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Top tips to kick-start your sustainability journey
There are loads of things we can all do to live more sustainably and combat climate change.
Here’s one of our favourite lists of everyday advice for living more sustainably. It’s based on research by scientists from the Centre for Research into Energy Demand Solutions and on a BBC summary of the research.
The numbers under each suggestion are the estimated average saving per person per year in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.
Going car-free is a big ask but it tops the list of things that’d cut your carbon footprint. Driving an electric vehicle is almost as good. Cutting down on flying and using public transport are also great options, along with changes to your diet and to your home.
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Give up your car
2.04
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Drive an electric car
1.95
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Drop one long-haul flight per year
1.68
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Buy renewable power for your home
1.60
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Use public transport
0.98
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Insulate and renovate your home
0.895
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Go vegan
0.80
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Get a heat pump
0.795
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Use energy-efficient cooking methods
0.65
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Heat your home with renewable energy
0.64
Source: Centre for Research into Energy Demand Solutions/BBC.
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Scientists have worked out that about two-thirds of greenhouse gas emissions are linked to things we do in our homes or as part of our everyday lives.
Some links are direct, such as the type of fuel we use to heat our homes and the technologies we use.
Examples:
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energy from solar panels is much cleaner than energy from gas
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heat pumps use less electricity than conventional heating systems and extract warmth from the air, so they don't need to burn fossil fuels
Others effects are indirect, such as the type of food we buy and eat.
Examples:
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some foods are transported from other countries before they reach your plate. Transportation releases lots of greenhouse gases
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some foods require a lot more energy and water to produce than others
Next section: Case study − What does sustainable living look like?
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