every individual and business has the power to make a difference.
Here are some practical ways to reduce your environmental impact.
1.Scrutinise your bank
Banks control vast sums of money and invest in a wide range of industries, making them powerful players in shaping our economy and society. By switching to a sustainable bank that aligns with your values, you can ensure that your money is being used for good instead of harm. For instance, you can consider switching to Triodos, a sustainable bank that invests in social and environmental causes.
Action:
Put your current bank under the spotlight and see exactly what your money is funding over on bank.green and pledge to make the switch.
2. Switch to renewable energy
Switching to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydro power is an effective way to reduce your carbon footprint. By choosing a green energy supplier, you can ensure that your electricity is derived from renewable sources, rather than from traditional energy sources that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
Action:
Research renewable energy suppliers in your area. There are several renewable energy suppliers in the UK, such as Octopus, Ecotricity, Good Energy, and Bulb. You can check their websites to see if they supply renewable energy to your area.
3. Plan journeys better
Effective journey planning is a crucial step towards decreasing your carbon footprint and limiting unnecessary travel. Whether you are running daily errands, embarking on a summer holiday, attending business meetings, or commuting to work, thoughtful planning can make a significant difference. By selecting more eco-friendly modes of transportation and reducing the frequency of non-essential trips, you can reduce your overall carbon emissions and contribute to a more sustainable future. Furthermore, utilising tools such as online route planners, public transport schedules, and ride-sharing apps can help you optimise your journeys and minimise your impact on the environment.
Action:
Start utilising online tools such as online route planners, public transport schedules, and lift-sharing apps can help you optimise your journeys and minimise your impact on the environment. Google has recently introduced more tools into Maps and Flight searches so you can view the estimated carbon emissions and eco labels on hotels, to help you make greener choices when you travel.
4. Give back to the community
Giving back to the community can be a powerful catalyst for promoting eco-friendliness. By working together to support environmental initiatives and foster a culture of sustainability, we can create a more sustainable future for ourselves and future generations. By participating in community service initiatives such as volunteering for environmental cleanup programs or supporting local conservation efforts, individuals can become more aware of environmental issues and take steps to reduce their impact on the planet, and businesses can enhance their corporate responsibility reputation while demonstrating their commitment to environmental stewardship.
Action:
Check to see what local environmental initiatives are going on in your area. Join a planned event or even instigate and promote your own.
5. Vote with your wallet
One of the most important ways we influence society is often overlooked - through our consumer choices and where we choose to spend our money. Anytime we give a business or organisation our money, we’re helping that organisation do more of what they’re doing.We can use our purchasing power to support businesses that share our values, which can lead to the creation of a more sustainable and fair economy.
Action:
Look for the ‘B’ logo on a product or service, you can be assured that the company behind it is committed to using their business as a force for good.