My carbon footprint
What I am doing to reduce my impact on climate change.
We can all do a little to reduce our impact on the environment and help slow the rate of climate change. I don't claim to do everything, some will do more, but I think we should all take at least a few steps to reduce our carbon footprint. It is important to encourage everyone to play their part. Some of the steps I have taken:
- For the past nine years I have used low-energy lightbulbs in all of the standard light fittings in my house.
- For the past four years I have only used rechargeable batteries.
- I always switch off electrical items on standby.
- I recycle on average 40% of my household waste. I would like to recycle more if the council introduced a kitchen waste collection.
- I pass on unwanted household items via schemes like Freecycle.
- I limit the amount of car use I make. From using a tank of petrol a fortnight, I now only use a tank a month. I choose a small and fuel efficient vehicle.
- I have installed a water saving device in my toilet - email flushsavers@southernwater.co.uk for yours.
Some argue that the UK only contributes around 2% of the world's carbon emmissions, but we have to set an example to those in expanding economies such as India and China that modern lifestyles do not have to mean unrestrained carbon use.