Climate change is perhaps the greatest threat we face. We can all do simple things to help reduce our carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions and so mitigate their effect on the climate. We give some suggestions below. And you can find more ideas for fighting climate change here:

Some Suggestions

Here are some ideas for fighting climate change at home. Feel free to add your own ideas in the comments box at the bottom of the page.

• Save electricity by plugging appliances into a power strip and turning them off completely when not in use, including your computer.
• Turn off the lights. Your TV or computer screen provides a cosy glow, so turn off other lights if you don’t need them.
• Air dry. Let your hair and clothes dry naturally instead of running a machine. If you do wash your clothes, make sure the load is full.
• Take short showers. Bathtubs require gallons more water than a 5-10 minute shower.
• Eat less meat, poultry, and fish. Growing meat uses more resources and creates more greenhouse gases than growing plants.
• Buy fewer dairy products. The digestive system of cows produces methane which is a very powerful greenhouse gas. Plant-based alternatives to milk and other dairy products are available.
• Freeze fresh produce and leftovers if you don’t have the chance to eat them before they go bad. You can also do this with take-away or delivered food, if you know you will not feel like eating it the next day. You will save food and money.
• Compost—composting food scraps can reduce climate impact while also recycling nutrients.
• Recycling paper, plastic, glass & aluminium keeps landfills from growing.
• Buy minimally packaged goods.
• Avoid pre-heating the oven. Unless you need a precise baking temperature, start heating your food right when you turn on the oven.
• Plug air leaks in windows and doors to increase energy efficiency
• Adjust your thermostat, lower in winter, higher in summer
• Replace old appliances with energy efficient models and light bulbs
• If you have the option, install solar panels in your house. This will also reduce your electricity bill!
• Get a rug. Carpets and rugs keep your house warm and your thermostat low.
• Don’t rinse. If you use a dishwasher, stop rinsing your plates before you run the machine.
• Choose a better diaper option. Swaddle your baby in cloth diapers or a new, environmentally responsible disposable brand.
• Shovel snow manually. Avoid the noisy, exhaust-churning snow blower and get some exercise.
• Use cardboard matches. They don’t require any petroleum, unlike plastic gas-filled lighters.
• Speak up! Ask your local and national authorities to engage in initiatives that don’t harm people or the planet. You can also voice your support for the Paris Agreement and ask your country to ratify it or sign it if it hasn’t yet.
• Offset your remaining carbon emissions! You can calculate your carbon footprint and purchase climate credits from Climate Neutral Now. In this way, you help reduce global emissions faster!

Other Actions You Can Take